European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Kumar Manochitra, Subhash Chandra Parija

Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is an enteric parasite causing amoebiasis. Microscopy remains the method of choice for identification of cysts or trophozoite of the parasite in many parts of the globe. This study was conducted to assess the use of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for identification of E. histolytica specifically from stool samples. Of the 432 samples tested by both microscopy and ELISA, 137 were positive for Entamoeba sp., by microscopy, of which only 86 turned out to be positive by E. histolytica II ELISA. About eight samples negative by microscopy was positive for E. histolytica by ELISA, thereby questioning the specificity of the microscopic analysis. E. histolytica II ELISA can be used as a conformational test and for rapid identification of E. histolytica from stool specimens in endemic regions.