Entamoeba histolytica
Description
Entamoeba histolytica is a food and waterborne parasite that can cause amoebic dysentery. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic carriage to invasive gastroenteritis.
If detected — guidance
Medical treatment is advised even for asymptomatic cases to prevent disease spread. Positive faecal occult blood orsuspected haemorrhagic colitis warrants urgent investigation and specialist consultation.
If not detected
Indicates the pathogen has been tested and not detected in the sample.
If indeterminate
Discrepant test results cannot be resolved as positive or negative. If clinically indicated, repeat sample collection and further testing are recommended.
What are pathogen markers?
Pathogens are bacteria, viruses or protists that can cause infection and disease. Pathogens are tested using RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) — a highly sensitive method for detecting specific regions of DNA that typically indicate the presence of the pathogen, species or genus reported. Results for each of the 18 Pathogen Markers are displayed on the marker card, along with insights for patient management.
If not detected
The pathogen has been tested and not detected in the sample.
If indeterminate
Discrepant test results cannot be resolved as positive or negative. If clinically indicated, repeat sample collection and further testing is recommended.
If detected — guidance
The pathogen has been detected. Always interpret in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.