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Amebiasis as a neglected tropical disease: Current knowledge gaps and future directions
Debbie-Ann Shirley1, Shasika Jayarathne2, Cirle A Warren3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Entamoeba histolytica causes amebiasis, a significant diarrheal and liver disease globally. Urgent investment is needed for better diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for this neglected tropical disease.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Entamoeba histolytica causes amebic colitis and liver abscesses, major causes of diarrheal disease and extraintestinal infections worldwide.
- Disease burden is high in resource-limited areas and clinically relevant in travelers and immunocompromised individuals.
- Current diagnostics are underutilized, treatments are limited to nitroimidazoles, and no vaccine is available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the persistent gaps in diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention for amebiasis.
- To emphasize the need for reprioritizing amebiasis as a neglected tropical disease.
- To call for accelerated investment in control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of Entamoeba histolytica epidemiology and pathogenesis.
- Analysis of limitations in molecular diagnostics, treatment options, and vaccine development.
- Assessment of the impact of immunosuppression on disease severity.
Main Results:
- Molecular diagnostics improve E. histolytica identification but face accessibility issues in endemic regions.
- Nitroimidazoles are the sole treatment for invasive disease, with limited alternatives for intolerance or resistance.
- No licensed vaccine exists, with minimal progress in development.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps persist in amebiasis control, necessitating increased focus and investment.
- Reprioritizing amebiasis as a neglected tropical disease is crucial for global health.
- Accelerated development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies is urgently required.
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