Entamoeba histolytica | |
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Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Phylum: | Amoebozoa |
Family: | Entamoebidae |
Genus: | Entamoeba |
Species: | E. histolytica
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Binomial name | |
Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn, 1903
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Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic parasitic amoebozoan, part of the genus Entamoeba.[1] Predominantly infecting humans and other primates causing amoebiasis, E. histolytica is estimated to infect about 35-50 million people worldwide.[1] E. histolytica infection is estimated to kill more than 55,000 people each year.[2] Previously, it was thought that 10% of the world population was infected, but these figures predate the recognition that at least 90% of these ball infections were due to a second species, E. dispar.[3] Mammals such as dogs and cats can become infected transiently, but are not thought to contribute significantly to transmission.
The word histolysis literally means disintegration and dissolution of organic tissues.