Entamoeba histolytica: Transmission, Life cycle, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Entamoeba histolytica

Lives in large intestine of humans; passed on via contaminated food and water

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscess in humans. It belongs to the group of protozoa called Entamoeba and is characterized by its ability to invade the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation, ulceration and hemorrhage resulting in bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Here are some important facts about Entamoeba histolytica:

1. Transmission: The parasite is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, mainly due to poor sanitation and hygiene. It can also be transmitted through anal-oral sexual contact.

2. Life cycle: The parasite has two life stages: the cyst and the trophozoite. The cyst is the infective stage, which is ingested and then travels through the stomach to the small intestine where it releases the trophozoites. The trophozoite stage is the active stage, which multiplies and causes damage to the intestinal mucosa.

3. Symptoms: Symptoms of Entamoeba histolytica infection can range from asymptomatic carriage to severe intestinal disease such as dysentery, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. The parasite can also invade organs other than the intestine, particularly the liver, which causes liver abscesses.

4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by analyzing stool samples for the presence of the parasite or its cysts. The diagnosis can be confirmed with further tests like the serodiagnosis or PCR.

5. Treatment: Treatment for Entamoeba histolytica infection involves a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the parasite and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the symptoms. Severe infections may require hospitalization and surgical intervention.

6. Prevention: Prevention of Entamoeba histolytica infection requires maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices, avoiding consumption of food and water from contaminated sources, and practicing safe sexual practices. It is also important to treat infected individuals to prevent the spread of the parasite.

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