Stool culture as a diagnostic aid in the detection of Entamoeba histolytica in the faecal specimens.

ABSTRACT

"The use of stool culture in Boeck & Drbohlav's biphasic amoebic medium as a routine diagnostic aid in the detection of Entamoeba histolytica in the faeces, is evaluated in the present study. A total of 3803 faecal specimens were examined for the presence of E.histolytica by direct smear, formalin ether concentration and culture during a study period of 1982-1990. A total of 259 stool specimens were positive for the parasite by any or all of these methods 42 (16.21%) stool specimen not cultured in Boeck & drbohlav's medium were possible by direct smear and concentration methods. 99 (38.22%) stool specimens were positive by all of these methods (direct smear, concentration and culture). The culture detected E. histolytica in additional 62 (23.93%) stool specimens which were negative by both the direct smear and concentration methods. Results of this study recommends the use of stool culture as a routine diagnostic aid in the laboratory, for the detection E. histolytica in the faeces".