Entamoeba histolytica is the pathogen responsible for invasive 'amoebiasis' (which includes amoebic dysentery and amoebic liver abscesses).

• Reproduce by binary fission

• Oral ingestion of cyst

• Cysts and trophozoites passed in faeces

Don't confuse with

• 1. Entamoeba coli (Ent. Coli), a non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba that frequently exists as a commensal parasite in the GI tract, OR

  2. Entamoeba dispar (harmless), OR

  3. the bacterium, Escherichia coli (Esch. coli)

Diagnosis

• Microscopy (tropical medicine microscopy book); 12 microns, ring and dot nuclei

Treatment

• Metronidazole (or tinidazole or nitazoxanide) to kill trophozoites

• Iodoquinol, paramomycin, diloxanide to eradicate cysts

• Abscess: avoid surgical drainage, medical treatment