Protozoa Overview and Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a bacterial pathogen included in the differential diagnosis of histolytica intestinal amebiasis?

  • Vibrio cholerae (correct)
  • Escherichia coli
  • Salmonella
  • Shigella

What is the typical dosage of metronidazole for adults with intestinal amoebiasis?

  • 500 to 750 mg orally 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days (correct)
  • 2000 mg orally 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days
  • 125 mg orally 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days
  • 1000 mg orally 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days

Which of the following is a characteristic of Entamoeba coli cysts?

  • They have 8 nuclei and splinter-like chromatoid bodies. (correct)
  • They contain a single chromatoid body.
  • They have a smooth, rounded shape.
  • They have a single nucleus.

What is NOT a preventive measure for Entamoeba histolytica infection?

<p>Using a licensed vaccine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the medication commonly used as first-line treatment for Entamoeba histolytica infections?

<p>Metronidazole (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT listed as a possible differential diagnosis for extra-intestinal amebiasis caused by E. histolytica?

<p>Appendicitis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the stage of Entamoeba coli that has a sluggish movement and short, extended pseudopodia?

<p>Trophozoite (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Entamoeba coli trophozoites?

<p>They have a distinct ectoplasm and endoplasm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Trophozoite stage of Entamoeba coli in comparison to Entamoeba histolytica?

<p>It does not attack the mucosa and is considered non-pathogenic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can one differentiate the cyst of Entamoeba coli from that of Entamoeba histolytica?

<p>E.coli cysts have a larger size and can have 4-8 nuclei. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Entamoeba gingivalis?

<p>It exclusively lives in the mouth and does not invade tissues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of contact is involved in the transmission of Entamoeba gingivalis?

<p>Oral to oral contact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vacuoles are commonly found in the Trophozoite of Entamoeba gingivalis?

<p>Endocytotic vacuoles containing waste. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the cytoplasmic extensions that allow Amoeba to change shape and move?

<p>Pseudopodia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage do Amoeba primarily reproduce by binary fission?

<p>Trophozoite stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of protozoa?

<p>Unicellular eukaryotic with no cell walls (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reproductive process occurs in some protozoal species like Sporozoa?

<p>Meiotic reproduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which environmental conditions do Amoeba typically form an encysted stage?

<p>During harsh or unfavorable conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Amoeba's cytoplasm is primarily responsible for its movement?

<p>Ectoplasm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Amoeba' derive from?

<p>Greek for 'change' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main method through which Amoeba engulf food?

<p>Phagocytosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnostic stage of protozoa called?

<p>Trophozoite (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do protozoa in the Class Rhizopoda primarily move?

<p>Pseudopodia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protozoa is known to be pathogenic?

<p>Entamoeba histolytica (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are cysts in protozoa primarily characterized by?

<p>Dormancy and resistance to environmental stress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an intestinal amoeba?

<p>Acanthamoeba species (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment is Entamoeba histolytica more commonly found in?

<p>Tropical and subtropical countries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of multiplication for Trophozoites in protozoa?

<p>Binary fission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which free-living amoeba is associated with causing meningoencephalitis?

<p>Naegleria fowleri (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of E. histolytica is primarily responsible for invasiveness in the host?

<p>Trophozoites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which route is the most common for the transmission of amoebic cysts?

<p>Fecal-oral route (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of amoebic dysentery?

<p>Bloody diarrhea with mucus and pus cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to amoebic cysts in the stomach after ingestion?

<p>They are disintegrated by gastric juice. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the life cycle of E. histolytica, where do trophozoites invade to cause disease?

<p>Large intestine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the cysts of E. histolytica?

<p>They can serve as an infective form. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical features of Intestinal Amoebiasis during the incubation period?

<p>Symptoms can appear after one to four weeks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the lesions caused by trophozoites invading the colonic mucosa?

<p>Amoebic ulcers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What presents as intense colicky pain, rectal tenesmus, and more than 20 motions per day?

<p>Fulminant colitis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of stool would trophozoites typically be found?

<p>Liquid stool (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical feature is NOT associated with amoebic abscesses?

<p>Palpable abdominal mass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for diagnosing intestinal amoebiasis?

<p>Direct microscopic examination of stool (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which investigation method is specifically NOT useful for demonstrating trophozoites?

<p>Concentration procedures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of amoebic appendicitis?

<p>Acute right lower abdominal pain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which serological test can be used for diagnosing amoebic infections?

<p>Indirect hemagglutination (IHA) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of amoebic abscesses in extra-intestinal locations?

<p>Weight loss (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Protozoa

Unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms with no cell walls.

Amoeba

A single-celled organism that can change its shape.

Pseudopodia

Cytoplasmic extensions used for movement and feeding in amoebas.

Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction where a single cell splits into two identical cells.

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Trophozoite Stage

Active, growing stage of amoebas that reproduces by binary fission.

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Encysted Stage

A resistant form of amoeba that survives unfavorable conditions.

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Ectoplasm

Outer layer of cytoplasm in amoebas, involved in shape change.

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Endoplasm

Inner layer of cytoplasm in amoebas, contains organelles.

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Entamoeba histolytica

A protozoan that causes intestinal amebiasis and extra-intestinal infections.

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Bacterial pathogens

Bacteria like Shigella, E.coli, Salmonella, causing intestinal diseases.

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Preventive measures for E.histolytica

Avoiding contaminated food/water and treating asymptomatic carriers.

