Amebic colitis: new insights into pathogenesis and treatment.
Amebiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, affects more than 50 million people worldwide, with over 100,000 deaths annually. The majority of cases are asymptomatic; however, significant morbidity and mortality are associated with illness in the remaining 10% of cases. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of infection by E. histolytica, the role of the innate immune system, and the role of genetic disposition to infection will allow the development of novel detection and treatment methods. The disease mechanisms, clinical findings, therapeutic strategies, and important developments regarding amebiasis are discussed here.
Bercu
Tracy E
TE
Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. Wap3g@virginia.edu
Petri
William A
WA
Behm
Jr W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D004404:Dysentery, Amebic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014011:Tinidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016052:Protozoan Vaccines; D014011:Tinidazole