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Entamoeba Histolytica
Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic, protozoan parasite that is capable of causing invasive and potentially fatal disease in humans. The parasite is spread through contact with fecal matter, and most commonly affects the intestine, where it can cause bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, the parasite can spread to other organs, such as the liver, and can result in death. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs. Prevention of infection is through good hygiene practices and proper food handling.
Life Cycle of Entamoeba Histolytica Diagram
The life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica is a complicated process that starts with a trophozoite stage and ends with a cyst stage. Therefore the diagram below outlines the different stages of the life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica.
Trophozoites are the feeding stage of the amoeba. Therefore they found in the intestine and can cause disease if they enter the bloodstream. Trophozoites reproduce by binary fission and can form cysts if they not killed by the immune system.
Cysts are the dormant stage of the amoeba. They can survive in the environment for long periods of time and can transmitted through food and water. Cysts can also be inhaled and also can cause disease if they enter the lungs.
Most of the time, Entamoeba histolytica is harmless and lives in the intestine without causing any problems. However, in some cases the trophozoites can invade the tissues and cause inflammation and tissue damage. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.
Entamoeba Histolytica Forms
Entamoeba histolytica is one of the most dangerous parasitic protozoa that infect humans. It is the causative agent of amoebiasis, which is a major health problem in developing countries. E. histolytica is a member of the Entamoebidae family, which contains several other species of amoebae that are harmless to humans. E. histolytica is a heterotrophic amoeba that obtains its nutrients by ingesting other organisms. The amoeba has two main forms: the trophozoite and the cyst. The trophozoite is the active, feeding stage of the organism. Therefore cyst is the infective stage that passed in the feces of an infected individual and can survive for long periods of time in contaminated food or water.
E. histolytica is a large amoeba that measures approximately 10 µm in diameter. The trophozoite is oval in shape and has a single nucleus with a large, centrally located karyosome. The cytoplasm of the trophozoite is clear and contains numerous vacuoles. However the cyst is spherical in shape and has a thick, double-layered wall. The cytoplasm of the cyst is granular and often contains four to eight nuclei.
E. histolytica found in contaminated food or water. The cyst can also found in the soil. When an individual ingests contaminated food or water, the cysts released from the cyst wall and transform into trophozoites in the small intestine. The trophozoites then travel to the large intestine, where they attach to the mucosal lining and begin to feed. In some cases, the trophozoites may invade the mucosal lining, causing ulceration and tissue damage. This can lead to bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. If left untreated, amoebiasis can be fatal.
