Laboratory Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis Dr. M Saraei Qazvin University of Medical Sciences
Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects most species of warm-blooded animals
Definitive Host
Intermediate Host
Intermediate Host
Fecal-Oral Transmission Oocyst
Carnivorism
Transplacental Tachyzoite
Tissue cyst in meat Oocysts Tissue cyst Acute Phase Chronic Phase
Acute Phase
Chronic Phase
Toxoplasmosis Aquired A i dtoxoplasmosis Congenital toxoplasmosis
Aquired toxoplasmosis In immunocompetent individuals, acute infection is usually asymptomatic and spontaneous recovery is the rule. Most often, toxoplasmosis manifests as asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy, but any or all lymph node groups may be enlarged.
Toxoplasmic encephalitis in immunocompromised patients
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Congenital toxoplasmosis Chorioretinitis is the most common manifestation of congenital toxoplasmosis
Lb Laboratory Diagnosis i of toxoplasmosis
The laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis may be established by: Serological tests Histological demonstration of the parasite and/or its antigens (i.e. immunoperoxidase stain) Isolation I l of fthe organism. Molecular diagnosis (PCR/ Real Time PCR)
Diagnostic method may differ considerably with the clinical entity: Immunocompetent patient Immunodeficient patient Ocular toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy Congenital toxoplasmosis.
Main challenge for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is differentiation of acute and chronic infections
Acute infection is diagnosed by: Isolation of T. gondii from blood or body fluids PCR blood or body fluids Demonstration of tachyzoites in histologic sections of tissue or in cytologic preparations of body fluids Demonstration of a characteristic lymph node histologic appearance Serologic test results Demonstration of T. gondii tissue cysts in the placenta,,f fetus, or neonate.
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Serologic tests for the demonstration of specific antibody to T. gondii is the primary method of diagnosis.
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies produce to T. gondii Initial serologic testing can be accomplished by simultaneously requesting IgG and IgM antibody tests.
Pattern of IgG& IgM antibodies in acute and chronic infection
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis ELISA, IFA, Chemiluminescent tests use for detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Sabin-Feldman Dye Test Immunosorbent Agglutination Assay (ISAGA) Differential agglutination (AC/HS) IgG avidity Test
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Commercial or nonreference laboratories can easily perform this task.
Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Only positive results in IgM antibody tests need to be sent for confirmatory testing to reference laboratories
IgM test is used to help dt determinie ii whether hth a patient t has been infected recently or in the distant past
Defect of IgM test for serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis oplasmosis IM IgM antibodies can persist itfor months to more than one year
IgG avidity test have been introduced to help discriminate i i between recently acquired and distant infection.
IgG avidity test Studies of the kinetics of the avidity of IgG in pregnant women who have seroconverted tdduring gestation tti have shown that women with high avidity test results were infected with T. gondii at least 3 to 5 months earlier (time to conversion from low to high avidity antibodies varies with the method used).
Defect of IgG avidity test low avidity antibodies may persist for many months. Therefore, low avidity antibodies does not necessarily indicate recently acquired infection.
What is solution Because of the significant potential of misinterpreting a positive IgM test result, confirmatory testing should be performed
Confirmatory test for toxoplasmosis A combination of serological tests is frequently required to establish whether an individual has been more likely infected in the distant past or has been recently infected.
The TSP has been clinically helpful in the setting of: Lymphadenitis Myocarditis Polymyositis Chorioretinitis iti During gpregnancy
For confirmatory testing, TSL-PAMFRI* offers a panel of tests t Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (DT) Double sandwich IgM ELISA IgA ELISA IgE ELISA AC/HS test IgG Avidity test * Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute (TSL-PAMFRI)
Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (DT) Available mainly in reference laboratories Requires use of live organisms Considered the gold standard
Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (DT) A positive DT establishes that the patient has been exposed to the parasite. A negative DT essentially rules out prior exposure to T. gondii (unless the patient is hypogammaglobulinemic). However, in a small number of patients, IgG antibodies might not tbe detected t d within 2 to 3 weeks after the initial exposure to the parasite.
Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (DT) In addition, rare cases of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis and toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in immunocompromised patients have been documented in patients negative for T. gondii-specific p IgG antibodies.
IFA Easier, safer and more economical than the Sabin Feldman dye test and yields ild parallel lllresults. False positives obtained in patients with ANA.
Differential agglutination (AC/HS) The differential agglutination test (also known as the "AC/HS test") uses two antigen preparations that t express antigenic determinants found early following acute infection (AC antigen) or in the later stages of infection (HS).
Differential agglutination (AC/HS) This test has proved useful in helping differentiate acute from chronic infections but is best used in combination with a panel of other tests (e.g.: the TSP).
IgG Avidity Test The functional affinity of specific IgG antibodies is initially low after primary antigenic challenge and increases during subsequent weeks and months.
IgG Avidity Test Protein-denaturing reagents including urea are used to dissociate the antibody-antigen complex. The avidity result is determined using the ratios of antibody titration curves of urea-treated and untreated serum
IgG Avidity Test Clinical laboratories involved in the care of pregnant women should be aware that t avidity testing ti is a confirmatory test and not the ultimate test for decision-making.
IgM-ELISA Does not differentiate between acute and chronic infection. FDA warns against use as the sole method of determining infection during pregnancy.
Double-Sandwich IgM-ELISA This method avoids false positive results due to the presence of RF and ANA
IgA- ELISA IgA antibodies may be detected in sera of acutely infected adults and congenitally infected infants using ELISA or ISAGA methods. As is true for IgM antibodies to the parasite, IgA antibodies may persist for many months to more than one year
IgA- ELISA The increased sensitivity of IgA assays over IgM assays for diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis represents an advance in diagnosis of the infection in the fetus and newborn
IgA-ELISA In a number of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis and negative IgM antibodies, the serological diagnosis has been established by the presence of IgA and IgG antibodies.
IgE-ELISA ELISA IgE antibodies are detectable by ELISA in sera of acutely infected adults, congenitally infected infants, and children with congenital toxoplasmic chorioretinitis iti
IgE-ELISA ELISA The duration of IgE seropositivity is less than with IgM or IgA antibodies and hence appears useful as an adjunctive method for identifying recently acquired infections.
Panel Toxoplasma Pregnancy Panel (16 weeks gestation or earlier): IgG G(Dye Test), IgM-ELISA, IgG Avidity Toxoplasma Pregnancy Panel (more than 16 weeks gestation): IgG (Dye Test), IgM-ELISA, AC/HS Toxoplasma Infant Panel (less than 6 months of age): IgG (Dye Test), IgM-ISAGA, IgA-ELISA Toxoplasma Panel (6 months of age or older): IgG (Dye Test), IgM-ELISA, IgA-ELISA, IgE-ELISA, AC/HS
IgM -ISAGA The test is simple to perform, does not require the use of enzyme conjugate, and is read in the same manner as the agglutination test. Overall, it is more sensitive and specific than the IgM-IFA IFA test. The presence of RF or ANA does not cause false- The presence of RF or ANA does not cause false positive results in the IgM-ISAGA.
IgM -ISAGA In adults, it is more sensitive but much less specific than the double-sandwich d IM IgM- ELISA method. In infants, the IgM-ISAGA is the most sensitive method and is used effectively for the diagnosis of congenital infection in infants 6 months of age or younger.
IgM -ISAGA A positive IgM-ISAGA test result in the first 10 days of life should be repeated after 10 days to rule out the possibility of maternal contamination ti of fim IgM antibodies. The ISAGA method has also been used to detect IgA and IgE antibodies.
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis Serological diagnosis can be difficult in prenatal cases or in patients with immunodeficiency. The use of molecular diagnostic techniques is particularly appropriate for such patients
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis It is generally accepted that fetuses or immunocompromissed patients with toxoplasmosis must be treated as early as possible
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis Appropriate treatment can thus be started earlier and serious complications i in the foetus or immunocompromissed patients can be prevented.
