The Entamoeba histolytica parasite causes amebiasis, an inflammation of the small intestine. The parasite is spread via the fecal-oral route. The condition is usually accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

Read more about how E. histolytica is transmitted, diagnosed, and treated on our Articles page.

The IVD E. histolytica Serum Detection Microwell ELISA test kit provides accurate, reliable detection of Entamoeba antibodies in human serum samples. Amebiasis infection has traditionally been diagnosed via stool sample; however, E. histolytica parasites may not be present in every stool sample, requiring the use of multiple samples and extended diagnosis time. In addition, many other parasites look similar to E. histolytica under the microscope; this can lead to false positive diagnoses. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using E. histolytica-specific antigens have been adopted as an alternative early detection method and have proven to be specific, sensitive, and rapid.

The IVD E. histolytica Serum Antibody Detection Microwell ELISA test is performed in four steps (three incubation periods and a stop solution):

  • The first incubation: In this step, antigen attached to the kit microwells capture E. histolytica-specific antibodies present in the serum sample; a washing step removes any unbound samples.
  • The second incubation: This step adds Protein A antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, which attaches to any antibodies bound to the microwells; a washing step removes any unbound conjugate.
  • The third incubation: This step adds a chromogen, which turns blue in the presence of the enzyme complex and peroxide.
  • The addition of a stop solution: This ends the chemical reaction and turns the blue to yellow in the presence of E. histolytica antibodies. If no antibody is captured, or if there is an insufficient antibody level, the solution will remain colorless.

Each test kit contains 96 wells and has a shelf life of up to 12 months. Test kits should be stored between 2-8 ˚C. Please contact us for pricing and availability.