Current and Novel Laboratory Diagnostic Methods for Amebiasis

The genus Entamoeba contains many species, six of which (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba polecki, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba hartmanni) reside in the human intestinal lumen. Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis in humans with a worldwide distribution. Correct detection of E.histolytica is frequently a major concern in diagnostic medical laboratories that also influences treatment procedure. Data was collected through available scientific databases such as Google scholar, Pub Med, IranMedex, ScienceDirect, SID and parasitology text books. Among diagnostic methods, microscopic and serological methods despite their wide application are not efficient. New approaches to the identification of E. histolytica are based on detection of E. histolytica-specific antigen and DNA in stool and other clinical samples. Several molecular diagnostic tests have been developed for the detection and differentiation of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii (which share identical morphology) in clinical samples. Application of specific diagnostic methods was recommended to avoid misdiagnosis in individuals infected with other species of Entamoeba such as E. dispar and E. moshkovskii using microscopic examination. Therefore, the integration of new and current accurate diagnostic methods will lead to a better understanding of the amebiasis. The aim of this non-systematic review was to investigate different diagnostic and differential detection methods for E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii.