Entamoeba histolytica er en protozoisk parasitt som forårsaker amoebiasis, en infeksjon som kan variere fra mild eller asymptomatisk til alvorlige former, inkludert dysenteri og leverabscesser. Den utgjør en betydelig folkehelserisiko i områder med dårlig sanitærforhold, særlig i tropiske og subtropiske land.
Entamoeba histolytica is an amoeba that primarily infects the human colon, but can also invade the liver and other organs. Infection can lead to amoebic dysentery, characterized by severe diarrhea, or to amoebic liver abscesses. Many infected individuals, however, remain asymptomatic carriers, which contributes to its spread.
Entamoeba histolytica is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, commonly through ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing the cysts of the parasite. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are major contributors to its spread. The cysts can survive outside the body in a moist environment and are responsible for the transmission of the infection.