Entamoeba histolytica
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Entamoeba histolytica
Classification
Higher order taxa
Cellular organisms; Eukaryota; Entamoebidae; Entamoeba
Species
Entamoeba histolytica
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NCBI: [1] Taxonomy |
Description and Significance
Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic parasitic protozoan that infects the digestive tracts of predominantly humans and other primates. E. histolytica can infect dogs and cats, but these animals do not contribute significantly to transmission since they usually do not produce cysts. Cysts are the viable form of the parasite outside the host. Cysts are shed with the host's feces; they can be transmitted in water, soils and on foods under moist conditions. The active stage of the parasite is called the trophozoite, which only survives in the host and in fresh feces.
The infection of E. histolytica causes the disease, Amebiasis (a.k.a. Amoebiasis).
Description and Significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Genome structure
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Cell structure and metabolism
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Ecology
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Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
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Current Research
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References
Edited by Louisa Lee student of Rachel Larsen
