Histolytica Infection Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Hematological Parameters for Patients Infected with Entamoeba Histolytica in Najaf Governorate

General background: Amoebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. It can lead to various complications, including changes in blood parameters. Specific background: Identifying changes in blood indicators during amoebic infections can aid early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Knowledge gap: There is limited research exploring gender-based differences in blood parameters of patients with amoebiasis. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of E. histolytica infection on specific blood parameters in male and female patients and to assess gender-based variations in these parameters. Results: A total of 45 patients (20 males, 25 females) diagnosed with amoebiasis were included, with samples collected between May 2023 and January 2024. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed between male and female patients in RBC, HB, HCT, and MCH, while no significant differences were noted for MCV, MCHC, RDW, PLT, WBC, or LYM. Male patients showed higher mean values of RBC (5.01 ± 0.65) and HB (14.6 ± 1.61) compared to females (RBC: 4.5 ± 0.54; HB: 12.28 ± 1.24). Novelty: This study highlights gender-specific alterations in blood parameters during amoebiasis, providing new insights into how gender affects physiological responses to E. histolytica infection. Implications: Regular monitoring of blood parameters, particularly RBC and HB, in patients with amoebiasis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The findings also underscore the importance of gender considerations in clinical management and suggest the need for larger studies to confirm these results and explore their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Highlights: Gender impacts blood parameters in amoebiasis patients. Males show higher RBC and HB than females. Regular monitoring aids early E. histolytica diagnosis. Keywords: Amoebic dysentery, Entamoeba histolytica, blood parameters, gender differences, early diagnosis

A parasite that should not be neglected in geriatric individuals: Entamoeba histolytica.

To highlight the importance of neglected Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) infections in the geriatric age group, which is an increasing proportion of the world's population. This study was carried out between January 2022 and December 2023 at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Van, Turkey. The study included 96 geriatric patients with diarrhea (geriatric group). Two different control groups (CGs) were also included in the study, comprising 92 patients aged 18-64 years with diarrhea as CG1 and 50 geriatric individuals without diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints as CG2. Samples were analysed macroscopically and then evaluated by microscopic, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and polymerase chain reaction. This study detected E. histolytica in 31.3% of the geriatric group and 14.1% of the patients in CG1 (p=0.004). Entamoeba histolytica positivity was not detected in CG2. According to the multiple correspondence analysis, there was a close association between E. histolytica positivity and bloody diarrhea and mucous diarrhea in the geriatric patients. It was also determined that E. histolytica can cause abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and epigastric tenderness in geriatric patients. Both the risk of E. histolytica infection and the pathogenicity of the infection increase in geriatric individuals. Therefore, it was concluded that amoebiasis is a serious health problem in the geriatric population and should not be neglected.

Molecular identification of EhCRT gene Calreticulin isolated from children infected with Entamoeba histolytica.

To detect the gene of entamoeba histolytica by polymerase chain reaction and investigate the expression of immunogene entamoeba histolytica calreticulin in stool samples of infected patients. The case control study was conducted at Central Teaching Hospital of Paediatrics and Al Mahmoudia General Hospital, Iraq, from December 30, 2020, to September 1, 2021, and comprised diarrhoeal faecal samples collected from 86 children with age ranging from ˂1 year to 13 years who were suspected of having been infected with entamoeba histolytica. Microscopically positive samples were then subjected to conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of entamoeba histolytica HM1:IMSS strain using Phage shock protein (Psp) gene sequences and detection of entamoeba histolytica calreticulin expression. Of the 86 patients, 71(82.6%) were found to be infected with entamoeba histolytica; 39(54.93%) boys and 32(45.07%) girls. The remaining 15(17.4%) patients were taken as non-amoebic controls; 8(53.3%) boys and 7(46.7%) girls. There were 36(50.70%) cases and 8(53.33%) controls aged 1-4 years. Among the Entamoeba histolytica gene was detected in 44(62%) of the cases using conventional polymerase chain reaction, and immunogene entamoeba histolytica calreticulin was expressed in 36(50.7%) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Polymerase chain reaction was found to be a useful tool for diagnosing entamoeba histolytica infection in children.

Identification and characterization of archaeal-type FAD synthase as a novel tractable drug target from the parasitic protozoa Entamoeba histolytica.

