Overview of Entamoeba histolytica and amebiasis in Korea with special reference to research notes

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica infection has been a prevalent protozoan disease in Korea since old times. For this reason, a number of scientific publications in relation to this protozoa has totaled 186 so far in the literature, as of 1989. The subjects ranged from biology to its treatment and prevention. The overall achievement by scientists and clinicians in Korea has been meritorious in elucidating some of the pending problems in the areas of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Among them, development of a culture method applying diphasic medium, studies on virulence of the strains collected in Korea, and a combination of aspiration method and chemotherapy to treat amebic liver abscess are seen to have been contributing to the eventual goal of reducing this protozoa infection from the land.