Ribosomal RNA: nature's own polymerase-amplified target for diagnosis.

The technological criteria for diagnostic tests for tropical diseases are strict and limited. One method of considerable potential for field use is the exploitation of regions of species-specific sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Oligodeoxynucleotide probes can be used to detect the specific RNa regions in question. Andy Waters and Tom McCutchan describe how simple rRNA methodologies for Plasmodium can detect and identify parasites as well as follow different stages in their development. The potential of this methodology extends to monitoring both epidemiological parameters and the efficacy of novel drug regimes.