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is an essential cofactor for numerous flavoenzymes present in all living organisms. The biosynthesis of FAD from riboflavin involves two sequential reactions catalyzed by riboflavin kinase and flavin adenine dinucleotide synthase (FADS). Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite responsible for amebiasis, apparently lacks a gene encoding FADS that share similarity with bacterial and eukaryotic canonical FADS, yet it can synthesize FAD. In this study, we have identified the gene responsible for FADS and thoroughly characterized physiological and biochemical properties of FADS from E. histolytica. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the gene was likely laterally transferred from archaea. The kinetic properties of recombinant EhFADS were consistent with the notion that EhFADS is of archaeal origin, exhibiting KM and kcat values similar to those of the arachaeal enzyme while significantly differing from the human counterpart. Repression of gene expression of EhFADS by epigenetic gene silencing caused substantial reduction in FAD levels and parasite growth, underscoring the importance of EhFADS for the parasite. Furthermore, we demonstrated that EhFADS gene silencing reduced thioredoxin reductase activity, which requires FAD as a cofactor and makes the ameba more susceptible to metronidazole. In summary, this study unveils unique evolutionary and biochemical features of EhFADS and underscores its significance as a promising drug target in combating human amebiasis.IMPORTANCEFAD is important for all forms of life, yet its role and metabolism are still poorly studied in E. histolytica, the protozoan parasite causing human amebiasis. Our study uncovers the evolutionary unique key enzyme, archaeal-type FADS for FAD biosynthesis from E. histolytica for the first time. Additionally, we showed the essentiality of this enzyme for parasite survival, highlighting its potential as target for drug development against E. histolytica infections.

Effect of micronutrient deficiency on protozoal infection in stunting toddler

<p class="pf0"><strong><em>Background: </em></strong><em>Stunting is a developmental disorder caused by chronic inadequate nutritional intake in toddlers, leading to deficiencies in various nutrients, including iron and zinc. This can weaken toddlers' immunity, making them more vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as intestinal protozoa. An infected digestive tract can interfere with absorbing nutrients and reduce appetite, causing the infection to persist and become chronic. Chronic infection triggers the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that affect bone growth, hindering growth and causing stunting.</em><em></em></p><p class="pf0"><strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong><em>This study confidently investigates the correlation between iron and zinc micronutrient intake and intestinal protozoan infection in stunting toddlers in Jember District.</em><em></em></p><p class="pf0"><strong><em>Methods: </em></strong><em>The research is observational and cross-sectional, with 568 stunting toddlers aged 0-59 months in Jember District, East Java as study subjects. Iron and zinc intake were collected through 2x24-hour food-recall questionnaire interview and processed using the Nutrisurvey software. Protozoan infection status in toddler feces samples was identified using direct smear and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. The data analysis method chosen was the Spearman correlation test.</em></p><p class="pf0"><strong><em>Results: </em></strong><em>The study found that stunted toddlers in Jember District had mostly deficient micronutrient intake. The average iron intake is 2.56±3.06 mg and the average zinc intake is 1.8±1.47 mg. Protozoan infection was found in this study has a prevalence of 15.7%, with identified species including Entamoeba histolytica (3.3%), Giardia lamblia (2.6%), Cryptosporidium parvum (3.2%), Blastocystis hominis (5.3%), and mixed infections (1.2%). The statistical analysis confirms that there is no significant correlation between the intake of micronutrients iron (p=0.91;r=0.005) and zinc (p=0.76;r=0.013) and intestinal protozoan infection in stunting toddlers in Jember District.</em></p><p class="pf0"><strong><em>Conclusions: </em></strong><em>Based on the data, protozoan infection may be caused by multiple factors, such as parenting practices and family socioeconomics. However, improving nutrition by education and giving additional supplementation are crucial to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in toddlers.</em><em></em></p>

A high-dimensional platform for observing neutrophil-parasite interactions.

