A minute protozoan organism consisting of a single cell, in which a nucleus is surrounded by protoplasm that changes its shape as the protozoon progresses or absorbs nourishment. Several varieties are found under different conditions within the human body. One variety, Entamoeba coli, is found in the large intestine of humans without any associated disease; another, Entamoeba gingivalis, is found in the sockets of the teeth and is associated with pyorrhoea. Entamoeba histolytica is the causative organism of amoebic dysentery; Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri cause the infection of the brain known as meningoencephalitis. Entamoeba histolytica may also cause meningoencephalitis. Other forms are found in the genital organs.
A genus of protozoa of the class Sarcodina; commonly called amebas. Some are parasitic in humans but most of the parasitic species have been reclassified in the genus Entamoeba.
A variety of single-celled organism known as a protozoan, capable of locomotion and altering its shape by extending projections of its cytoplasm.
An amoeba, classified as a type of protozoan, is a minuscule, unicellular organism characterized by its irregular and adaptable shape. Amoebae primarily thrive in damp habitats, including freshwater bodies and soil. Certain varieties of amoebae can act as parasites in humans, leading to the development of diseases such as amoebiasis.
Amoebiasis is an infectious disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a minute, single-celled parasite that resides in the large intestine of humans. The transmission of amoebiasis occurs through the consumption of food or water contaminated with cysts of the amoeba, which are present in human excreta.
Upon ingestion, the cysts disintegrate, liberating the amoebae to infest the large intestine. Within the intestinal environment, the amoebae undergo multiplication and encapsulation, creating protective cysts. These cysts are then excreted from the body through feces and can endure for extended periods until they are acquired by another individual.
Certain individuals can harbor the Entamoeba histolytica parasite in their intestines and excrete cysts without displaying any symptoms. However, specific strains of the amoebae have the ability to invade and erode the intestinal wall, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can progress into severe dysentery.
In some instances, the amoebae can disseminate through the bloodstream, reaching the liver or, in rare cases, the brain or lungs, leading to the formation of abscesses. Amoebic liver abscesses present with symptoms such as weight loss, chills, fever, and painful enlargement of the liver. However, liver abscesses can also develop without noticeable symptoms.
Individuals traveling to countries with limited sanitary conditions can minimize their chances of contracting amoebiasis by adopting certain precautions. These include consuming only bottled water or water that has been adequately boiled and avoiding the consumption of raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits. These simple measures can help reduce the risk of acquiring amoebiasis while traveling.
The treatment for all types of amoebiasis involves the use of medications such as metronidazole or diloxanide. These drugs effectively eliminate the parasite within a few weeks, resulting in complete recovery.