Immunochromatography Versus Microscopy For Diagnosis Of Amoebiasis In Sohag, Egypt

Abstract

Amoebiasis; a parasitic infection caused by E histolytica protozoon, is still a major public health in developing countries. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to fatality. So, rapid and accurate diagnosis plays a critical role in patient’s management. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunochromatographic test (ICT) using RIDA®QUICK Entamoeba test compared with traditional microscopic examination as gold standard for the diagnosis of E histolytica /dispar infection. A Cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients complaining of dysentery or diarrhea with an age range of 3-62 years, attending Sohag University Hospitals and Endemic Diseases Hospital. All stool samples were examined by direct wet smears, formalin ethyl acetate concentration techniques, staining of the smears using Wiegert’s iron hematoxylin and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Copro-antigen detection in stool sample was by using RIDA®QUICK Entamoeba test. Microscopic examination revealed 43 out of 100 patients (43%) were positives for E histolytica/dispar. The infection was significantly associated with residence (P value < 0.036) and family size (P value < 0.03) but not associated with gender (P value < 0.471) and age (P value < 0.344). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Rida®Quick Entamoeba tests were 97.67%, 96.49%, 95.45% and 98.21% respectively with an accuracy of 97%. There was no cross-reactivity with other intestinal parasites.Conclusion: Rida® Quick Entamoeba test is a simple, rapid, convenient, sensitive and specific assay for the diagnosis amebiasis and is therefore very suitable for large-scale field applications.