Diarrheal diseases with infectious etiology remain a major cause of death globally, particularly in low-income countries. Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of amebiasis. Amebiasis has a wide presentation in clinical severity with many factors, including the bacterial microbiota, contributing to this variation. The innate immune response also plays a critical role in regulating the severity of E. histolytica infection, with neutrophils reported to have a protective role. Despite this, the precise mechanism of how neutrophils mediate amebic killing is poorly understood. Thus, modern platforms that allow for inquiry of granulocyte-ameba interactions will increase our understanding of this disease. Herein, we describe an assay for neutrophil killing of E. histolytica by utilizing high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry. Neutrophils were isolated from wild-type 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice and co-cultured with E. histolytica at various multiplicity of infections (MOIs). After co-culture, neutrophils and E. histolytica were stained for spectral flow cytometry. Cell populations were identified using surface markers and fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls. We have previously shown that animals colonized with a component of the human microbiota, Clostridium scindens, were protected from E. histolytica. This protection was associated with elevated neutrophil count. Here, we explored amebic killing capacity and observed that neutrophils from animals with C. scindens possessed heightened amebic killing compared with controls. Thus, this study establishes a novel platform that can provide an in-depth analysis of granulocyte-parasite interactions in various contexts, including during alteration of the intestinal microbiota.IMPORTANCEThe tools for studying host immune cell-E. histolytica interactions are limited. Factors, such as parasite heterogeneity, infectivity, and difficulties with culture systems and animal models, make interrogation of these interactions challenging. Thus, Entamoeba researchers can benefit from next-generation models that allow for the analysis of both host and parasite cells. Here, we demonstrate the use of a novel platform that allows for the determination of parasite-host cell interactions and customizable high-dimensional phenotyping of both populations. Indeed, spectral flow cytometry can approach >40 markers on a single panel and can be paired with custom-developed parasite antibodies that can be conjugated to fluorochromes via commercially available kits. This platform affords researchers the capability to test highly precise hypotheses regarding host-parasite interactions.

A Comphrensive Review on Amoebiasis

With its wide range of dissemination, Entamoeba histolytica poses a serious threat in practically any nation where there is a regular barrier between human waste, food, and water sources. Except E. histolytica, at least eight distinct amoebas are thought to be commensals in the human intestinal lumen. As the second biggest cause of death from parasitic disease globally, the parasite poses a serious threat to public health in most regions of the world and has reemerged in several previously inactive locations. The majority of E. histolytica infections have very minor or no symptoms, however, colitis and liver abscesses brought on by amoebic infections are the most common clinical manifestations. Typically, a laboratory's diagnosis of amoebiasis is based on a microscope.

Immunological and cytokine profile (IL-25 and IL-35) in patients with Entamoeba histolytica infection in Southern Iraq.

Amoebiasis is an intestinal disease caused by a unicellular parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is the youngest specific member of the IL-12 family that plays a major role in the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to curb inflammatory responses. IL-25 of the IL-17 family, which is widely released by Th2 cells and epithelial cells, is a warning signal produced upon cell or tissue injury to activate immune cells. The present study aimed to determine the cytokine profile (IL-25 and IL-35) in patients with E. histolytica infection in southern Iraq. This hospital-based study was conducted from August 2022 to May 2023. The study participants were patients with E. histolytica infection admitted to the infection department of general hospitals in Thi-qar province, southern Iraq. Initially, E. histolytica amebiasis was detected in the patients by nested multiplex PCR. All collected sera were tested with the Human Interleukin 35 (Biotech, China, Cat.RD-IL35-Hu) and IL25 (Biotech, China, Cat.RD-IL25-Hu) ELISA kits according to the instructions of the manufacturer. A total of 80 patients, including 50 patients with E. histolytica infection and 30 subjects in the control group without E. histolytica infection, were enrolled in the present study. The results showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in the serum level of IL-25 in patients with E. histolytica infection (4275.19 pg/mL) compared to individuals in the control group without E. histolytica infection (2186 pg/mL). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the serum levels of IL-35 patients with E. histolytica infection compared with individuals in the control group without E. histolytica infection. The results of the present study show that the level of IL-25 is high in patients with E. histolytica infection. This indicates the important role of IL-25 in the activation of the immune system during intestinal inflammation. Therefore, this cytokine can be used as a diagnostic marker for E. histolytica infection.

Estimate of Some Immune-Biomarkers in Children with Entamoeba Histolytica Infection

The current work was aimed to evaluate of some immune-biomarkers in children with Entamoeba histolytica infection. General stool examination was done to patients for detection of E. histolytica infection. A total 150 patients of less than 13 years, whom attended the parasitology section at period February to June 2023. The chosen patients were suffered from abdominal pain and diarrhea. The results showed that gender is not related to infection with E. histolytica, as there were no significant (P≤0.05) differences between the proportions of males and females. The IgG concentration of infected children (24.05±3.94 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (11.72±2.55 ng/L). IgA concentration of infected children (159.42±18.62 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (38.93±7.01 ng/L). IgM concentration of infected children (4.84±0.45 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (2.17±0.35 ng/L). The IL-4 concentration of infected children (29.47±4.04 pg/ml) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (16.54±3.94 pg/ml). IL-6 concentration of infected children (183.25±21.37 pg/ml) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (26.12±4.51 pg/ml). The TLR2 levels of infected children (24.05±3.94 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (11.72±2.55 ng/L). therefore, its concluded that E. histolytica lead to a high immune response that leads to an increase in levels of immune parameters in infected children

Estimate of Some Immune-Biomarkers in Children with Entamoeba Histolytica Infection

The current work was aimed to evaluate of some immune-biomarkers in children with Entamoeba histolytica infection. General stool examination was done to patients for detection of E. histolytica infection. A total 150 patients of less than 13 years, whom attended the parasitology section at period February to June 2023. The chosen patients were suffered from abdominal pain and diarrhea. The results showed that gender is not related to infection with E. histolytica, as there were no significant (P≤0.05) differences between the proportions of males and females. The IgG concentration of infected children (24.05±3.94 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (11.72±2.55 ng/L). IgA concentration of infected children (159.42±18.62 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (38.93±7.01 ng/L). IgM concentration of infected children (4.84±0.45 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (2.17±0.35 ng/L). The IL-4 concentration of infected children (29.47±4.04 pg/ml) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (16.54±3.94 pg/ml). IL-6 concentration of infected children (183.25±21.37 pg/ml) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (26.12±4.51 pg/ml). The TLR2 levels of infected children (24.05±3.94 ng/L) indicated a significant (P≤0.05) rise compared to the healthy children (11.72±2.55 ng/L). therefore, its concluded that E. histolytica lead to a high immune response that leads to an increase in levels of immune parameters in infected children

Pattern of E. histolytica infection and its correlates among patients in a general practice clinic: A four-year retrospective evaluation

Background: Overcrowding, poor hygiene and scarcity of portable water are common features of population growth in a resource poor nation especially with rising cost of living from inflation. This is the often the state of many underdeveloped nations such as Nigeria. Such environments encourage the spread of communicable diseases. This study assess the pattern, trend, and at-risk population of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), implicated in intestinal Amoebiasis in South-South Nigeria. Method: This retrospective study was conducted using hospital data obtained from the laboratory department of a general hospital clinic in Warri and covered a period of four years from January 2015 - December 2018. The record of 4,169 laboratory results of stool samples examined by direct smear and concentration technique, were recovered from a designed computer database. Trend of infection over the period as well as variations in distribution patterns between sex, age and seasons were determined using appropriate statistical tools. Results: Out of the 4,169 stool samples 365 (8.8%) had E. histolytica with decreasing trend of infection from 2015 – 2018 as 135 of 1210 (11%); 118 of 1114 (10.6%); 57 of 792 (7.2%); 55 of 1053 (5.2%) respectively. Prevalence of infections was higher in females, 57.5% (95CI%, 51.7-59.7, n= 210) than males (n=155, 42.5%, 95%CI, 40.3-48.6). The prevalence of infections was highest among Age brackets 1-5years, 6-15 years and 35+ years; but lowest in the 26-35 years with peak season of infections at first and last quarters of each year. Conclusions: Children are more vulnerable to E. histolytica infestation and the dry seasons of the year place them at risk. This information underscores the need for local surveillance to evaluate the effectiveness of control and preventive health measures with a view of reducing the prevalence and morbidity of parasitic infections in our locality.