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First-line treatment for amebiasis

Metronidazole is the primary medication for intestinal amebiasis.

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Entamoeba coli

A common non-pathogenic amoeba found in humans.

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Entamoeba coli life cycle stages

Includes trophozoite and cyst stages.

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Symptoms of intestinal amebiasis

Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

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Cyst structure in Entamoeba coli

Mature cysts have 8 nuclei and splinter-like bodies.

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Trophozoites

The active, feeding stage of E. histolytica after ingestion.

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Amoebic cysts

Infective stage of E. histolytica, resistant in environment.

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Mode of Infection

Ways E. histolytica enters the body, mainly through food or water.

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Life cycle of E. histolytica

Process including ingestion of cysts and transformation into trophozoites.

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Intestinal Amoebiasis

Infection characterized by ulcerative lesions and dysentery symptoms.

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Amoebic dysentery

Severe form of intestinal amoebiasis with bloody diarrhea.

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Virulence factors

Properties of trophozoites that enable them to invade and cause damage.

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Extraintestinal Amoebiasis

Infection that spreads beyond the intestine, e.g., liver abscess.

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Amoebic appendicitis

A condition presenting with acute right lower abdominal pain due to amoebic infection.

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Fulminant colitis

A severe intestinal condition with intense pain, rectal urgency, and multiple daily motions.

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Amoebic abscess

An infection leading to fever, weight loss, and potential abscesses in the liver or other organs.

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Stool examination

Analysis of stool to find cysts or trophozoites in diagnosing intestinal amoebiasis.

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Stool antigen detection

Tests like ELISA to detect amoebic antigens in stool samples.

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Serology

Blood tests to identify amoebic antigens and antibodies for diagnosis.

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Molecular diagnosis

Advanced techniques like PCR used to detect Entamoeba histolytica genetic material.

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E. gingivalis

A parasite residing in human mouths; observed only in the trophozoite stage without cysts.

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Ingested particles in E. coli

E. coli trophozoite may contain RBCs and glycogen but these are not clearly visible.

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Transmission of E. gingivalis

Transmission occurs solely through oral contact; no cysts are formed.

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Cyst

The dormant, resistant stage of protozoa, often infectious.

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Pathogenic Amoebae

Amoebae that can cause disease, like E. histolytica.

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Nonpathogenic Amoebae

Amoebae that do not cause disease, like E. dispar.

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Class Rhizopoda

Protozoa that move by pseudopodia and reproduce via binary fission.

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Free-living Amoebae

Amoebae that exist outside hosts and may be opportunistic pathogens.

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Study Notes

Protozoa Overview

  • Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms.
  • They lack cell walls.
  • Many protozoa live singly, some in colonies.
  • Only a few are pathogenic to humans.

Protozoa Reproduction

  • Asexual reproduction: Mitotic binary fission produces two new daughter cells from one parent cell.
  • Sexual reproduction: Meiotic process, occurs in some species like Sporozoa.

Amoeba Characteristics

  • Amoeba is a single-celled protozoan that changes shape continuously.
  • Pseudopodia are cytoplasmic extensions that allow movement and engulfing of food (phagocytosis).
  • Amoeba has an outer ectoplasm layer and an inner endoplasm layer.
  • They multiply by binary fission when conditions are favorable.
  • Many species form cysts for survival during unfavorable conditions, transfer to new hosts

Classification of Clinically Important Protozoa

  • Classified based on mode of locomotion and site of infection.
  • Amoebas move using extensions.
  • Flagellates use whip-like structures.
  • Ciliates use cilia beating.
  • Sporozoans are non-motile in adult form.
  • Intestinal: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Blood & tissues: Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma, Leishmania

Entamoeba histolytica

  • Worldwide, more common in warm regions.
  • Three subspecies: E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, E. bangladeshi.
  • Causes amoebic dysentery (intestinal) and amoebic liver abscess.
  • Has a trophozoite and cyst stage.
  • Trophozoite multiplies in the intestines, eventually cysts are formed to survive unfavorable conditions.
  • Humans get infected through ingesting cysts in contaminated food/water.
  • Diagnosis: microscopic, stool culture, antigen tests, serology, and molecular.

Entamoeba coli

  • Cosmopolitan (found worldwide).
  • Two stages: Trophozoite and cyst.
  • Trophozoite doesn’t invade the intestinal mucosa, non-pathogenic.
  • Has 8 nuclei in the cyst stage..

Entamoeba gingivalis

  • Primarily found in the oral cavity of humans and other mammals.
  • Only the trophozoite stage is known.
  • Non-pathogenic but can ingest bacteria, leukocytes, and erythrocytes.
  • Transmission by oral-oral contact.

Lifecycle of E. histolytica

  • Infectious form: mature quadrinucleated cyst.
  • Cyst passes through the stomach, digestive enzymes break the cyst wall, and it transforms to the trophozoite.
  • Trophozoite multiplies in intestines, causing tissue damage and diarrhea (dysentery).
  • Cysts are formed and passed out in feces, completing the cycle

Prevention & Treatment of E. histolytica

  • Avoidance of ingesting contaminated food and water.
  • Treatment with metronidazole or similar drugs.

Pathogenesis of Amebiasis

  • Intestinal amoebiasis: Trophozoites invade colonic mucosa, causing ulcerative lesions and bloody diarrhea.
  • Extraintestinal amoebiasis: (e.g. liver abscess) involves the spread via blood to other organs.

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