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis It was proven that prenatal treatment within 4 weeks of seroconversion reduced dthe risk of intracranial lesions compared with no treatment
Brain biopsy pyin toxoplasmic encephalitis Although brain biopsy can establish a definitive diagnosis of TE, it is an invasive i and risky procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while only half of the TE cases are confirmed
Prenatal diagnosis of toxoplasmosis PCR performed on amniotic fluid has revolutionized the diagnosis of fetal T. gondii infection
Prenatal diagnosis of toxoplasmosis A negative result from PCR performed on amniotic fluid cannot rule out congenital if infection. i
Prenatal diagnosis of toxoplasmosis The rate of false negatives is variable according to the centres
Sequence targets & Protocoles in molecular l diagnosis i of toxoplasmosis Various sequence targets and PCR protocols have been developed for molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis
B1 gene For detection of T. gondii, the sequence used most frequently is the B1 gene, which there are 35 copies in the genome Its high specificity is now well- established
529-bp sequence The sequence is specific for T. gondii, which has over 300 copies in the genome
Real-time PCR Real-time PCR is very sensitive and is a promising technique that is capable of providing a quantitative result.
Comparision REP-529 and B1 gene Real-time PCR using the REP-529 Taqman probes was more efficient than B1 gene amplification for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis
Comparison REP-529 and B1 gene In a study REP-529 sequence was detected in all 20 samples from patients with congenital toxoplasmosis, whereas B1 gene sequence was detected in only 16 of the 20 specimens
Comparison REP-529 and B1 gene A comparison of methods using the B1 and 529-bp sequences with realtime PCR revealed a ten-fold improvement in sensitivity when the 529-bp sequence was used
Comparison REP-529 and B1 gene Under specific conditions, the detection limit for T. gondii genomic DNA was 200 fg for the B1 gene, compared to 20 fg for the 529-bp sequence
Interlaboratory Evaluation In an attempt to establish standardised methodology, the EU BioMed 2 Programme performed an anonymous test of protocols used in 15 European laboratories. The participating laboratories were required to p p g q detect T. gondii in 12 'artificial samples' of amniotic fluid (four negative, eight positive)
Interlaboratory Evaluation Two laboratories identified all samples correctly Three laboratories failed to detect the sample containing T. gondii at the lowest concentration (one tachyzoite/ml), without any false-positive results. There were also laboratories that failed to detect T. gondii in any of the samples Four laboratories reported at least one negative control as positive.
Real-Time PCR: short-term quantitative result fewer handling steps. Perspective Application of this technique is limited at present because of the relatively l high hcosts of the necessary equipment.
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT IgG and IgM antibodies should be used for initial evaluation of immunocompetent patients. Testing of serial specimens obtained 3 weeks apart (in parallel) provides the best discriminatory power if the results in the initial specimen are equivocal
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT Histologic diagnosis can be useful in some cases of suspected toxoplasmosis Endomyocardial biopsy and biopsy of skeletal muscle have been successfully used to establish T. gondii as the etiologic agent of myocarditis and polymyositis in the rare cases Isolation studies and PCR have rarely proved useful Isolation studies and PCR have rarely proved useful in immunocompetent patients.
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT In patients with AIDS and toxoplasmosis, the IgG titer may be relatively low, and tests for IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies may be negative. A definitive iti diagnosis i of toxoplasmosis in the immunodeficient patient relies on: Histologic demonstration of the parasite Detection of T.gondii DNA Isolation of fthe parasite
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT The presence of tachyzoites is diagnostic of active infection. The epese presence ceof asolitary tay T. gondii tissue cyst may only reflect chronic infection unless it is associated with an area of inflammation Visualization of several tissue cysts virtually Visualization of several tissue cysts virtually always means that active infection is present.
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT Brain biopsy should be considered in immunodeficient patients with presumed TE if: A single lesion is seen on MRI An IgG antibody test result is negative An inadequate clinical response
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT An impression smear of the brain biopsy specimen can be made and immediately examined for the presence of tachyzoites using the conventional staining
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT In addition to H&E staining, T. gondiispecific immunoperoxidase staining should be performed.