Efficacy of Paromomycin-Conjugated Nano Chitosan in Treating Entamoeba histolytica Infection in Mice

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite that causes amebiasis, a disease widespread in developing countries. This parasite primarily attacks the colon, producing ulceration of the colon's intestinal epithelial cells; nevertheless, the infection can spread to the liver, resulting in liver abscesses. The present study aimed to investigate treatment solutions for amebiasis. The chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized using the Ultrasonic method, and the antibiotic paromomycin was conjugated with the nanoparticles. seventy Swiss albino male mice infected with E. histolytica were treated with antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles, and the response to treatment was evaluated using liver enzymes (Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and Aspartate transaminase (AST). The study's findings revealed that The AST, ALT, and ALP activities increased significantly in the infected untreated group as they were 102.84±8.89, 104.06 ±7.50, and 533.41±21.18 (U/L) for AST, ALT, and ALP respectively; as for the groups that were infected and treated, they showed an improvement and a significant decrease in the concentration of liver enzymes for all treatments. The treatment of infected mice with 75% nano chitosan + 25% paromomycin showed the best therapeutic effect concerning AST and ALP as it minimized the levels of these enzymes as (62.12± 9.46) and (439.4527.43) (U/L) respectively, while for ALT enzyme, the highest significant therapeutic effect was observed in the group that treated with Nano-chitosan only (63.46±8.06) (U/L). The present study represented the efficiency of the prepared nanomaterial in conjugating with the antibiotic in treating mice infected with the parasite, as this was observed through a decrease in the concentrations of the three liver enzymes.

Entamoeba histolytica Infection in the Philippines: A Review

Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal protozoan parasite, is the primary causative agent of both intestinal and extraintestinal amoebiasis. While six species of Entamoeba have been identified in the human gut, only E. histolytica is well recognized as a pathogenic amoeba associated with intestinal and extraintestinal infections. In many cases of E. histolytica infection, symptoms are either absent or mild, whereas the most frequent clinical manifestations are colitis and liver abscess due to amoebic infection. Diagnosis typically relies on microscopic and serological methods. Metronidazole is the standard therapy for treating children and adults with invasive amoebiasis. However, the absence of an effective vaccine poses a significant challenge to controlling the transmission and progression of the parasite into an active, invasive disease. Notably, in developing tropical countries like the Philippines, significant cases of E. histolytica infections have been documented in communities with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. The development of pragmatic and cost-effective diagnostic methods is therefore crucial for the clinical care of amoebiasis patients. Drawing from a limited pool of published articles (2010 to date) on cases of E. histolytica infections and parasitological surveys in the Philippines, the current review underscores the critical knowledge gap on the prevalence of amoebiasis as well as the disease pathology and treatment of this zoonotic parasitic disease.

Epidemiological study of Intestinal protozoan Infections: A Cross-sectional study in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq during 2018-2022

Background and aims: Intestinal protozoan parasitic infections are considered one of the most frequent types of infection caused by these parasites and remain a major health problem for communities. This study aims to detect the frequency of intestinal protozoan infections infection among Zakho general population from October 2018 to June 2022. Methods: This study was performed as a cross-sectional study among 2118 patients referring to private medical diagnostic laboratories in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Samples of faecal matter were collected and subjected to analysis using two different techniques: direct observation under the microscope (wet mount) and formalin-ether concentration methods. Morphological characteristics of trophozoites and cysts were used to identify E. histolytica using microscopical examination. Results: Out of 2118 recruited samples, 1155 (54.53%) were male and 963 (45.47%) were female. The mean age of participants was 20.41 (±19.12) with ages ranging from 1-63 years. The overall prevalence of protozoan infections was 395/2118 (18.65%). Out of these, Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant pathogenic protozoa infection 271 (68.61%), followed by Giardia lamblia 100 (25.31%). A significant association was seen between Entamoeba histolytica and age groups (p=0.003) and gender (p=0.004). The highest infection rate was reported among the age group &lt;15 years (55.72%). We also found a higher rate of Giardia infection among age group &lt;15 years (46%) with significant differences (p=0.002) and a higher rate of Giardia seen in females (55%) with significant association (p=0.014). Conclusion: The frequency of Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica infections in our study was higher than other studies reported in Iraq and other countries, and these infections continue to pose a difficult public health issue and necessitate the implementation of stronger and more effective preventative measures.

The macrophage polarization in Entamoeba histolytica infection modulation by the C fragment of the intermediate subunit of Gal/GalNAc-inhibitable lectin.

