Project name: Entamoeba histolytica

Description: Entamoeba histolytica. Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan intestinal parasite that causes amoebiasis in humans. The disease affects 30-50 million people every year world-wide, with an annual mortality rate of 40,000-100,000. In some cases, infected individuals (approximately 10%) can develop invasive intestinal and/or extraintestinal (liver, lungs and brain) amoebiasis, the symptoms of which can be mild to fatal. Amongst parasitic diseases, E. hystolitica is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. E. hystolytica, like all amoebas is transmitted by ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated food, water or hands. Due to their protective walls, the cysts can remain viable for several weeks in external environments.

Last updated: 2003-11-12