Parasite serology: Amoebiasis – entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis (Amoebic Liver abscess) - UKAS accredited test

IFA used as an initial screen, urgent or positive IFA samples will have a secondary test performed. Up to 95% of Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) patients are seropositive by two weeks post-infection. Lower level positive results may be obtained if tested earlier than two weeks post-infection. In these cases, a low-level positive result may be significant and a repeat test should be performed at 14 days’ post-infection. Titre will decrease in 1 to 2 months after successful treatment but may remain low level positive for an extended time.

Entamoeba histolytica antigen used. IgG antibodies detected.

 

SENSITIVITY %

SPECIFICITY %

IFA AMOEBIASIS

93.8

96

SECONDARY TEST (in house verification)

100

91.6