What is the Amoebic (E. histolytica) Antibodies Test?

The Amoebic (E. histolytica) Antibodies Test detects immune system antibodies produced in response to Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic infection typically acquired through contaminated food or water. While many intestinal parasites cause mild symptoms, E. histolytica can invade tissues, making early identification important.

This test is especially useful when stool analysis is inconclusive or when symptoms suggest liver involvement, abscesses, or invasive disease. Because the body produces antibodies during infection, serological testing can reveal exposure even when parasites are no longer visible in stool samples.

It is a key tool for diagnosing amoebiasis in travellers, individuals from endemic regions, or anyone presenting with unexplained gastrointestinal or liver symptoms.

Why do I need a test for Amoebic Antibodies?

You may need this test if you have persistent gastrointestinal issues, unexplained fever, abdominal pain, or a history of travel to areas where amoebiasis is common. E. histolytica can cause both acute and chronic infections, sometimes progressing silently until serious complications develop, especially in the liver.

Antibody testing helps identify exposure when stool tests fail to detect the parasite, which happens frequently in extra-intestinal cases. It is also important for individuals returning from travel with ongoing symptoms that are not explained by routine investigations.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Persistent diarrhoea or dysentery
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Fever and fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• History of travel to endemic regions (India, Africa, South America, Southeast Asia)
• Suspected liver abscess
• Right upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained elevated liver enzymes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms following contaminated food or water
• Exposure during overseas humanitarian or military work

Benefits of the Amoebic Antibodies Test

• Detects invasive amoebiasis when stool tests are negative
  Particularly useful for identifying liver involvement or systemic infection.
• Provides early evidence of exposure
  Antibodies may remain detectable even after the parasite is no longer present in stool.
• Helps differentiate E. histolytica from non-pathogenic amoebae
  Not all amoebas cause disease; this test focuses on the harmful species only.
• Supports diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess
  A critical benefit, as these cases often present without intestinal symptoms.
• Useful for travellers returning with prolonged symptoms
  Enables faster diagnosis of parasitic infections acquired abroad.
• Assists clinicians in determining need for anti-parasitic treatment
  Identifying exposure helps guide the decision to start therapy promptly.
• Complements imaging and stool testing
  A combined diagnostic approach improves accuracy.
• Non-invasive and simple to perform
  A standard blood test that avoids the need for repeated stool samples.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can complete this test in one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home/hotel visit by a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book your appointment.
2. A doctor or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory for antibody analysis.
4. Results are delivered securely online once available.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a visit anywhere in the UK at a time that suits you.
2. A trained phlebotomist arrives at your location to take your blood.
3. The sample is packaged and sent to the laboratory for processing.
4. You receive your results digitally without having to travel.

Access your report

You can download your results and share them with your GP or specialist if follow-up or treatment is required.

Your Results Explained

Low / Negative Result

A negative antibody result suggests no detectable exposure to E. histolytica.
However, very early infection may not yet produce measurable antibodies.
UK reference interpretation: antibody not detected.
If symptoms are strong or a liver abscess is suspected, repeat testing or imaging may still be advised.

Normal / Expected Range

An expected result means no antibodies have been identified, indicating no evidence of recent or past amoebic infection.
This is typical for individuals without travel to endemic areas or GI symptoms.

High / Positive Result

A positive antibody result indicates exposure to E. histolytica and supports a diagnosis of amoebiasis.
Elevated titres may reflect active or recent infection, especially when symptoms or imaging findings are present.
Positive results are clinically significant and often require further evaluation or treatment.