Entamoeba histolytica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Entamoeba histolytica |
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Entamoeba
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Entamoeba histolytica
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Entamoeba histolytica is a tiny living thing, too small to see without a microscope. It is a type of parasite called a protozoan. This means it lives inside another living thing, like a human, and gets its food from them.
E. histolytica mainly infects humans and other primates, like monkeys. Scientists believe it infects about 50 million people around the world. Sadly, about 70,000 people die each year from serious problems caused by this parasite. The sickness it causes is called amoebiasis. There is a similar type of amoeba, Entamoeba dispar, which is even more common but usually does not cause sickness.
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What is Entamoeba Histolytica?
Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled organism. It belongs to a group of living things called amoebas. Amoebas are known for changing their shape as they move. They use parts of their body, like "false feet," to crawl around.
Tiny Invaders: What are Protozoans?
Protozoans are very small living things. They are made of only one cell. Many protozoans live freely in water or soil. But some, like E. histolytica, are parasites. This means they live inside other animals or humans. They can cause diseases.
What is Amoebiasis?
Amoebiasis is the name of the disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. It mostly affects the intestines. But it can also spread to other parts of the body. This includes the liver, brain, or lungs. When it spreads, it can cause very serious health problems.
How Entamoeba Histolytica Spreads (Life Cycle)
Entamoeba histolytica has two main forms. These forms help it survive and spread. Understanding its life cycle helps us prevent the disease.
From Cysts to Trophozoites
The first form is a cyst. A cyst is like a tough, protective shell. It helps the amoeba survive outside the body. Cysts can live for weeks in water, soil, or on food. When a person swallows these cysts, they enter the body.
Once inside the intestine, the cysts change. They turn into an active form called a trophozoite. Trophozoites are the feeding and growing stage of the amoeba. They move around and multiply inside the intestine. They can cause damage to the intestinal lining.
How People Get Infected
People usually get infected by swallowing cysts. This often happens when food or water is contaminated. Contamination means it has come into contact with infected poop. This can happen if:
- Someone with the infection does not wash their hands well after using the bathroom.
- Contaminated water is used to wash food or for drinking.
- Food is grown in soil that has infected poop.
- Flies or other insects carry cysts from poop to food.
What Happens When You're Infected?
Many people who are infected with E. histolytica do not feel sick. They might carry the parasite without knowing it. But they can still spread it to others.
Symptoms of Amoebiasis
When symptoms do appear, they can range from mild to severe. They usually start about 1 to 4 weeks after infection. Common symptoms include:
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Diarrhea, which can sometimes have blood or mucus.
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
Serious Problems
In some cases, the trophozoites can dig into the wall of the intestine. This can cause ulcers and bleeding. If the amoebas get into the bloodstream, they can travel to other organs. The liver is the most common organ to be affected outside the intestine. This can lead to a liver abscess, which is a collection of pus. This is a very serious condition. Less often, the amoebas can reach the lungs or even the brain.
How to Stay Safe and Get Better
Preventing amoebiasis is important, especially in places where it is common.
Preventing Infection
Here are some ways to avoid getting infected:
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water. Do this especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
- Drink safe water: Only drink water that has been boiled, filtered, or bottled. Avoid ice cubes made from unsafe water.
- Eat safe food: Eat food that has been cooked well. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that you cannot peel yourself. Wash all produce thoroughly with safe water.
- Be careful when traveling: Follow these safety tips when visiting places where amoebiasis is common.
Treating Amoebiasis
If someone gets amoebiasis, doctors can treat it with special medicines. These medicines kill the parasites. It is important to see a doctor if you think you might have the infection. Early treatment can prevent serious problems.
Where is Entamoeba Histolytica Found?
Entamoeba histolytica is found all over the world. But it is more common in tropical and subtropical areas. These are places with warm climates. It is also more common in areas where there is poor sanitation. This means places where there are not good systems for clean water and waste disposal.
Images for kids
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Amoebic intestinal ulcer caused by E. histolytica
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Trophozoites of E. histolytica with ingested erythrocytes
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E. histolytica cyst
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Immature E. histolytica cyst (mature cysts have 4 nuclei)
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Multiplication by binary fission
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E. histolytica drawing
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Immunohistochemical staining of trophozoites (brown) using specific anti–Entamoeba histolytica macrophage migration inhibitory factor antibodies in a patient with amebic colitis
_using_specific_anti%E2%80%93Entamoeba_histolytica_macrophage_migration_inhibitory_factor_antibodies_in_a_patient_with_amebic_colitis.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Entamoeba histolytica para niños
