Differentiation of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica from other intestinal protozoa by riboprinting.

Differentiation of the pathogen Entamoeba histolytica from the variety of other amebas that can infect the human intestinal tract is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Morphology and serology alone are not adequate for positive identification to be achieved. We have developed methods using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify amebal ribosomal RNA genes that allow either specific detection of E. histolytica or species identification.