Comparison of PCR and antigen detection methods for diagnosis ofEntamoeba histolyticainfection

Abstract
Aims:To assess different laboratory methods for the identification ofEntamoeba histolyticain clinical samples.Methods:Antigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction solution hybridisation enzyme linked immunoassay (PCR-SHELA), and a commercial Lightcycler PCR were compared using 101 stool and pus samples.Results:Fifteen of the 101 samples were positive forE histolyticaby one or more method. There were discrepancies between the results in five of these 15 samples when the assays were compared.Conclusions:All three methods performed adequately, so that the choice of assay will depend on each individual laboratory’s budget and projected turnaround time.