General Discussion on Amebiasis Panel

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John Bozicevich, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. The complement fixation test is a tool and guide to assist the physician in diagnosing amebiasis. The serological test should be conducted concomitantly with the stool examinations. Both of these tests should be conducted prior to specific therapy. Unfortunately, the stool examinations for the identification of E. histolytica are difficult. It requires a carefully trained individual. The impression gleaned from some of the medical courses is dangerous, because the impression conveyed is that the stool examination for proper identification of E. histolytica is a simple task. Prior to this panel discussion, I talked with Dr. Faust concerning the stool examination and he remarked that in his opinion it was necessary for an individual to study the morphology of E. histolytica 8 hours a day for a period of 6 months and then to continue the study at intervals before an individual could become proficient in identification of the amebae.

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