Accurate laboratory diagnosis of human intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica is important, as it is known as a causative agent for both invasive intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis. Amoebiasis has a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries, and it is responsible for up to 100,000 fatal cases annually. A number of diagnostic methods, including microscopy, culture, antigen detection, molecular based methods, and serological assays have been proposed to assist in diagnosing amoebiasis. The present study aimed to gather new data and review the available diagnostic tests of both intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis and to highlight pitfalls and challenges of each of them. A broad literature of electronic databases was conducted and covered articles published up to March 2022. For laboratory diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis, direct microscopy stool examinations and cultures should be held as the high-performance diagnostic strategies. Molecular and immunological-based assays are also recommended as complementary tests. To diagnose extra-intestinal infection, the use of serological tests is still considered the method of choice. However, serodiagnosis requires further improvement for the accurate differential diagnosis of active infection from past infections.

Keywords: Amoebiasis; Conventional methods; Diagnostic tests; Entamoeba histolytica; Molecular tests.; Serology.