Detection of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in liver pus by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for the aetiological diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess

The indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to detect trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica in liver pus aspirated from patients with amoebic liver abscess. The test can be carried out in no more than two hours. Trophozoites with fluorescence were observed in 17 of the 18 patients with amoebic liver abscesses who were studied. Cells with fluorescence were not found in any negative control specimens from patients with bacterial liver abscess, primary liver cancer, cirrhosis or tuberculous peritonitis. These results indicate that this sensitive, specific and rapid test is very useful in aetiological diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess.