| Summary: | Introduction: Entamoeba histolytica infections were investigated in residents of the Ariquemes and Monte Negro municipalities in Rondônia State, Brazil. Methods: Stool samples of 216 individuals were processed by the spontaneous sedimentation method and analyzed by microscopy for detection of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, followed by the immunoassay method using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit for the E. histolytica stool antigen. Results: E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts were present in 61% (50/82) and 44% (59/134) of the samples from Ariquemes and Monte Negro respectively, with a significant difference in the occurrence of infection between the two populations [p < 0.05; χ2 = 5.2; odds ratio = 2.0 (1.1 - 3.6)]. The E. histolytica antigen detection rate was 36.6% (30/82) for stool samples from Ariquemes, and 19.4% (26/134) for stool taken from the residents of Monte Negro. The rate of the occurrence of amoebiasis was significantly higher in the population from Ariquemes [p < 0.05; χ2 = 7.8; odds ratio = 2.4 (1.2 - 4.7)]. Discussion: Due to the high occurrence of E. histolytica infected residents diagnosed in the region and the unavailability in local clinics of a test to distinguish between the two Entamoeba species, physicians should consider treating E. histolytica/E.dispar infections. Conclusion: The results indicate that E. histolytica infection is highly endemic in the studied areas. Introdução: Infecções por Entamoeba histolytica foram investigadas em moradores dos municípios de Ariquemes e Monte Negro, Rondônia, Brasil. Métodos: Amostras de fezes de 216 indivíduos foram processadas por microscopia óptica para detecção de cistos do complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar, seguido pelo método de imunoensaio utilizando kit de ensaio imunoenzimático para detecção específica de antígeno de E. histolytica. Resultados: Cistos de E. histolytica/E. dispar estavam presentes em 61% e 44% das amostras de Ariquemes e Monte Negro, respectivamente com diferença significativa na ocorrência da ...
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