STUDIES ON EXTRAINTESTINAL AMEBIASIS IN IRAN BY SEROLOGIC METHODS

Sera from ninety one patients clinically suspected to extra intestinal amoebiasis (ex-am) were collected and examined for presence of anti Entamoeba histolytica (E.h) antibody. The tests were Indirect Immunofluorescence antibody, (IFA or IIF), Gel Diffusion (GD) and counter Immuno Electrophoresis (CIEP). Thirty one patients (34%) had anti E.h. antibody titres of >1:80. Among them eight patients (9%) had acute infection. IFA titres of > 1:640 were found to be significant for differentiation of present infection from past. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value of this test was 100%, 98%, 100% and 89%, respectively. In GD or CIEP tests 13 positive cases (12%) were detected.