| Abstract: | This study aimed to estimate the frequency, associated factors, and molecularcharacterisation of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoebadispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, andEntamoebahartmanni infections. We performed a survey (n = 213 subjects) to obtainparasitological, sanitation, and sociodemographic data. Faecal samples were processedthrough flotation and centrifugation methods.E. histolytica,E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and E.hartmanni were identified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Theoverall prevalence of infection was 22/213 (10.3%). The infection rate among subjectswho drink rainwater collected from roofs in tanks was higher than the rate insubjects who drink desalinated water pumped from wells; similarly, the infection rateamong subjects who practice open defecation was significantly higher than that ofsubjects with latrines. Out of the 22 samples positive for morphologicallyindistinguishableEntamoeba species, the differentiation by PCRwas successful for 21. The species distribution was as follows: 57.1% to E.dispar, 23.8% to E. histolytica, 14.3% toE.histolytica and E. dispar, and 4.8% E.dispar and E. hartmanni. These data suggest a highprevalence of asymptomatic infection by the group of morphologicallyindistinguishable Entamoebahistolytica/dispar/moshkovskiicomplexand E. hartmanni species. In this context of water scarcity, thesanitary and socioenvironmental characteristics of the region appear to favourtransmission. |
