Entamoeba histolytica
MICROBIOLOGY
- E. histolytica, an extracellular parasitic protozoan, is distributed worldwide. Life cycle includes cysts and trophozoites.[15]
- The mature, quadrinucleate cysts are resistant to desiccation and persist in moist environments for weeks, whereas trophozoites do not survive outside the host.
- Cysts are passed in feces and, if ingested, transmit the infection. Excystation occurs in terminal ileum. Each cyst produces 8 motile trophozoites, which migrate to large intestine and invade colonic mucosa.
- Galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc)-specific lectin mediates parasite adhesion to colonic mucin.[5]
- Tissue invasion is related to penetration of mucous layer and killing of epithelial cells by amoebapore lytic peptides.
- Deep ulcerations spread in the submucosa, form flask-shaped ulcers, and cause microhemorrhages.
- Immunity is mediated by mucosal IgA recognition of Gal/GalNAc lectin. Immunocompromised hosts are more susceptible to symptomatic amebiasis.
- Morphologically-identical Entamoeba spp. include: E. dispar, E moshkovskii, and E. bangladeshi, and are not routinely associated with disease.
- E. dispar may have pathogenic strains that are associated with intestinal and liver lesions and, like E. histolytica, may be seen with ingested erythrocytes.[5]
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Last updated: July 13, 2024
Citation
Spacek, Lisa A. "Entamoeba Histolytica." Johns Hopkins HIV Guide, The Johns Hopkins University, 2024. Johns Hopkins Guides, www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_HIV_Guide/545065/all/Entamoeba_histolytica.
Spacek LA. Entamoeba histolytica. Johns Hopkins HIV Guide. The Johns Hopkins University; 2024. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_HIV_Guide/545065/all/Entamoeba_histolytica. Accessed October 6, 2025.
Spacek, L. A. (2024). Entamoeba histolytica. In Johns Hopkins HIV Guide. The Johns Hopkins University. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_HIV_Guide/545065/all/Entamoeba_histolytica
Spacek LA. Entamoeba Histolytica [Internet]. In: Johns Hopkins HIV Guide. The Johns Hopkins University; 2024. [cited 2025 October 06]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_HIV_Guide/545065/all/Entamoeba_histolytica.
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