Frequency and Molecular Diagnosis of Entamoeba species Among Diarrheic Children using Multiplex PCR

Background: Diarrheal diseases caused by intestinal protozoa, particularly Entamoeba spp., are a significant public health concern among children. Conventional microscopy often fails to accurately differentiate pathogenic species from non-pathogenic ones due to their morphological similarities.Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Entamoeba infections in pediatric patients complaining of diarrhea and identification of causative species. Subjects and Methods: Stool samples were obtained from 250 children aged 1 to 16 years presenting with diarrhea at Sulaimani Pediatric Teaching Hospital. Samples were examined microscopically for the presence of Entamoeba cysts or trophozoites. The DNA was extracted from preserved stool samples for multiplex PCR to identify the species.Results: Microscopic examination detected Entamoeba species in 14.4% (36/250) of the samples, while multiplex PCR identified 20% (50/250). Among the 50 PCR-confirmed cases, 38% were E. histolytica, 36% E. moshkovskii, and 26% E. dispar. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between the distribution of Entamoeba species and sex, residency, or age group.Conclusions: Multiplex PCR exhibited greater sensitivity than conventional microscopy for identifying and differentiating Entamoeba species. The integration of molecular techniques into routine diagnostic procedures is advised to enhance the accuracy of intestinal protozoa identification in children