Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by PCR: a preliminary study in Izmir, Turkey
Dagci, H.; Erdogan, D.D.; Toz, S.O.; Kurt, O.; Ustun, S.; Akarca, U.
New Microbiologica 30(1): 45-48
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1121-7138 PMID: 17319599 Document Number: 614561
The causative agent of amoebiasis is currently attributed to two distinct species (E. histolytica and E. dispar). The aim of this study was to differentiate these species by PCR in stool samples. Isolated genomic DNA was amplified by PCR and band products of 101 bp (E. dispar) were obtained. All seven stool samples were found to be E. dispar, not E. histolytica. Our results demonstrated the significance of E. histolytica/dispar differentiation in the diagnosis of amoebiasis. This study is preliminary to our current research project entitled "Investigation of the prevalence of amoebiasis and Entamoeba species in Izmir and its hinterland".