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis, with clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe invasive diseases. The innate immune system, particularly macrophages, is of paramount importance in resisting the invasion of host tissues and organs by the trophozoites of E. histolytica. Parasite-derived pathogenic factors, such as lectins, play a pivotal role in the promotion of macrophage polarization phenotypes that have undergone alteration. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which E. histolytica modulates immune polarization remain largely unknown. The current study focused on the immunomodulatory effects of the Igl-C fragment of E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin on macrophage polarization. These results demonstrated that Igl-C could induce the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and other cytokines, activating a mixed M1/M2 polarization state. M1 polarization of macrophages occurs in the early stages and gradually transitions to M2 polarization in the later stages, which may contribute to the persistence of the infection. Igl-C induces the macrophage M1 phenotype and causes the release of immune effector molecules, including iNOS and cytokines, by activating the NF-κB p65 and JAK-STAT1 transcription factor signaling pathways. Furthermore, Igl-C supports the macrophage M2 phenotype via JAK-STAT3 and IL-4-STAT6 pathways, which activate arginase expression in later stages, contributing to the tissue regeneration and persistence of the parasite. The involvement of distinct signaling pathways in mediating this response highlights the complex interplay between the parasite and the host immune system. These findings enhance our understanding of the Igl-C-mediated pathogenic mechanisms during E. histolytica infection.

Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors With Entamoeba histolytica Infections In School Children

Entamoeba histolytica is medically important pathogenic parasitic protozoan of human in origin which causes amoebiasis that is common in children of devolving nations in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. A total of 100 children, comprising 45 boys and 55 girls, were screened to calculate the prevalence and risk factors of E.histolytica along with their socio-demographic characteristics among school children at Chkadara, Lower Dir, Pakistan. The stool samples were collected and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Separtment, Malakand University for parasitic investigation. Each of the stool samples were processed through floatation and sedimentation procedures and techniques and examined under the microscope first under low and then high power objectives. The protozoan cysts and the helminth eggs were have been investigated and identified through valid keys. The data was analysed through chi-square test via GraphPad version 5. The p vale was considered statistically significant if less than 0.05 at 95% CI. The results indicates that Entamoeba histolytica is a prominent pathogenic protozoan parasite in school children, with a total of 67 cases identified. Boys showed a slightly higher prevalence of this parasite, with 58.8% (n=30/51) cases compared to 58.7% (n=37/63) in boys. Ascaris lumbricoides, is another common intestinal parasite, was observed in a total of 35 cases, (30.7%) with an almost equal distribution among boys (17 cases) and girls (18 cases). Moreover, hookworm species was found in 11 children, with a somewhat higher prevalence in girls 11.1% (7 cases). Giardia spp, although less prevalent, still accounted for 4 cases, equally distributed among boys. E.histolytica was highest in prevalence as 58.7 %( 67/114) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 30.7 % (n=35/114), then hookworms 9.64 % (n=11/114) while Giardia spp was found in least prevalence 0.87 %( n=1/114). Pattern of infection reveal that most of the students were found to be infected with 2 species of parasites including one is E.histolytica (37%) followed by single infection 20% with E.histolytica while least number of participants were reported to be infected with 3 species of parasites 10%. The overall prevalence was reported as 67%. Age and types of stool were not significantly associated with the prevalence of E.histolytica P&gt;0.05, however all other factors sex, diarrheal status, parent education, parent employment status and economic conditions were significantly related to the prevalence of E.histolytica infection (P&lt;0.05).

Amebiasis as a sexually transmitted infection: A re-emerging health problem in developed countries.

Amebiasis, which is caused by Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), is the second leading cause of parasite-related death worldwide. It manifests from asymptomatic carriers to severe clinical conditions, like colitis and liver abscesses. Amebiasis is commonly seen in developing countries, where water and food are easily contaminated by feces because of the poor sanitation. However, a recently challenge in many developed countries is the increase in domestic cases of invasive amebiasis as a sexually transmitted infection (STI amebiasis). In contrast to food-/ waterborne transmission of E. histolytica in developing countries, transmission of STI amebiasis occurs directly through human-to-human sexual contact (e.g., men who have sex with men and people who engage in oral-anal sex); in this setting, asymptomatic infected individuals are the main reservoir of E. histolytica. The Development of screening methods for the early diagnosis of asymptomatic E. histolytica infection is the key to epidemiologic control. Moreover, delay in diagnosis of severe cases (e.g., fulminant amebiasis) leads to death even in developed countries. It is also important to increase clinical awareness of domestically transmitted STI amebiasis in the clinical settings. This review considers the changing epidemiology and clinical manifestations of STI amebiasis, and finally discusses the future strategies for the better practice.

