Detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba spp. among Psychiatric Patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Using Genus-Specific and Species-Specific Primers

การตรวจหาเชื้อ Entamoeba Historytica และ Entamoeba spp. ในผู้ป่วยจิตเวช โดยวิธี Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) และ ใช้ Species-Specific Primers

Abstract

In this study, a total 269 stool samples collected from psychiatric patients at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK) in Perak, Malaysia were examined for Entamoeba spp. using PCR and genus-specific primers that amplify DNA of E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. coli, E. hartmanni, E moshkovskii, E. chattoni and E. polecki. PCR results showed that 48 (17.84%) samples were positive for Entamoeba spp. Further examination of the Entamoeba-positive samples by PCR assay using species-specific primer for E. histolytica, results showed that 7 (2.60%) samples were positive for E. histolytica. In addition, a total of 221 (82.16%) samples were negative for Entamoeba spp. and E. histolytica.