No Detection of Entamoeba Histolytica by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in Children With Acute Non-bloody Diarrhea in Guatemala

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2018 Apr;37(4):e107-e108. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001756.

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica is believed to be a ubiquitous cause of pediatric non-bloody diarrhea. Using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, we identified stool pathogens in 298 Guatemalan children presenting with acute, non-bloody diarrhea. Despite a high overall pathogen burden, we identified no cases of E. histolytica. Knowledge of local epidemiology is important to inform E. histolytica therapeutic strategies in low-income settings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods*
  • Diarrhea / diagnosis*
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics
  • Entamoeba histolytica / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Guatemala / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*