Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: differentiation methods and implications

Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar are two species morphologically identical (except hematophagous trophozoites) but one of them is pathogenic. Sensitive and specific molecular techniques which are able to distinguish E. histolytica from E. dispar have been developed recently. Detection of antigen in stool using the ELISA method is the diagnostic test method of choice for clinical use in the developing world. It is rapid and simple. Cultures for zymodeme analysis and PCR detection of the parasite remain research tools. Species identification is imperative both for improved clinical diagnosis and treatment and for planning control strategies.