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Entamoeba histolytica: an Overview

  • Tropical Medicine in the Mediterranean Region (F Bruschi, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This is to highlight the relationship between the morphologically identical pathogenic and nonpathogenic amoebae commonly recovered from human feces. Microscopy does not differentiate pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains. The problem of treat or do not treat infection depends on whether it is pathogenic or not, and whether reported in endemic or non-endemic country.

Recent Findings

Prevalence of amoebiasis differs greatly in different areas of the world reaching up to 50%. Easy diagnosis of amoebiasis now depends on the use of immunochromatography and/or PCR. Multiplex PCR can differentiate the pathogenic amoebae. The phylogenetic analysis of the nonpathogenic E. dispar showed a variety of genotypes. A pathogenic E. dispar genotype was isolated from an amebic liver abscess.

Summary

E. histolytica is now easily identified in laboratories, saving time and effort in diagnosis and management of infection. Phylogenetic analysis of E. histolytica and E. dispar and studying the detected genotypes can explain the big variation in pathogenicity in humans.

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    Nadia A. El-Dib

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El-Dib, N.A. Entamoeba histolytica: an Overview. Curr Trop Med Rep 4, 11–20 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40475-017-0100-z

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