Immunochromatography Versus Microscopy for Diagnosis of Entamoeba Histolytica/Dispar Infection.
Immunochromatography Versus Microscopy for Diagnosis of Entamoeba Histolytica/Dispar Infection.
Amoebiasis, an infection by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is globally
 considered as the third leading parasitic cause of human mortality besides malaria and
 schistosomiasis. It is estimated that E. histolytica may infect half a billion people
 annually. Moreover, it was estimated that 100,000 patients per year died due to the clinical
 complications of the disease. Laboratory diagnosis of E. histolytica/dispar is usually
 achieved by microscopic detection of trophozoites or cysts in stool samples. Microscopy is
 time consuming and requires an experienced observer to identify the organism. Furthermore, it
 must be performed on three stool samples to increase sensitivity leading to decreased patient
 compliance and delay in the final diagnosis. Therefore, a few the commercially available
 copro-antigen assay have been developed for E. histolytica/dispar diagnosis including the
 enzyme immunoassay and non-enzymatic immunochromatographic (ICT) assays that do not depend on
 microscopy skills and increase laboratory efficiency by reducing time and cost.

 The aim of the study is:

 1. to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available rapid immunochromatographic
 Copro-antigen assay (RIDA® QUICK Entamoeba) in comparison with conventional microscopic
 examination for the diagnosis of E. histolytica /dispar infection.

 2. to estimate the prevalence of E. histolytica /dispar infection in outpatients in Sohag.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients complaining of dysentery or diarrhea with any age & sex groups.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients taking amoebicidal drugs.