Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae infection overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
Human beings may become infected with nonpathogenic intestinal amebae by swallowing something, such as food or water, or touching something (and then putting fingers in mouth) that was contaminated with stool from an infected person. The parasite can stay in the body for weeks, months, or years. But they never spread from the intestines to other parts of the body.
Epidemiology and Demographics
The species that are nonpathogenic (Chilomastix mesnili, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba polecki, Iodamoeba buetschlii) are distributed worldwide. Consequently, infections by these species occur worldwide. Entamoeba polecki in nature is primarily a parasite of pigs and monkeys, and human infection is more prevalent in areas where the people have animal contact.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
For diagnosing nonpathogenic intestinal amebae infection, identification of E. coli, E. hartmanni, E. polecki, E. nana, and I. buetschlii is made by observing cysts and/or trophozoites in stool specimens, both concentrated wet mounts and permanent stained smears. They are generally considered nonpathogenic, although they have been found in the stool of patients presenting with diarrhea where no known pathogens were identified. Their presence in stool can be an indicator of fecal contamination of a food or water source, and does not rule-out the presence of other parasites. Entamoeba gingivalis is also considered nonpathogenic, but is found in about 95% of patients with gum disease and about 50% of patients with healthy gums.
Treatment
As these six species are generally considered nonpathogenic, there are currently no treatment recommendations for them.