This study aimed to estimate the frequency, associated factors, and molecular characterisation of
Entamoeba histolytica
,
Entamoeba dispar,
Entamoeba moshkovskii
, and
Entamoeba hartmanni
infections. We performed a survey
(n = 213 subjects) to obtain parasitological, sanitation, and sociodemographic data. Faecal samples were processed
through flotation and centrifugation methods.
E. histolytica,
E. dispar,
E. moshkovskii, and
E. hartmanni
were identified by nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence of infection was 22/213 (10.3%).
The infection rate among subjects who drink rainwater collected from roofs in tanks was higher than the rate in subjects
who drink desalinated water pumped from wells; similarly, the infection rate among subjects who practice open
defecation was significantly higher than that of subjects with latrines. Out of the 22 samples positive for morphologically
indistinguishable
Entamoeba species, the differentiation by PCR was successful for 21. The species distribution
was as follows: 57.1% to E. dispar, 23.8% to
E. histolytica, 14.3% to
E. histolytica and
E. dispar, and 4.8%
E. dispar
and
E. hartmanni. These data suggest a high prevalence of asymptomatic infection by the group of morphologically
indistinguishable
Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex and
E. hartmanni species. In this context of
water scarcity, the sanitary and socioenvironmental characteristics of the region appear to favour transmission.
