Table 2.
Comparison of the number of samples positive for intestinal protozoan parasites as detected by faecal cyst counts using microscopy (coproscopy) and by RT-PCR (n = 735 for all species)
| Species | Positive | Negative | Positive | Positive | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COP | PCR | Both methods | Both methods | PCR/Negative COP | COP/Negative PCR | |
| Entamoeba histolytica | 9 | 12 | 2 | 716 | 10 | 7 |
| Giardia duodenalis | 21 | 105 | 12 | 621 | 93 | 9 |
| Blastocystis hominis | 56 | 479 | 48 | 248 | 431 | 8 |
| Dientamoeba fragilis | na | 187 | na | na | na | na |
Abbreviations: COP coproscopy; na not applicable