Life Cycles of Entamoeba Histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled parasite (protozoa) that is transmitted by contaminated food and water. Like most parasites, entamoeba histolytica lives in and travels through the digestive track and can only survive in unsanitary environments.

Infection

• The host must consume food or water that was contaminated with fecal matter from another infected individual. Entamoeba histolytica cysts (eggs) live are excreted in fecal matter and will remain dormant until they are in a host.

Hatching

• Once the host has ingested the cyst, excystation, or hatching, occurs in the small intestine.

Multiplication

• The mature entamoeba histolytica, also known as trophozoites, multiply as they travel through the small and large intestines.

Excretion

• The new cysts created by the trophozoites are excreted from the host's body in stool and the life cycle begins again. The trophozoites are also excreted but cannot survive outside the intestines.

Invasion

• When the trophozoites remain in the host's body, the host has an invasive infection. The parasites might live in the intestinal walls or travel to the bloodstream, where they can affect the heart or lungs.