Knowra Amoebiasis Amoebiasis Amoebiasis is an infection caused mainly by the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica . It can cause colitis, dysentery, and disease in organs such as the liver.
Entamoeba histolytica : A protozoan parasite that infects humans, usually in the intestine, and causes amoebiasis. This species causes most cases and can invade the intestinal lining.
Stool microscopy : Microscopic examination of stool to identify cells, parasites, or other features of disease. It can detect parasite forms, though microscopy may not reliably distinguish E. histolytica from related species.
Entamoeba dispar : A morphologically similar intestinal amoeba that is generally considered noninvasive and nonpathogenic in humans. It can resemble E. histolytica under a microscope but usually does not cause amoebiasis.
Amoebic dysentery : A severe intestinal illness caused by invasive Entamoeba histolytica, marked by bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is a recognizable manifestation of invasive intestinal amoebiasis.
Entamoeba histolytica life cycle : The sequence in which Entamoeba histolytica cysts are ingested, release trophozoites, and produce cysts that leave the host. Its cyst-to-trophozoite cycle explains transmission and intestinal infection.
Stool antigen test : A diagnostic assay that detects pathogen proteins in a stool sample. Species-specific antigen tests can help identify E. histolytica infection.
Entamoeba moshkovskii : An intestinal amoeba found in humans and other hosts, with its role in human disease still under study. Its similarity to E. histolytica complicates identification and interpretation of some infections.
Fulminant amoebic colitis : A rapidly progressive, life-threatening form of amoebic colitis with extensive tissue destruction. This uncommon complication can cause perforation, hemorrhage, and severe systemic illness.
Fecal–oral transmission : The spread of pathogens when material contaminated with feces is ingested, often through food, water, or hands. Ingested cysts commonly reach people through contaminated food or water.
Polymerase chain reaction : A laboratory method that amplifies targeted DNA sequences for detection and analysis. PCR can distinguish E. histolytica from morphologically similar Entamoeba species.
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