Toxoplasma gondii, purulent meningitis Oil immersion observation discloses that bananashaped or crescentic tachyzoites (a proliferative form) possess a single nucleus (HE). Image Source Page: http://pathy.fujita-hu.ac.jp/~tsutsumi/case/case105.htm
Toxoplasma gondii, purulent meningitis Indirect immunoperoxidase staining using a 1:500 diluted human serum with high Toxoplasma antibody titer demonstrates positive membrane signals on the disseminated tachyzoites Image Source Page: http://pathy.fujita-hu.ac.jp/~tsutsumi/case/case105.htm
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT Because the amount of brain tissue obtained at aspiration or biopsy is usually small, sufficient tissue for mouse inoculation may not be available; however, this should be performed whenever feasible
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT PCR has been used successfully in brain tissue to diagnose TE, but a positive result should be interpreted t with caution because it may not distinguish a patient with TE from one with latent infection (asymptomatic carrier of brain tissue cysts) who has CNS pathology due to a process other than toxoplasmosis.
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT In the appropriate clinical setting, it is important to include toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary symptoms, particularly in those individuals with interstitial infiltrates. Wright-Giemsa stain and PCR of BAL specimens are useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis
TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNODEFICIENT PATIENT In patients with visual symptoms in whom toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is a possibility, PCR examination of vitreous or aqueous fluid can be considered and is particularly helpful in patients with atypical clinical features of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis.'
OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS Low titers of IgG antibody are usual in patients with active chorioretinitis due to reactivation of congenital gondii infection; IgM antibodies are not usually detected. When sera from such patients are examined in the dye test, they should be titered beginning with undiluted serum because, in some cases, the conventional initial dilution of 1: 16 may be negative.
OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS In most cases, toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is diagnosed by ophthalmologic examination, and empirical ii therapy directed dagainst the organism is often instituted based on clinical findings and serologic test results.
OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS In a number of patients, the morphology of the retinal lesion or lesions may be nondiagnostic or, the response to treatment t t may be suboptimal or both. In such cases, the detection ti of an abnormal T. gondiiantibody response in ocular fluids or PCR has been used successfully to establish the diagnosis or demonstration of the parasite by isolation, histopathology.
CONGENITAL INFECTION IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis is currently based on ultrasonography and amniocentesis. PCR on amniotic fluid for the detection of T. gondii-specific DNA performed at 18 weeks of gestation or later is more sensitive, more rapid, and safer than conventional diagnostic procedures involving fetal blood sampling.
CONGENITAL INFECTION IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN Amniotic fluid should be tested by PCR in all cases with serologic test results diagnostic of or highly suggestive of acute acquired infection during pregnancy and also if there is evidence of fetal damage on ultrasound examination (e.g., hydrocephalus and/or calcifications). PCR on amniotic f1uid had a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 100%,,positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 88%.
CONGENITAL INFECTION IN THE FETUS AND NEWBORN Maternal IgG antibodies present in the newborn may reflect either past or recent infection in the mother. For this reason, tests t for the detection ti of figa and IgM antibodies are commonly used for the diagnosis of infection in the newborn. The demonstration of IgA antibodies seems to be more sensitive than the detection of IgM antibodies for establishing infection in the newborn.
IgG/lgM Ideally, requested at first prenatal visit or preconception IgG-/lgM- IgG+/lgM- IgG-/lgM+ IgG+/lgM+ Woman has not been infected with T. gondii; risk for CT only if primary infection is acquired during gestation. IgG/lgM should be tested throughout pregnancy in order to detect seroconversion. In some countries (e.g., France) IgG (-) women are tested every month <18 weeks Infection acquired prior to pregnancy; risk for C.T. is essentially non-existent unless patient is immunocompromised No further action required >18 weeks It is difficult to distinguish between infection acquired during pregnancy vs acquired in the distant past (e.g., patient may have been infected early in pregnancy and become IgM negative) Consultation with a reference laboratory is recommended Repeat IgG/lgM in 2 to 3 weeks or send to a reference laboratory IgG-/lgM+ Serum should be sent to reference laboratory Confirmatory serologic tests are performed at reference lab. Results are consistent with an acute infection acquired during gestation Risk for CT. Treatment should be initiated Amniotic fluid PCR and monthly U/S should be performed. IgM positive result has no clinical an infection acquired prior to gestation relevance. No risk for CT unless Manage as patient is immunocompromised IgG (-)/lgm equivocal interpretation: (-) patient usually requires follow-up serum and consultation with medical experts in toxoplasmosis
Detection of cases depends on the clinician i i and the laboratory Be vigilant! iil
موفق باشيد و چون گل خوشرو و شادی بخش
Laboratory diagnosis of amebiasis Dr Mehrzad Saraei Qazvin University of Medical Sciences
Entamoeba histolytica Entamoeba histolytica is well recognized as a pathogenic ameba, associated with intestinal and extraintestinal infections. The other species are important because they may be confused with E. histolytica in diagnostic investigations
Trophozoites are typically y Cysts are typically y found found in diarrheal stool in formed stool.
