ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Entamoeba histolytica in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Amoebiasis has likely existed since human beings first diverged from their immediate predecessors through evolution. Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica; it has a great impact on public health, especially in developing countries. It is estimated that E. histolytica causes 50 million cases of disease and 40,000-100,000 deaths per year; however, many aspects of the host-parasite relationship are poorly understood. E. histolytica progresses through two different stages: a trophozoite or vegetative motile form and a cyst, the resistant and infective form. Infection in human occurs when E. histolytica cysts present in food or in water contaminated with feces are ingested. Some agents are active against anaerobic protozoa such as E. histolytica.