Inhibition of choline kinase as an antiamoebic approach in Entamoeba histolytica infection.

Entamoeba histolytica is the parasite responsible for amoebiasis, which can result in amoebic colitis or amoebic liver abscess. Metronidazole has been the conventional treatment for intestinal amoebiasis, but concerns regarding resistance have emerged due to the identification of resistance pathways in E. histolytica. This study investigates a novel anti-amoebic approach targeting the CDP-choline pathway. Inhibition studies were conducted using potential choline kinase (CK) inhibitors to inhibit the EhCK enzyme, and RNA interference was employed to knock down the EhCK gene. Km and Vmax of purified EhCK and hCKa2 proteins were determined by pyruvate kinase-lactate dehydrogenase (PK-LDH) coupled assay. The IC50 values for EhCK and hCKa2 were determined with several commercial CK inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were incubated with E. histolytica trophozoites for 48 hours to determine the EC50 for each inhibitor. Silencing of gene encoding EhCK was carried out using duplex siRNA and the gene expression level was measured by real-time qPCR. Based on the IC50 values, three of the inhibitors, namely CK37, flavopiridol and H-89 were more potent against EhCK than hCKa2. Trophozoites growth inhibition showed that only HDTAB, H-89 and control drug metronidazole could penetrate and induce cell death after 48-hour incubation. siRNA concentration of 10 µg/mL was used for the transfection of positive control GAPDH, EhCK, and non-targeting GFP siRNAs. RNAi experiment concluded with positive control GAPDH downregulated by 99% while the level of EhCK mRNA was downregulated by 47%. In this study, potential inhibitors of EhCK and siRNA have been identified, paving the way for further refinement and testing to enhance their potency against EhCK while sparing hCK. The utilization of these specific inhibitors and siRNA targeting EhCK represents a novel approach to impede the growth of E. histolytica by disrupting its phospholipid synthesis pathway.

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia infection among patients attending Heet Hospital in Al-Anbar, Iraq

This study was designed to estimate the spread of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia and study the age, sex and months effect in the infection rate. 398 stool samples (215 males and 183 females) were collected from both children and adults attending to Heet General Hospital, and some of private laboratories affiliated to Heet. The total infection rate was 64.3%. Entamoeba histolytica infection rate was higher (56.7%) than Giardia lamblia infection (7.5%). Regarding the seasonal effect on the infection rate, E. histolytica highest rate was observed in August (14.6%) and the lower rate was in September (9%). And the age related infections appear to be mostly in ages older than 35 years significantly (26.63%) followed by ages younger than 15 years (16.83%). In comparison, the infection could be considered non gender specific with a shallow elevation in males (29.4%) over the rate in females (27.3%). Regarding Giardia lamblia, the prevalence was considered significantly lower. The seasonal related infection considered much greater in May and June (2%) compared to July, August, September (125%,1.25%,1%) respectively. With convergent rate of infection retention among different ages or between females (3.2%) and males (4.3%).

Study of the infection rate of Entamoeba histolytica in children in some reference laboratories in Almarj, Libya

This study included about 262 samples collected from the age groups between 1 and 7 years. Some of these children have diarrhoea and their number is about 97, while others have diseases other than diarrhea. These samples were collected by five laboratories in the Libyan city of Al Marj in 2017 where that included (Ibn Zuhr Laboratory, Al-Razi Laboratory for Medical Analysis, Al-Rayada Hospital Laboratory , Almejhr Laboratory, and Tabebk laboratory). This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica infection and the relationship of infection to both gender, age and diarrhoeal status. Of the 262 stool samples examined by routine microscopy, E. histolytica had the highest incidence of intestinal parasites (34.73%), there was no significant relationship between E. histolytica infection to both age and gender. This is what the study concluded.