Prevalence and Molecular identification of Entamoeba species complex in asymptomatic and symptomatic Egyptians

Background: Entamoeba (E.) histolytica, is a protozoan parasite that causes intestinal and extraintestinal amoebiasis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in developing nations. E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii, members of E.histolytica complex species, are all morphologically similar. Aim of the study: The current work aimed to utilize molecular techniques for identifying the exact prevalence of E. histolytica species complex in an Egyptian population. Patients and methods: The present work was a cross-sectional study done on 133 individuals. A single fecal sample was collected from each individual and examined microscopically before and after concentration. Multiplex PCR was used to molecularly identification of E. histolytica complex species among positive stool samples. Results: Intestinal parasite prevalence was 51.1% and E. histolytica complex was detected in 30 cases (22.6%). The most prevalent parasite in coproscopically positive samples was E. dispar (63.3%). E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii were detected in 23.4% and 13.3%, respectively. In asymptomatic individuals, a statistically significant correlation was detected between sociodemographic factors and Entamoeba species, but in symptomatic individuals, only age categories were statistically significant. Conclusion: The most common Entamoeba species found in the examined subjects is E.dispar. For the actual prevalence of E. histolytica, molecular diagnostics is required which could also prevent overmedication.