Asymptomatic cyst passers of Entamoeba histolytica but not Entamoeba dispar in institutions for the mentally retarded in Japan

Parasitol Int. 2000 Mar;49(1):31-5. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5769(99)00032-x.

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar was isolated from 50 asymptomatic amebic cyst passers in three institutions for the mentally retarded in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. To distinguish between E. histolytica and E. dispar, the isolates were analyzed by PCR, reactivity to monoclonal antibodies, and zymodemes. All isolates were identified as E. histolytica. The results lead us to conceive that, in Japan, E. histolytica is predominant even in asymptomatic cyst passers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Carrier State / parasitology*
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • Dysentery, Amebic / parasitology*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / classification
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics
  • Entamoeba histolytica / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric
  • Humans
  • Institutionalization
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Protozoan