Frequency of amoebiasis and other intestinal parasitoses in a settlement in Ilhéus City, State of Bahia, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the frequency of intestinal parasites, emphasizing the identification and differentiation of Entamoeba spp. METHODS: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), coproantigen tests and morphometric analysis were performed for Entamoeba spp. differentiation. RESULTS: The overall frequency of intestinal parasites was 65%. Entamoeba histolytica was detected by the coproantigen test, and the PCR showed that Entamoeba dispar predominated in the population. In contrast, morphometric analysis was important for identifying Entamoeba hartmanni. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to identify the causative agent of amoebiasis and to differentiate this agent from other species by combining techniques.