Selective identification of the pathogenic E, histolytica in fresh stool samples using poolymerase chain reaction [PCR]

ABSTRACT

Stool samples from 93 individuals clinically presumed to have intestinal amoebiasis and subjected to microscopic examination and DNA extraction were collected. The PCR amplification was performed using two sets of primers that differentiated between pathogenic and nonpathogenic Entamoeba DNA. Of the 93 clinically positive cases, 51 were positive by microscopy, while 53 were detected by PCR as having DNA specific for either E. histolytica/ E. dispar. A specificity of 85.71% and a sensitivity of 92.15% were detected by PCR compared wit h microscopy. Among 53 PCR positive specimens, 3 different DNA sequences were demonstrated [8 specimens had DNA sequences specific of E. histolytica, 31 with DNA specific for E. dispar and 14 specimens had mixed DNA sequences for E. histolytica and E. dispar]. PCR was found to be a sensitive and a specific tool