Opisthorchis viverrini: detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in human stool samples

Exp Parasitol. 2008 Dec;120(4):353-6. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.09.004. Epub 2008 Sep 9.

Abstract

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was evaluated for detection of Opisthorchis viverrini eggs in the stool specimens of light and heavily infected individuals in Khon Kaen province of Thailand. A total of 75 fecal specimens were analyzed by PCR following DNA extraction. All the microscopically positive samples were positive by PCR, while 23 of 30 (76.6%) microscopically negative samples were also PCR positive. The sensitivity of the assay was 5 eggs/g of stool. This method is potentially useful in the diagnosis of human opisthorchiasis in endemic areas for treatment and in epidemiological investigations.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Helminth / isolation & purification*
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Opisthorchiasis / diagnosis*
  • Opisthorchiasis / parasitology
  • Opisthorchis / genetics
  • Opisthorchis / isolation & purification*
  • Ovum
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth