Classification: ICD-9 006; ICD-10 A06
Synonyms: Amebiasis, amebic dysentery, amebic liver abscess, ameboma, amoebiasis.
Agent: A protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, that exists in two forms: non-motile cyst and motile trophozoite. E. histolytica needs to be distinguished from the non-pathogenic E. dispar. E. moshkovskii is a common cause of non-invasive diarrhea.
Reservoir: Humans; the parasite has also been detected in non-human primates (cynomolgus monkeys, macaques). E. moshkovskii can be found in varying wet environments: clean river sediments, sewage, and brackish coastal pools.
Transmission: Fecal–oral route, mainly exposure to food or water contaminated with infectious cysts. Direct human-to-human transmission occurs via oral and anal sexual activities.
Cycle: Ingested E. histolytica non-motile cysts will excyst in the gastrointestinal tract and develop to motile trophozoites that can penetrate the gut mucosa. In the colon, the trophozoites encyst and the cysts are excreted with the feces.
Incubation period: Days to months.
Clinical findings
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