E. histolytica is the protozoan parasite responsible for the disease amebiasis. Symptoms of acute amebiasis include diarrhea and colitis. The disease may manifest itself as an acute, chronic or as an asymptomatic infection. In addition, a percentage of the intestinal amebic infections will become extra-intestinal and cause abscesses in various organs. If extra-intestinal amebiasis is suspected, a serology test (such as DAI’s E. histolytica Serology ELISA) should be used for diagnosis. By the time abscesses are occurring, the patient’s stools are normally clear of amoebas. The mode of transmission of E. histolytica is typically through fecal-oral ingestion of cysts, often by drinking contaminated water. Epidemics of amebiasis have been documented in developed nations but the parasite is quite common in under-developed countries. Travelers returning from under-developed countries account for the majority of cases in developed countries.
Diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis has been done through a number of invasive and non-invasive techniques. Of the non-invasive techniques, microscopic examination of stools has been the most common. However, this method relies on an experienced technician and subsequent observation of intact organisms. Because of the historically low proficiency of correct microscopic examinations and intermittent excretion of organisms, alternative diagnostic methods have been investigated. One important alternative has been the development of an antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for use with stools. These tests have shown comparable sensitivity to experienced microscopic examinations, are fairly simple to perform and do not require the observation of intact organisms.