Amoebic dysentery: challenges and influencing factors

Abstract

Parasites are biological pathogens whose effects are not limited to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They infect various living organs of the body, and intestinal parasites, in particular, are widespread worldwide. Among the newly discovered parasites are the Entamoeba genus and the infestation of amoebas. However, the result is useless colonization of the intestine, invasion of the colonic lining, or destruction of stratified tissues, such as the colon and liver, causing amoebiasis. Therefore, amoeba colonies develop as commensal parasites in the intestinal lumen and do not infect humans. Early diagnosis is achieved in a small number of individuals by laboratory examination under a light microscope, but this technique is ineffective at distinguishing between three phenotypically similar amoeba species: E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshicoviskii, due to their close morphological similarity. The most common amoeba species are transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or drinking contaminated, untreated water. Recent human transmission confirms the presence of a special invisibility mechanism for infection. This invisibility has the ability to survive and occur monthly for several days, weeks, or months when moisture is available. The importance of this study is to define the disease and shed light on the history of amoebic dysentery and the factors that have long been determinants of the disease’s spread. The current study sheds light on some of the historical and biological aspects related to amoebic dysentery. It highlights the most important parasitic species causing the disease, the parasite’s life cycle leading to the development of symptoms, and some factors related to virulence.