Entamoeba Histolytica
Entamoeba Histolytica
Entamoeba Histolytica
PARASITOLOGY
MEDICAL LABORATORY- SECOND LEVEL
Entamoeba coli
Tow enzymes immune assays based on a single recombinant Entamoeba coli
antigen (P1-EIA) or soluble E. coli extract (SA-EIA) as well as latex agglutination
test using an E. coli membrane fraction (M-LA) were evaluated for its use to detect
anti-amebic serum antibodies in patients.
Giardia lamblia
Antibody detection
Both indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and ELISA formats are developed
to detect antibodies in serum.
But unlike microscopy and antigen detection, presence of antibody cannot
differentiate recent and past infection
Hence, serology is only helpful for epidemiological purpose for estimating
the prevalence of infection.
Molecular methods
Detection of Giardia nucleic acid by poly-merase chain reaction (PCR) or by
gene probes is highly sensitive and specific
It is used to detect the parasites in water samples or to genotype the isolates
from various mammalian hosts
However, its use in routine laboratory diagnostics is limited.
Trichomonas vaginalis
Antigen detection
Antigen detection methods are more sensitive than microscopy, easy to
perform and indicates recent infection.
• A rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) (dipstick) is available
which shows result within 10 minutes, requires no sophisticated
instruments. Compared to culture, it is 83% sensitive and 99%
specific
• ELISA using monoclonal antibodies has been developed; which
shows sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 97%.
Antibody detection
ELISA is available using whole cell antigen preparation and aqueous
antigenic extract to detect antitrichomonial antibodies in serum and vaginal
secretion of the patients.
However, antibodies persist for longer time, hence cannot differentiate
between current infection and past infection. Moreover, its sensitivity is
variable with variable antibody response.
Molecular methods
PCR detecting T. vaginalis specific beta tubulin genes are available with
sensitivity and specificity comparable to culture
PCR based ELISA format has been developed for urine samples (sensitivity
90% and specificity 93%)
Recently, transcription-mediated ampli-fication test has been developed for
urine and genital specimens from men and women.