[Evaluation of Two Methods (Nativ-Lugol Preparation and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) for Detection of Entamoeba histolytica in Stool Samples].

Objective: This study aims to compare the performance of Native-Lugol examination and EIA Antigen Detection Test using stool samples obtained from patients diagnosed as clinical gastroenteritis and submitted to the Parasitology Laboratory in Uludağ University between January 2010 and February 2011.

Methods: The stool samples taken from 116 patients and sent to the laboratory of parasitology from various clinics including outpatient services have been investigated using Native-Lugol examination and EIA Antigen Detection Kit (Wampole® E. histolytica II Techlab®, Inc., Blacksburg, Virginia) methods on all the samples.

Results: In one of 116 stool samples (%0,86), E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts and/or trophozoites were detected by using direct microscobic (nativ-lugol) method. E. histolytica specific antigen was detected in 34 (29.3%) out of the sample set, and the patients were given adequate treatment. The highest rate of E. histolytica specific antigen positivity were observed in 11-19 age group.

Conclusion: On account of the fact that the sensitivity of direct microscopy is quite low, it is concluded that, from the viewpoint of preventing the amebiasis suspected patients from false diagnosis and hence from receiving inadequate treatment, the use of the ELISA method is more appropriate and advantageous, as it is cost effective and does not require highly qualified staff.