Investigação da prevalência da amebíase em escolares do município de Imperatriz-MA

Abstract

Amoebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies have reported a high prevalence of in tropic amebiasis al regions, especially in communities living in poor sanitary conditions. The epidemiological study of amoebiasis has been reevaluated since E. histolytica, pathogenic form, was distinct from E. dispar, non-pathogenic form. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of E. histolytica in the population of the municipal city Imperatriz (MA). We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 405 students. By the screening of the complex E. histolytica / E.dispar parasitological examination was performed using the sedimentation method. The positive samples for E.histolytica/ E.dispar complex were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for species differentiation. For initial amplification by the PCR we used a outer primer set E1 and E2 that amplified a 1076 bp fragment and followed by a multiplex PCR using inner primer set Ed-L/Ed-R and Eh-L/Eh-R E.histolytica and E.dispar respectively. No sample showing positivity for E. histolytica The prevalence of E.dispar in the population was 2.7% (11/405). The PCR proved important tool for the differential diagnosis of Entamoebas. However, studies on the prevalence of amoebiasis should be conducted in population with different characteristics, in order to contribute effectively to define the epidemiological situation of this infection in Imperatriz city.