High occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica in the municipalities of Ariquemes and Monte Negro, State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil

Alta ocorrência de Entamoeba histolytica nos municípios de Ariquemes e Monte Negro, estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil

Introduction:

Entamoeba histolytica infections were investigated in residents of the Ariquemes and Monte Negro municipalities in Rondônia State, Brazil.

Methods:

Stool samples of 216 individuals were processed by the spontaneous sedimentation method and analyzed by microscopy for detection of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, followed by the immunoassay method using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit for the E. histolytica stool antigen.

Results:

E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts were present in 61% (50/82) and 44% (59/134) of the samples from Ariquemes and Monte Negro respectively, with a significant difference in the occurrence of infection between the two populations [p < 0.05; χ² = 5.2; odds ratio = 2.0 (1.1 - 3.6)]. The E. histolytica antigen detection rate was 36.6% (30/82) for stool samples from Ariquemes, and 19.4% (26/134) for stool taken from the residents of Monte Negro. The rate of the occurrence of amoebiasis was significantly higher in the population from Ariquemes [p < 0.05; χ² = 7.8; odds ratio = 2.4 (1.2 - 4.7)].

Discussion:

Due to the high occurrence of E. histolytica infected residents diagnosed in the region and the unavailability in local clinics of a test to distinguish between the two Entamoeba species, physicians should consider treating E. histolytica/E.dispar infections.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that E. histolytica infection is highly endemic in the studied areas.

Entamoeba histolytica ; Amazônia; Rondônia; ELISA