Molecular detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection among wild rats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Author:
Lau, Y.L.
;
Jamaiah, I.
;
Rohela, M.
;
Fong, M.Y.
;
Siti, C.O.S.
;
Siti, F.A.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2014;31(4):721-727
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Entamoeba histolytica infection is the third-greatest parasitic disease responsible
for death in the world. Wild rats harbouring E. histolytica can be the possible reservoir hosts
for human amoebiasis. There were numerous studies on prevalence of intestinal parasites
among wild rats in Malaysia but none has reported E. histolytica. Rats were captured from
Sentul and Chow Kit areas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The preserved stool samples were used
for microscopy examination and molecular analysis. Out of 137 samples collected, 12 were
positive for E. histolytica / E. dispar / E. moshkovskii microscopically. Two E. histolytica
(1.4%), 1 E. dispar (0.7%) and 6 mixed infections of E. histolytica and E. dispar (4.3%) were
detected using PCR. This is the first report of molecular detection of E. histolytica/dispar
infection among wild rats in Malaysia. This study provides useful information about the
potential risks of zoonotic agents and the importance of developing control measures to
prevent zoonotic transmission.
- Full text:W020150602313081085320.pdf
