70293-6

LOINC code 70293-6 identifies "Entamoeba histolytica+Entamoeba dispar+Entamoeba ecuadoriensis+Entamoeba nuttalli DNA [Presence] in Specimen by NAA with probe detection". This code describes molecular detection of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex (E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. nuttalli, and E ecuadoriensis) DNA by RT-PCR. It targets a sequence of the DNA coding for the 15S ribosomal RNA that is common to these four species. So a positive result indicates whether any one of these species is present without specifying which one. In the submitter's laboratory, it is used only on human specimens, mostly stool but pus and tissue as well. E. dispar is a commensal in the human digestive tract, and E. histolytica is the only one thought to be pathogenic in humans. The other two species are found in animals and not thought to inhabit the human gut. A positive can be followed up in the submitter's lab by specific identification of the species using DNA sequencing (see LOINC 70294-4). Additional species that have been found in the gut include Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba poleki, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba hartmanni. E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E.moshkovskii are morphologically identical but are different biochemically and genetically.

This code measures Entamoeba histolytica+Entamoeba dispar+Entamoeba ecuadoriensis+Entamoeba nuttalli DNA in XXX. It belongs to the MICRO class in the LOINC classification.

LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) is a universal standard for identifying laboratory and clinical observations. It is maintained by the Regenstrief Institute and used worldwide for health data exchange.