ARISHA ILYAS

M.Sc Final Year

Department of Microbiology
University of Karachi

RESEARCH PAPER
PRESENTATION

TITLE

Frequency and molecular

characterization of Entamoeba
histolytica , Entamoeba dispar ,
Entamoeba moshkovskii , and
Entamoeba hartmanni in the context of
water scarcity in Northeastern Brazil
Published online in Scientific
Electronic Library, Brazil
February 2016

INTRODUCTION
Improper sanitation + fecal contamination
transmission of diseases

there are some non-pathogenic, morphologically

indistinguishable spp. of Entamoeba

There are vast rural areas in

Northeastern Brazil with poor
sanitary conditions and improper
waste disposal.
The area is also subjected to
drought.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To use molecular techniques to estimate the

frequencies of infections with E. histolytica, E.
dispar, E. moshkovskii and E. hartmanni in
populations subjected to water scarcity in
Northeast region of Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was based on
a survey including 213
subjects.
Fecal samples were
collected.
Sanitation and
sociodemographic data
was collected.
Investigated for the
presence of symptoms of
amoebiasis.

Faust (flotation) technique

Formalin- Ethyl Acetate Centrifugation

Method

Positive samples were subjected to DNA

extraction.
Amplified by PCR.
PCR products were resolved on 1.5% Agarose
gel.

RESULTS
22/213 samples were found to be positive

Results of parasitological analysis for Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba

moshkovskii complex and Entamoeba hartmanni considering the age groups.

Ed
Eh
+ve

Ed
Ed
eht -ve

Ed

Eh

Eh

-ve -ve +ve

Ed

Eh

Ed

Eh

Line 1: 100 bp DNA ladder; 2, 3: one fecal sample with mixed infection by E.
dispar and E. histolytica, respectively; 4, 6, 7: fecal samples positive for E. dispar;
5, 14: empty wells; 8, 9: fecal samples positive for E. histolytica; 10: negative
control for E. dispar; 11: negative control for E. histolytica; 12: positive control for
E. dispar; 13: positive control for E. histolytica; 15: fecal sample positive for E.

frequency of identification of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba

moshkovskii, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba hartmanni by
polymerase chain reaction by age group

DISCUSSION
2/3rd of all infections were not caused by E. histolytica.
Some invasive amoebiasis has been reported to be associated
with these non-pathogenic species.
Poor sanitary condition and water stress were the key factors for
transmission of such protozoa.
Infection rate was higher in subjects who used rain water
compared to those using desalinated water from wells
Infection rate was higher in subject who practiced open
defecation compared to those using latrines.
The symptomatic infections were not found but there was the
prevalence of asymptomatic infections that is supposed to be a risk
factor for any epidemic of the invasive amoebiasis.

CONCLUSION

The scarcity of water, poor sanitary conditions &

low socioeconomic conditions are the key
factors for the transmission of these
indistinguishable Entamoeba species.

SUMMARY

A survey was perform with 213 subjects.

Their fecal samples were collected and processed through

flotation and centrifugation techniques.
Only 22/213 samples were positive for indistinguishable E,
histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii and E. hartmanni.
The indistinguishable E, histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii
and E. hartmanni were identified by PCR.
The data suggested that there is a high prevalence of
asymptomatic infections by these species in the localities with
poor sanitary conditions and water scarcity in Northeastern
Brazil.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Data from rural areas could be compared with the

data from urban areas to get more clear picture of
factors responsible for transmission.
Factor of Age should be discussed.

THANK YOU