Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Published on: June 12, 2014
[Mean Platelet Volume in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis Caused by Entamoeba histolytica]
Tanju Çelik1, Ekrem Güler, Emel Ataş Berksoy
1Dr. Behçet Uz Çocuk Hastanesi, Çocuk Acil Bölümü, İzmir, Türkiye. dr.tanju35@hotmail.com.
Insights
Mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly higher in children with amebiasis compared to healthy controls. This finding suggests MPV can serve as an acute phase reactant for Entamoeba histolytica gastroenteritis in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a recognized indicator of platelet activation and inflammation.
- Platelet activation plays a role in inflammatory processes.
- Amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is an infectious condition that can elicit inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare Mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in children diagnosed with amebiasis versus healthy controls.
- To explore the correlation between MPV and other acute phase reactants in pediatric amebiasis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 76 children with amebic gastroenteritis and 53 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Entamoeba histolytica infection was confirmed via stool antigen testing.
- Complete blood counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were analyzed for all participants.
Main Results:
- Children with amebiasis exhibited significantly higher MPV levels (8.79 ± 0.09 fL) compared to controls (7.87 ± 0.09 fL).
- Elevated leukocyte and eosinophil counts, CRP, and creatinine levels were observed in patients with amebiasis.
- Leukocyte count showed a positive correlation with MPV, platelet count, and CRP levels.
Conclusions:
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) is significantly elevated in pediatric patients suffering from amebiasis.
- MPV demonstrates potential utility as an acute phase reactant for diagnosing Entamoeba histolytica gastroenteritis in children.
Objective:
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activation, which is a determinant of inflammation. The first aim of the present study was to investigate the MPV levels in children with amebiasis and compare the MPV levels with healthy controls. The second aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MPV and other acute phase reactants.
Methods:
Seventy six patients with amebic gastroenteritis (mean age 2.64 ± 0.23 years) and 53 healthy controls (mean age 2.35 ± 0.28 years) were enrolled in the study. Entamoeba histolytica was determined in stool using rapid antigen test.
Results:
Complete blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed for all children. MPV levels of patients with amebiasis were significantly higher than those of control children (8.79 ± 0.09 vs. 7.87 ± 0.09 fL, p = 0.000). Leukocyte and eosinophil counts, C-reactive protein and creatinine levels of the patients were higher than controls. Leukocyte count was positively correlated with MPV (r = 0.192, p < 0.05), platelet count (r = 0.278, p < 0.01), and CRP level (r = 0.205, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
In this MPV levels were significantly higher in children with amebiasis compared to controls. MPV can be used as an acute phase reactant in children with Entamoeba histolytica gastroenteritis.
More Related Videos
09:57Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
07:27A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting
Published on: May 16, 2013
