This document discusses Entamoeba histolytica, a pathogenic species of amoeba that causes amebiasis in humans. It exists in two forms, the trophozoite which is the actively feeding stage, and the cyst, which is the dormant resistant stage. Transmission occurs when contaminated food or water is consumed, containing the cyst form which can survive outside the body. The trophozoites colonize the large intestine where they can invade the mucosa and cause intestinal lesions or abscesses. Diagnosis involves examining stool samples microscopically for the presence of motile trophozoites or cysts. Treatment involves medications like metronidazole which act against the amoeba at both intestinal
2. Entameoba hitolyticaEntameoba hitolytica
Pathogenic speciesPathogenic species E. histolyticaE. histolytica
Non Pathogenic SpeciesNon Pathogenic Species E. disparE. dispar
4. Geographical DistributionGeographical Distribution
World wide in prevalenceWorld wide in prevalence
Found wherever sanitation is poorFound wherever sanitation is poor
33rdrd
leading parasitic disease – supercede only beleading parasitic disease – supercede only be
Malaria and SchistosomiasisMalaria and Schistosomiasis
Globally – 50 million infections/ years &Globally – 50 million infections/ years &
100 000 deaths100 000 deaths
8. TransmissionTransmission
HabitatHabitat Large intestines of manLarge intestines of man
Cyst formCyst form
With contaminated handsWith contaminated hands
Contaminated water and foodContaminated water and food
Incubation period: 8 days to several monthsIncubation period: 8 days to several months