TY - JOUR
T1 - An improved PCR-based method for detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in formalin-fixed stools
AU - Paglia, Maria Grazia
AU - Visca, Paolo
PY - 2004/11
Y1 - 2004/11
N2 - Detection of infectious agents in faecal samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be limited by the presence of substances which inhibit DNA amplification. Here, an improved protocol is reported for directly isolating DNA from fresh and aged formalin-fixed stools, after concentration by formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA). The protocol was successfully applied to detect DNA of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex in stools by nested PCR, showing high specificity and low detection limit. Extended time of specimen storage in formalin had no influence on PCR yields. This PCR-based method offers technical advantages for routine detection and discrimination of invasive E. histolytica and non-invasive E. dispar.
AB - Detection of infectious agents in faecal samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be limited by the presence of substances which inhibit DNA amplification. Here, an improved protocol is reported for directly isolating DNA from fresh and aged formalin-fixed stools, after concentration by formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA). The protocol was successfully applied to detect DNA of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex in stools by nested PCR, showing high specificity and low detection limit. Extended time of specimen storage in formalin had no influence on PCR yields. This PCR-based method offers technical advantages for routine detection and discrimination of invasive E. histolytica and non-invasive E. dispar.
KW - Entamoeba coli
KW - Entamoeba dispar
KW - Entamoeba histolytica
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=7744222334&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=7744222334&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.actatropica.2004.09.003
DO - 10.1016/j.actatropica.2004.09.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 15533298
AN - SCOPUS:7744222334
VL - 92
SP - 273
EP - 277
JO - Acta Tropica
JF - Acta Tropica
SN - 0001-706X
IS - 3
ER -