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Autochthonous amoebiasis in institutionalized mentally-retarded patients: preliminary evaluation of isoenzyme

M Scaglia1, S Gatti, A Bruno

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University-IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Invasive Entamoeba histolytica infections were found in three mentally-impaired patients in Italy. Isoenzyme analysis identified pathogenic strains, indicating these invasive parasites can be isolated from institutionalized individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Entamoeba histolytica is a significant cause of amebiasis worldwide.
  • Pathogenic strains of E. histolytica are characterized by specific isoenzyme profiles (zymodemes).
  • Data on autochthonous E. histolytica infections in Italy, particularly in institutionalized populations, are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report and characterize autochthonous cases of Entamoeba histolytica infection.
  • To determine the pathogenic potential of E. histolytica isolates from institutionalized patients using isoenzyme analysis.
  • To investigate the occurrence of invasive E. histolytica strains in Italy.

Main Methods:

  • Case reporting of three patients with E. histolytica infection.
  • Isoenzyme analysis of E. histolytica isolates using starch-gel electrophoresis.
  • Zymodeme characterization of the isolates.

Main Results:

  • Three autochthonous cases of E. histolytica infection were identified in institutionalized mentally-impaired patients.
  • Isoenzyme analysis revealed two isolates belonged to zymodeme II and one to zymodeme XIX.
  • These zymodemes are associated with pathogenic strains of E. histolytica.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive Entamoeba histolytica strains are present in Italy.
  • Institutionalized mentally-impaired patients can be a source for isolating pathogenic E. histolytica.
  • This study highlights the importance of surveillance for amebiasis in vulnerable populations.

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