Superiority of PCR against microscopy for diagnosing Entamoeba histolytica in liver abscess samples

A total of 25 amoebic liver abscess (ALA) samples were assessed by microscopy, serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While microscopy was negative for Entamoeba histolytica in all samples, DNA was amplified in 11 samples and had 100% compliance with serology. In conclusion, PCR proved to be a more sensitive and specific test for acute ALA infection caused by E. histolytica and should be used as a supplemental test for microscopy-negative liver abscess samples.