This article is about the protozoal parasite Entamoeba coli. For the bacterium, see
Escherichia coli.
Entamoeba coli is a non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba that frequently exists as a commensal parasite in the human gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, E. coli (not to be confused with the bacterium Escherichia coli) is important in medicine because it can be confused during microscopic examination of stained stool specimens with the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica.[1] While this differentiation is typically done by visual examination of the parasitic cysts via light microscopy, new methods using molecular biology techniques have been developed.[2]
Clinical significance
The presence of E.coli is not cause in and of itself to seek treatment as it is considered harmless.[3] However it should be noted that when a person becomes infected with this benign entamoeba, other pathogenic organisms may have been introduced as well, and these other pathogens might cause infection or illness.[4]
See also
References
Further reading
- Hashmey R, Genta RM, White Jr (1997). Parasites and Diarrhea. I: Protozoans and Diarrhea. 4. pp. 17–31. PMID 9815473.
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