Entamoeba histolytica – the causative agent of clinical amoebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica causing clinical amoebiasis, can, if left untreated, result in fatal consequences. This parasite has a global distribution with a high incidence in tropical countries. Many infections with the parasite do not produce disease. Because the parasite appeared to have two types of presentation in the host Brumpt ( 1925) raised the hypothesis that two organisms were responsible. His suggestion was neglected until in 1978, and subsequently, Sargeaunt, using thin layer starch gel electrophoresis, demonstrated that the parasites iso-enzymes produced different patterns for the two states of infection. Numerous communities throughout the world have benefited from this discovery and vast amounts of drugs are no longer required to treat spurious infections. The two types of infection are now correctly recognised as Entamoeba histolytica -causing clinical amoebiasis and Entamoeba dispar (Bmmpt, 1925), a harmless intestinal commensal.