26591 Entamoeba histolytica Antibody, Serum (EHOLG)

Amebiasis; Amebic Antibody; Amebic Serology; Amoeba Histolytica; Amoeba, Serum; Amoebiasis Antibody; E Histolytica Antibody, Serum; Entamoeba Histolytica Antibodies; Entamoeba Histolytica Serology; Parasite Serologies-done by clinic; EHOLG

E. histolytica Ab, IgG

​As an adjunct in the diagnosis of extraintestinal, invasive amebiasis.

​Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.

​Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, Heat-inactivated specimen

​Previous episodes of intestinal amebiasis may produce a positive serology.
Serologic results should be used as an aid in diagnosis and should not be interpreted as diagnostic by themselves.

Amebiasis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. The infection is acquired by ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated food or water; excystation and infection occur in the large intestine. After excystation, trophozoites attach to the intestinal wall and excrete extracellular enzymes that enable invasion of the mucosa and spread to other organs, especially the liver and lung where abscesses may develop.

Amebiasis (or amebic dysentery) can cause bloody diarrhea accompanied by fever and prostration. White and red blood cells are found in the stool. Liver abscess can develop several weeks to months later producing hepatomegaly and fever.

Serology may be particularly useful in supporting the diagnosis of invasive disease with E histolytica, which is most commonly associated with amebic liver abscess. Serology should not be used to identify or diagnose amebic dysentery due to poor sensitivity in acute, noninvasive disease.

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages

Negative: No antibodies to Entamoeba histolytica detected. This assay is intended for assessment of invasive amebiasis. Repeat testing in 2 to 3 weeks if clinically indicated.

Equivocal: Recommend follow-up testing in 10 to 14 days if clinically indicated.

Positive: Results are suggestive of current or past infection with Entamoeba histolytica. Direct detection of E histolytica in stool or other specimen sources is recommended to diagnose acute amebiasis.