Clinical Features Asymptomatic infection Intestinal amebiasis (dysentery, colitis, appendicitis, toxic megacolon, amebomas) Extraintestinal amebiasis (liver abscess, peritonitis, pleuropulmonary abscess, cutaneous and genital amebic lesions).
Flask-shaped ulcer of invasive intestinal amebiasis
dysentery showing diffuse ulceration of mucosa http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/parasites2006/a moebiasis/clinicalpresentations.html
http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/parasites2006/a moebiasis/clinicalpresentations.html Gross Pathology of amoebic liver abscess
Abscesses on the skin http://www.gg.rhul.ac.uk/ict4d/kenyan/ameobaisis.html
This amebiasis patient presented with tissue destruction, and granulation of the anoperineal region due to an Entamoeba histolytica infection. http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/phil/html/amebiasis/6635.html
Patient with amoebiasis liver absess, with perforation of abscess through abdominal skin http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/parasites2006/a moebiasis/clinicalpresentations.html
Laboratory ato Diagnosis of amoebiasis Microscopy Immunodiagnosis Molecular Methods
Microscopy Inadequacies of the stool examination have been appreciated since at least 1978 Surprisingly, 30 years later, the stool examination remained the most common test ordered by United States physicians when intestinal amebiasis was suspected.
Stool Examination Fresh stool or Concentrates from fresh stool: wet mounts, with or without iodine stain permanently p ystained preparations p (e.g., trichrome). Concentration procedures are not useful for demonstrating trophozoites
Microscopy Entamoeba histolytica must be differentiated from other intestinal protozoa including: E. coli E. hartmanni Endolimax nana Iodamoeba buetschlii Dientamoeba fragilis Entamoeba polecki.
15 to 20 µm (range 10 to 60 µm) Entamoeba histolytica. Trophozoite in fecal smear (saline wet mount, high power). Numerous ingested erythrocytes are present in the cytoplasm, but the nucleus is not visible. http://ruby.fgcu.edu/courses/davidb/50249/web/ehisto4.htm
Direct Wet mount stained with iodine Trophozoites of E. histolytica/e. dispar in a direct wet mount stained with iodine
Direct Wet mount stained with iodine T h it fe hi t l ti /E di Trophozoites of E. histolytica/e. dispar in a direct wet mount stained with iodine
Trophozoites of E. histolytica/e. dispar stained with trichrome
Permanent smear stained with Tih Trichrome Trophozoite of E. histolytica/e. dispar, Trophozoite of E. histolytica/e. dispar, measuring approximately 16.7 µm, stained with trichrome
Permanent smear stained with Trichrome Erythrophagocytosis is the only characteristic that can be used to differentiate morphologically E. histolytica from the nonpathogenic E. dispar
Trophozoites of E. histolytica with ingested erythrocytes stained with tih trichrome
Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar in an unstained concentrated wet mount of stool Notice the chromatoid body with blunt, rounded ends (arrow). Mature E. histolytica/ E. dispar cysts : 1-4 nuclei have centrally located karyosomes and fine, uniformly distributed peripheral chromatin. usually measure 12 to 15 µm.
E. histolytica/e. dispar cyst with three visible nuclei
Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar in a Cys o. istolytica/. dispa concentrated wet mount stained with iodine
E. histolytica/e. dispar cyst in iodine with one visible nucleus and a glycogen vacuole E. histolytica/e. dispar cyst
Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar in a concentrated wet mount stained with iodine Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar
Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar stained with Trichrome Th l i i ibl i th f l l (bl k Three nuclei are visible in the focal plane (black arrows), and the cyst contains a chromatoid body with typically blunted ends (red arrow).
