Evaluation of Adhesin Antigen Test Results in Samples Tested with Suspicion of Amebiasis

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate E.histolytica-specific ELISA adhesin antigen test results in stool samples sent to the medical microbiology laboratory with suspicion of amebiasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 1120 stool samples were included in the study, which were sent to the medical microbiology laboratory with suspicion of amebiasis in the two-year period between January 2022 and December 2023. The results of ELISA adhesin antigen test studied on stool samples were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Of the 1120 samples in the study, 578 (51.6%) were obtained from male and 542 (48.4%) from female patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.92±24.33 (0-94) years. There were 335 (30%) samples from pediatric patients, and the mean age was determined as 4.48 ±4.78. The positivity rate of E.histolytica specific ELISA adhesin antigen test was 14.3% (n=161). Of the positive patients, 77 (47.8%) were male and 84 (52.2%) were female. There were 55 (34.1%) positive samples from pediatric patients. While there was no statistically significant difference between the positivity status and age of the patients, or between the positivity status and gender (p>0.05), the seasonal difference was considered significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: With the E.histolytica-specific ELISA adhesin antigen test, E.histolytica and non-pathogenic E.dispar can be differentiated and patients can be prevented from receiving unnecessary treatment.