Diagnosis of Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica Infection using a Stool ELISA Based on Monoclonal Antibodies to the Galactose-Specific Adhesin

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against pathogen-specific epitopes of the galactose adhesin of Entamoeba histolytica were used in an ELISA to detect antigen from pathogenic E. histolytica. Single stool specimens from 74 patients in Bangladesh were used.The ELISA for pathogenic E. histolytica was positive in all 12 stool specimens with pathogenic amebae subsequently cultured, in no stool specimens with nonpathogenic E. histolytica andin 2 of 40 stools with other or no intestinal parasites detected