Detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by polymerase chain reaction in a community in Zulia State, Venezuela

Differential identification of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is essential for both appropriate patient treatment and epidemiological purposes. To determine the prevalence of these amoeba infections in Santa Rosa de Agua (Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela), a PCR assay using specific pri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2009-01, Vol.25 (1), p.151-159
Main Authors: Rivero, Zulbey, Bracho, Angela, Calchi, Marinella, Díaz, Iris, Acurero, Ellen, Maldonado, Adriana, Chourio, Glenis, Arráiz, Nailet, Corzo, Gilbert
Format: Article
Language:por ; spa
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Animals
Child
Child, Preschool
DNA, Protozoan - classification
DNA, Protozoan - isolation & purification
Entamoeba - classification
Entamoeba - genetics
Entamoeba - isolation & purification
Entamoeba histolytica - classification
Entamoeba histolytica - genetics
Entamoeba histolytica - isolation & purification
Entamoebiasis - diagnosis
Entamoebiasis - epidemiology
Entamoebiasis - parasitology
Feces - parasitology
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Middle Aged
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Sensitivity and Specificity
Venezuela - epidemiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Differential identification of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is essential for both appropriate patient treatment and epidemiological purposes. To determine the prevalence of these amoeba infections in Santa Rosa de Agua (Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela), a PCR assay using specific primers for each species was standardized and applied. 204 stool samples were analyzed through direct microscopic examination with SSF (0.85%) and lugol, formol-ether concentration, and PCR. Under direct microscopy, 42 individuals (20.58%) presented the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. Meanwhile PCR showed 47 positive cases for these amoebas: 22 E. histolytica (10.78%), 16 E. dispar (7.84%), and 9 (4.41%) mixed infections. There was no significant difference in the presence of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar according to either gender or age. There were no cases of these amoebas in children under 2 years of age. Observed frequency of E. histolytica (31/204) shows the endemic nature of amoeba infection in this community.
ISSN:1678-4464
DOI:10.1590/S0102-311X2009000100016