Cyst of E. histolytica/e. dispar stained with Trichrome Notice the chromatoid body with blunt, rounded ends (arrow).
Other intestinal amebae that may be mistaken for E. histolytica/e.dispar
Cyst of E. nana in a direct wet mount stained with iodine
Cysts of E. nana stained with trichrome
Trophozoites of E. nana stained with trichrome
Trophozoites of E. nana stained with trichrome
Cyst of E. coli in a concentrated wet mount stained with iodine. Five nuclei are visible in this focal plane
Cyst of E. coli in a concentrated wet mount stained with iodine. Seven nuclei are visible in this focal plane p
Mature cyst of E. coli, stained with trichrome a trophozoite of Endolimax nana can be se
Mature cyst of E. coli, stained with trichrome
Immature cyst of E. coli, stained with trichrome Notice the presence of only two nuclei, and a large glycogen vacuole
Mature cyst of E. coli, stained with trichrome five nuclei are visible in the shown focal plane
Trophozoites of E. coli stained with trichrome
Trophozoites of E. coli stained with trichrome
Cyst of an E. hartmanni in a wet mount, stained with iodine
Cyst of E. hartmanni stained with trichrome Notice the bluntly-ended chromatoid bodies
Trophozoite of E. hartmanni stained with trichrome
Trophozoite of E. hartmanni stained with trichrome. In the upper-right of the image is a cyst-like body of Blastocystis hominis
Amoebae Entamoeba histolytica/dispar Entamoeba hartmanni Entamoeba coli Entamoeba polecki Endolimax nana Iodamoeba beutschlii 10 µm
What is main problem? The main problem for microscopy detection is defferentiation of E. histolytica from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii.
Why? Because it is not possible with a stool examination to distinguish morphologically the three closely related and common amebae: pathogenic E. histolytica and commensal E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. kii
Microscopy The presence of ingested erythrocytes was the sole morphologic characteristic that was of some use in identifying E. histolytica
Microscopy In one study, erythrocytes were present in only 68% of cases of E. histolytica but also present in 16% of cases of E. dispar.
Microscopy The problems with stool examination were magnified by the fact that only 5% (3) of the 65 positive results for E. histolytica/e.dispar complex were in fact E. histolytica
In most industrialized countries, E. dispar is 10 times more common than E. histolytica and even in a developing country, E. histolytica and E. dispar can be equally prevalent.
In a study of preschool children from an urban slum in Bangladesh: E. moshkovskii: 21 % E. histolytica: 16% E. dispar: 36%
Microscopy In a study from Tanzania of approximately 100 HIV-infected individuals with diarrhea: E. moshkovskii: 13% E. histolytica: i 4% E. dispar: 5%
Microscopy In Sydney, Australia, 50% of Entamoeba organisms identified d by stool O&P examination were E. moshkovskii
Microscopy Conclusion stool O&P examination suffers from insensitivity and the inability to distinguish E. histolytica from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii
Culture of E. histolytica Is available in only a few research laboratories woridwide Sensitivity: stool exam< Culture<antigen detection or PCR Not specific for E. histolytica Thus an E. histolytica-specific antigen detection or PCR test must be used on the cultured material.
Colonoscopy & Biopsy helpful in the diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis. Amebas can be difficult to visualize in the biopsy samples PAS or, ideally, immunoperoxidase with anti- E. histolytica antibodies, can help to identify the parasites. A limitation of colonoscopy is that it is an invasive procedure and not widely available in developing nations.
Trophozoites of E. histolytica in a colon biopsy specimen, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).
Trophozoites of E. histolytica in a perianal biopsy specimens, stained with H&E.
Immunodiagnosis Antibody Detection Antibody detection is most useful in patients with extraintestinal amoebiasis (i.e., amebic liver abscess) when organisms are not generally found on stool examination.
