title: [Entamoeba histolytica: a standing threat].
abstract: The importance and limitations of microscopic differential diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica in asymptomatic carriers is reviewed. The possibility that some nonpathogenic strains of E. histolytica could be Entamoeba hartmanni is discussed. The imperative necessity to encourage research in epidemiology and diagnosis is emphasized. The need to know the prevalence in Mexico and distinguish E. histolytica from E. hartmanni is also discussed. This differential diagnosis is fundamental in the treatment of carriers and in epidemiological studies. Treatment must be directed only to acute and chronic patients and asymptomatic carries who prepare food. Appropriate drugs are still metronidazole and quinolines.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Conde-Bonfil
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de la Mora-Zerpa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004747:Entamoeba / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D008795:Metronidazole
vernacular_title: Entamoeba histolytica: un desafío vigente.