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Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
American Trypanosomiasis01:22

American Trypanosomiasis

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan (kinetoplastid) of the family Trypanosomatidae. The disease is endemic in Latin America, although cases are increasingly reported worldwide due to human migration. Transmission most commonly occurs when feces of infected triatomine bugs contaminate bite wounds or mucosal surfaces; additional routes include congenital, transfusional, transplant-related, and oral...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...

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Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
11:49

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Published on: June 12, 2014

Amebiasis.

Bobbi S Pritt1, C Graham Clark

  • 1Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. pritt.bobbi@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|October 3, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Amebiasis, an infection by Entamoeba histolytica, can cause mild to severe illness. Distinguishing it from nonpathogenic species is crucial for appropriate treatment, especially in travelers.

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Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
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Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Amebiasis is an infection caused by the parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica.
  • In developed countries, it primarily affects travelers from or emigrants from endemic regions.
  • Infections manifest diversely, from asymptomatic colonization to severe amebic colitis and abscesses, with potential delayed onset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the definition and scope of amebiasis.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by morphologically similar nonpathogenic Entamoeba species.
  • To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for appropriate patient management and to prevent overtreatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on Entamoeba species and amebiasis.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.
  • Review of global health guidelines for parasitic infections.

Main Results:

  • Entamoeba histolytica causes symptomatic amebiasis, ranging from colitis to abscesses.
  • Two other Entamoeba species, indistinguishable morphologically, cause most asymptomatic infections.
  • Previous estimates of 10% global infection likely included these nonpathogenic species.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate differentiation between pathogenic E. histolytica and nonpathogenic Entamoeba species is critical.
  • Clinicians must adhere to diagnostic and treatment guidelines, such as those from the World Health Organization.
  • Avoiding unnecessary therapies for asymptomatic infections caused by nonpathogenic species is essential for patient safety.