A survey of amoebic infections and differentiation of an Entamoeba histolytica-like variant (JSK2004) in nonhuman primates by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract A pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica–like variant (JSK2004 strain) with genetic variations and a novel isoenzyme pattern isolated from a De Brazza's guenon in a Tokyo zoo in Japan has previously been documented. In this study, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that could distinguish the JSK2004-type E. histolytica– like variant (JSK04-Eh-V) from E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar using three newly designed primer sets for amplifying each specific DNA fragment from their small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes was developed and established. Forty-seven primates (11 species) from the zoo were surveyed by multiplex PCR to assess the prevalence of JSK04-Eh-V infection, which was recognized in six individuals of four species, including an Abyssinian colobus monkey, a De Brazza's guenon (including the individual from whom JSK2004 was isolated), a white-faced saki, and a Geoffroy's spider monkey. In addition, the autopsied individuals of an Abyssinian colobus and Geoffroy's spider monkey that d...