The development and standaridization of an ELISA method for the detection of Entamoeba histolytica antigens in fecal samples.

Recognizing the difficluties associated with the microscopic detection and identification of Entamoeba histolytica in fecal samples, an immunochemical method of detection of E. histolytica antigens in fe-es has been developed. For a number of reasons, e.g., the known fragility of E. histolytica trophozoites, it was felt that intestinal amebiasis would be associated with detectable levels of E. histolytica anti-ens in feces from infected patients. A technique for harvesting amebic antigens in fecal samples was developed. An enzyme labeled antibody technique was used to visualize the harvested antigens. The inherent problems of performing any immunochemical assay in fecal samples have been addressed. The enzyme labeled antibody method is simple and is designed to be more sensitive than microscopic stool examination methods. Preliminary results indicate that the method is specific and sensitive.