The laboratory diagnosis of human parasitic amoebae

Abstract

A method for culturing amoebae, suitable for a clinical laboratory, is given and assessed by recording the results of combined microscopical and cultural diagnosis on 4,236 specimens from tropical patients of the Dreadnought Seamen's Hospital, London. Of the total specimens examined 17·7% were positive microscopically for one or more species, and 2/9 of these (4·1% of total specimens) were missed culturally, while 26·2% were positive culturally for one or more species, and 1/3 of these (8·5%) were missed microscopically. The figures for Entamoeba histolytica alone are 2·8% missed microscopically but none missed culturally, out of 7·3%. High rates for Nigerian amoebic carriers and Goan amoebic abscesses are recorded.