Microscopic Study and Differentiation of Entamoeba Histolytica from Entamoeba Dispar by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Medical Centers of Zahedan

Abstract

Background : Entamoeba histolytica, resident in large bowel, is the causative agent of an estimated 40 to 50 million cases of amebic colitis and liver abscess, and is responsible for up to 100000 deaths world wide each year. Based on the results of various studies, it is accepted that Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar which are morphologicaly identical, differ in biology and pathogenicity. This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of contamination of stool samples with these species in medical centers of Zahedan city.