Understanding The Epidemiology Of Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Amoebiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect most rural communities in the developing world which has posed a public health problem on human development. Up to date, there are still large gaps in the understanding of Entamoeba species prevalence rates in different regions of the world particularly African continent where few studies using molecular methods is conducted. In order to address this challenge, there is need to implement species-specific diagnosis of Entamoeba species, particularly where these organisms are endemic. Based on the limited information available, it appears that molecular and genomic studies are still needed in synergy with epidemiology studies in order to get better understanding of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The parasite strains from Africa still need to have its genome sequenced. Comparative genomics will probably allow the understanding of the pathogenicity of some strains of E. histolytica compared to non-pathogenic strains. Further collaborations between scientists from the developed world and those from the developing countries are keys to unlocking the epidemiology of the parasite.