[Five year surveillance of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia antigen of stool samples by ELISA method]

The aim of this study is to show the ratio of detection of distribution of E. histolytica ve Giardia in the fecal samples of the patients with diarrhoea complaints admitted to the hospitals and medical centers of our instution between June 2004 and June 2009.

In our study, the patient samples were analyzed by E. histolytica antigen ELISA (Cellabs, Entamoeba Celisa Path, Brookvale, NSW Australia) kit and by Giardia antigen (Ridascreen, R-Biopharm AG, Darmstadt, Germany). Further, fecal cultures were performed and the presence of leukocytes and erythrocytes and Entamoeba and Giardia trophozoite and cysts were also examined.

During this time in 539 of the 10305 patients (5.2%) Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) and in 343 of 3100 patients (11.1%) Giardia specific antigens were detected. In the microscopical examination Entamoeba cysts were detected in 3% of the E. histolytica antigen positively detected patients and in 2% of the E. histolytica antigen negatively detected patients. Giardia cysts were detected in only 10% of the Giardia antigen positively detected patients.

Continuous training of personnel is planned. The physicians were informed and trained to order antigen detection tests along with the direct microscopic examinations in fecal samples to provide the best diagnosis.