What species is responsible for causing amebic dysentery?

Entamoeba histolytica is the species responsible for causing amebic dysentery, which is a severe intestinal infection characterized by diarrhea that can be bloody and accompanied by abdominal pain. This pathogen infects the intestinal lining and can lead to more serious complications such as liver abscesses if not treated adequately.

Understanding the characteristics of Entamoeba histolytica is crucial. It is a protozoan parasite that spreads through contaminated food and water, often in areas with poor sanitation. Unlike other related amoebae, such as Acanthamoeba castellanii—which is associated with eye infections—or Giardia lamblia, which causes giardiasis, amebic dysentery is specifically linked to Entamoeba histolytica. Naegleria fowleri is another specific amoeba, known for causing a rare but deadly brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, further distinguishing its pathogenic profile from that of Entamoeba histolytica.