MOLECULAR DETECTION OF ENTAMOEBA DISPAR FROM SURFACE WATER SAMPLES IN THAILAND

Abstract

Accurate identification of Entamoeba species is crucial for a better understanding of the nature of these protozoan parasites and obtaining precise epidemiological data.  Humans typically become infected with Entamoeba through the fecal-oral route, particularly from contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation.  Therefore, it becomes important to determine the prevalence of human Entamoeba in surface water samples.  We extracted DNA from surface 140 water samples collected along locations along canals, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, for analysis of the presence of Entamoeba dispar, E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii using quantitative PCR, and of Entamoeba coli using nested PCR.  Samples (14%) were positive for E. dispar and negative for the other three species.  Although infection with E. dispar is generally non-pathogenic, intestinal symptoms in E. dispar infected patients have beebn reported in various regions.  Routine surveillance of Entamoeba spp in surface water samples should help reduce the prevalence of amebiasis in Thailand.