INTRODUCTION This study evaluated the frequency of intestinal parasites, emphasizing the identification and differentiation of Entamoeba spp. METHODS Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), coproantigen tests and morphometric analysis were performed for Entamoeba spp. differentiation. RESULTS The overall frequency of intestinal parasites was 65%. Entamoeba histolytica was detected by the...

Sequences corresponding to some of the polymorphic loci previously reported from Entamoeba histolytica have been detected in Entamoeba dispar. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of two loci between E. dispar strain SAW760 and E. histolytica strain HM-1:IMSS revealed significant differences in both repeat and flanking regions. The tandem repeat units varied not only in sequence but also in numbe...

To correlate a particular state of immunity with Entamoeba spp., we used colorimetric PCR to differentiate E. histolytica from E. dispar in individuals with amoebiasis and to associate its presence with the clinical profile, including humoral and cellular immune responses to E. histolytica. Our results showed high levels of antibody in acute amoebiasis and elevation of IL-4 production, a cytoki...

Invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Virulence is a rare outcome of infection, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10 infections. Not all strains of the parasite are equally virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirule...

The causative agent of amoebiasis is currently attributed to two distinct species (E. histolytica and E. dispar). The aim of this study was to differentiate these species by PCR in stool samples. Isolated genomic DNA was amplified by PCR and band products of 101 bp (E. dispar) were obtained. All seven stool samples were found to be E. dispar, not E. histolytica. Our results demonstrated the sig...

Amebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. However, differentiation between E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar, which are morphologically identical species, is essential for treatment decision, precaution of the invasive disease and public health. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a Multiplex -PCR for detection and differentiation of E. histolytica from E. dispar...

PCR as a tool for intestinal parasite diagnosis is expanding since differentiation between Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar cysts is impossible with microscopy. Since pre-analytical factors influence DNA detection, we evaluated with real-time PCR the influence of storage time and temperature. We demonstrated an improved DNA detection in frozen stool samples.

Homosexual persons or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients frequently excrete cysts of nonpathogenic strains of Entamoeba histolytica ("Entamoeba dispar"). However, invasive amoebiasis is rare. We report two patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus colitis in whom invasive amoebiasis was histologically diagnosed. It is concluded that E. histolytica has to be considered in HIV-infe...