Entamoeba histolytica (amebic dysentery)

Images:

http://www.k-state.edu/parasitology/625tutorials/Ehistolytica.html

Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite (Note rbc inclusions)

Entamoeba histolytica cyst

Entamoeba histolytica intestinal abscess:

Flask-shaped lesion caused by Entamoeba histolytica causes sloughing of intestinal mucosa:

Phylogeny: Superclass Sarcodina

Preferred definitive host: Humans

Reservoir hosts: Dogs, Pigs, Monkeys

Vector/intermediate hosts: None are necessary, but transport by

filth flies is possible

Geographical location: Cosmopolitan

Organs affected: Coecum, appendix, colon. Advanced

disease may include the liver and

lungs.

Symptoms and clinical signs: Mucosal destruction, perforated

colons, peritonitis, abscesses in

liver, lesions in lungs.

Treatment: Metronidazole, Dehydroemetine,

Chloroquine