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Amoebozoa parasite of reptiles
- Entamoeba invadens is an amoebozoa parasite of reptiles, within the genus Entamoeba. It is closely related to the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causing similar invasive disease in reptiles, in addition to a similar morphology and lifecycle.
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Entamoeba invadens is an amoebozoa parasite of reptiles, within the genus Entamoeba. It is closely related to the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causing similar invasive disease in reptiles, [1] in addition to a similar morphology and lifecycle. [2] High risk species.
- E. invadens
- Entamoeba
Entamoeba invadens is a reptilian enteric protozoan parasite closely related to the human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica and a good model organism of encystation.
Numerous protozoans are found in reptiles; most are harmless commensals. The most serious protozoal pathogen of reptiles, especially snakes, is Entamoeba invadens. Clinical signs are anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, mucoidal or hemorrhagic diarrhea, and death. Entamoebiasis may be epidemic in large snake collections.
Entamoeba invadens is a species that can cause a disease similar to E. histolytica but in reptiles. In contrast to other species, E. invadens forms cysts in vitro in the absence of bacteria and is used as a model system to study this aspect of the life cycle.
- Entamoeba, Casagrandi & Barbagallo, 1897
- Entamoebidae
Although many species of amoebas can be found in reptiles, Entamoeba invadens is the most clinically important parasite. Entamoeba invadens is associated with high mortality in affected snakes and lizards. The infective cysts are passed in the feces and are very stable in the environment.
Definition. Entamoeba invadens is a commensal protozoan living in the gastrointestinal tract of many herbivorous reptiles. However, in snakes and carnivorous lizards/chelonians, this amoeba may cause damage to the intestinal mucosa resulting in hemorrhagic enteritis, colitis, and hepatitis. Synonyms.
Infection with Entamoeba histolytica (and E.dispar) occurs via ingestion of mature cysts from fecally contaminated food, water, or hands. Exposure to infectious cysts and trophozoites in fecal matter during sexual contact may also occur. Excystation occurs in the small intestine and trophozoites are released, which migrate to the large intestine.
