Detection of Entamoeba histolytica using polymerase chain reaction in pus samples from amebic liver abscess.

PCR was positive in 83% of pus specimens from patients with ALA, and was negative in all 25 pus specimens obtained from pyogenic abscess and auto -claved pus spiked with known bacteria. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 83% and 100%, respectively. The overall positivity of PCR was higher compared to serological tests.