Immunoassay Method as Diagnostic Tool for Enteric Amoebiasis and Cryptosporidiosis in Some Rural Communities, of Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of enteric amoebiasis and cryptosporidiosis in rural communities and urban cities in sub-Saharan Africa depends on use of microscopic method that has been adjured to be unspecific, more sensitive and specific methods are needed such as immunoassay method.

Objective: This study compared the use of antigen capture immunoassay and microscopy techniques in detecting antigen and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and oocysts of Cryptosporidium respectively in fecal specimens of individuals in rural communities of Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods: Wet preparation and formol ether concentration of fecal specimens were examined for cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Modified Ziehl Neelson (MZN) stained fecal concentration were examined for oocysts of Cryptosporidium using microscope, then human Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba histolytica antigen capture immunoassay were also used for diagnosis of these parasites in the fecal specimens.

Results: Microscopic method detected 25 (15.6%) cysts of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex, and 42 (26.2%) of oocysts Cryptosporidium, while immunoassay method detected significantly higher values of 31 (19.4%) and 47 (29.4%) respectively. Microscopy cannot be used to differentiate pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica from non-pathogenic Enatamoeba dispar which immunoassay method can do.

Conclusion: Antigen capture enzyme immunoassay method is a better tool in diagnosis of amoebiasis and cryptosporidiosis in rural communities, preventing unnecessary treatment of individuals harboring nonpathogenic amoeba species and higher detection of pathogenic species.