Antibody Detection ELISA test detects antibody specific for E. histolytica in approximately : 95% of patients with extraintestinal amebiasis 70% of patients with active intestinal infection 10% of asymptomatic persons who are passing cysts of E. histolytica.
Antibody Detection If antibodies are not detectable in patients with an acute presentation of suspected amebic liver abscess, a second specimen should be drawn 7-10 days later.
Antibody Detection If the second specimen does not show seroconversion, other agents should be considered.
Limitation of Antibody Detection Detectable E. histolytica-specific antibodies may persist for years after successful treatment, so the presence of antibodies does not necessarily indicate acute or current infection.
Antibody Detection The IHA and EIA tests are more suitable for laboratories that have frequent requests for amebiasis serology.
Antibody Detection Microtiter ELISA,ImmunoTab and IHA were compared in one study of amebic liver abscess patients from Kuwait. All three tests had equal sensitivities of 98% to 99%. The ImmunoTab and Microtiter ELISA specificities were 95%, less than the 99.8% calculated specificity of the IHA.
Antibody Detection In a study in Egypt, IgG antibodies to the Gal/GalNAc lectin were found in the sera of: 89% of patients with amebic colitis 86%( (six) of seven patients t with intestinal amebiasis Gal/GalNAc lectin is a novel multifunctional virulence factor of the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica galactose (Gal) and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) inhibitable lectin
Antibody Detection Although detection of IgM antibodies specific for E. histolytica has been reported, sensitivity is only about 64% in patients with current invasive disease.
Antibody Detection Although the immunodiffusion test is as specific, it is slightly less sensitive than the IHA and EIA and requires a minimum i of 24 hours to obtain a result, in contrast to 2 hours required for the IHA or EIA tests. However, the simplicity i of the procedure makes it ideal for the laboratory that has only an occasional specimen to test.
Antibody Detection Conclusion Antibody detection is an important part of the diagnosis i of intestinal i and extra intestinal amebiasis.
Antibody Detection Conclusion Antibody detection can be particularly hlfl helpful when E. Ehistolytica-specific ti ifi stool diagnostic techniques (antigen detection or PCR) are not available
Antigen detection Antigen detection may be useful as an adjunct to microscopic diagnosis in detecting parasites and can distinguish between pathogenic and nonpathogenic infections.
Antigen Detection Recent studies indicate improved sensitivity and specificity of fecal antigen assays with the use of monoclonal antibodies which can distinguish between E. histolytica and E. dispar infections.
Antigen Detection The only fecal antigen test that distinguishes ishes E. histolytica ti from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii is the TechLab E. histolytica II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This microwell ELISA,which detects the Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin of E. histolytica, is more sensitive than stool O&P examination or culture, and it is rapid (<2 hours).
Antigen Detection In one study, the TechLab E. histolytica II assay detected Gal/GalNAc lectin in the sera of 96% (22) of 23 patients with amebic liver abscess before they underwent treatment with the antiamebic drug metronidazole.
Antigen Detection For liver abscess pus, it was 41% to 74% sensitive for detection of the parasite. Furthermore, for stool specimens collected at the time of diagnosis i of amebic liver abscess (and before metronidazole treatment), it detected the parasite in 43% %(3 of 7).
Molecular diagnosis Real-time PCR is superior in sensitivity to stool antigen detection but unfortunately is still a technically complex means for the diagnosis of amebiasis. Real-time PCR is more sensitive than conventional PCR.
Molecular diagnosis Real-time PCR is also a sensitive test for detection of E. histolytica in liver abscess pus. In one study, Real-Time PCR yielded positive results in 20 of 23 liver abscess pus specimens; e s; the 3 specimens e s with negative findings had been collected from patients who had already received antiamebic therapy (8 days for one patient and 30 days for two patients).
Molecular diagnosis In reference diagnosis laboratories, molecular analysis by PCR-based assays is the method of choice for discriminating between the pathogenic species (E. histolytica) and the nonpathogenic species (E. dispar).
Conclusion TechLab E. histolytica II ELISAantigen detection test has sensitivity and specificity it superior to those of stool O&P examination, and its sensitivity inferior but its specificity comparable with those of PCR, but it is technically simpler to perform.