Molecular identification of Entamoeba histolytica from diarrhetic patients in Baghdad province, Iraq

Abstract

This study used molecular detection technologies to identify Entamoeba histolytica, the amoeba causing amoebiasis, in individuals suffering from diarrhoea. Stool samples were collected from 100 individuals presenting with diarrhoeal symptoms and classified according to age and gender. Microscopic examination showed that 90 per cent of the samples contained Entamoeba organisms. The infection rate was higher in females (86.73%) than in males (70.8%), with a statistically significant difference at a P value of 0.05. The findings also indicated higher infection rates in the age groups of 5 – 11 years and above 50 years (85.23% and 78.81%, respectively), while a lower infection rate was observed in the age group above 2 years (43.45%). Nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the small subunit gene confirmed an overall E. histolytica infection rate of 91%. The prevalence of E. histolytica infection was higher in females (89.23%) than in males (82.35%). Both the older age group (>2) and the younger age group (28 – 48 years) showed an infection rate of 100 per cent attributable to E. histolytica. The results were analysed based on gender, age, and nested multiplex PCR findings to determine the proportion of individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica.