Measurement of antibodies against amoeba (serological diagnosis) is used in the diagnosis of extraintestinal amoebiasis, particularly of the amoebic liver abscess and amoebian pulmonary infections.
Amoebiasis is an infection from the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. The infection is acquired by swallowing amoeba cysts from contaminated food or water. Initial infection occurs in the large intestine. After release, the trophozoites come in contact with the intestinal wall and release extracellular enzymes that allow them to enter the mucosa and spread to other organs, mainly the liver and lungs, where they create abscesses.
Amoebic dysentery can cause bloody diarrhea accompanied by fever and exhaustion. Intestinal amoebiasis can be diagnosed by the detection of Entamoeba histolytica in fecal samples. The liver abscess can develop several weeks to months later, producing hepatomegaly and fever.
In the genus Entamoeba besides the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica there is also the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar. Some of the patients infected with the pathogen Entamoeba histolytica may be asymptomatic carriers of amoebic cysts. Most patients with diarrhea and asymptomatic carriers have negative serological tests.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
