New Diarrhoea Causing Parasite: Entamoeba moshkovskii

• 18 Jul 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

The recent three-year surveillance study by the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED) reveals the emergence of Entamoeba moshkovskii (E. Moshkovskii) as a leading pathogen causing diarrhoea outbreaks in the Kolkata region.

• The previously non-pathogenic amoeba, Entamoeba moshkovskii, has now become the primary cause of amoebic infections, surpassing the once dominant pathogen, E. histolytica.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

• Prevalence of Entamoeba moshkovskii:
  • The study found that over 3% of patients with diarrhoea were infected with E. moshkovskii, making it the leading cause of amoebic infections in humans in Kolkata.
• The decline of E. histolytica:
  • Infections caused by E. histolytica, the previous predominant amoeba pathogen, were decreasing, while E. moshkovskii was taking its place.
• Unique Seasonal Pattern:
  • Unlike E. histolytica, which usually peaked during the wet season and decreased during the dry season, E. moshkovskii infections in Kolkata exhibited two distinct infection peaks coinciding with the summer and post-fall seasons.
• Age Predominance:
  • E. moshkovskii infections were most prevalent in children aged 5-12 years.
• Pathogenic Potential:
  • The study indicated that E. moshkovskii may act as a "potential" pathogen, causing diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disorders, rather than solely being a commensal of the human gut.
• Molecular Identification:
  • Due to the morphological similarities between E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii, PCR-based molecular identification was used to differentiate between the two.
    • E. moshkovskii was identified in over 50% of diarrhoea cases caused by amoebic parasites.

What is Entamoeba moshkovskii?

• About:
  • It belongs to the same genus as E. histolytica but has distinct genetic and biochemical traits.
  • Originally isolated from sewage in Moscow in 1941.
  • Found in soil, water, and animals.
• Symptoms:
  • Causes problems like diarrhea, tummy pain, fever, and dehydration.
  • It can damage the intestines, leading to ulcers, bleeding, or even serious issues like infections in the liver.
• Transmission:
  • People can get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
  • Direct contact with poop can also spread the infection.
• Diagnosis Challenges:
  • Looks like Entamoeba histolytica under a microscope, so it's hard to tell them apart.
  • Special tests like PCR or DNA sequencing are needed for accurate identification.
• Treatment:
  • Treating infections caused by Entamoeba moshkovskii can be tricky.
  • The usual drugs used for amoebic infections may not work well.
  • More research is needed to find the best treatment options.