The frequency of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection was analyzed in a rural community in the state of Morelos, Mexico, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sociodemographic variables as risk factors for the infection were assessed. Results highlighted the number of individuals with intestinal parasites (43.1%) in the community, indicating extensive fecalism. A high frequency of E. histolytica asymptomatic infection, higher than E. dispar infection (13.8% versus 9.6%), was detected by PCR. Anti-amebic antibody levels (IgG) in serum and saliva (IgA) samples were not associated with E. histolytica intestinal infection. These findings suggest a predominant distribution of E. histolytica strains of low invasive potential in this community.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether HIV-1 infected patients in our community were more susceptible to Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection than non-HIV-infected individuals. The prevalence and frequency of invasive amebiasis was determined in 203 HIV+/AIDS subjects and 140 close relatives or sexual partners, all of whom were HIV-. Anti-E. histolytica antibodies (IgG, IgA) were assessed as indicators of E. histolytica invasive infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the characterization of the Entamoeba species. The prevalence estimated with PCR data showed that E. histolytica infection was more common in the HIV+/AIDS group (25.32%), than in HIV- contacts (18.46%). E. histolytica + E. dispar infection was more frequent in HIV+/AIDS patients (13.3%), than in HIV- contacts (0.7%). E. histolytica and/or E. dispar infection was highly prevalent in HIV+/AIDS patients (34.1%) without evidence of recent or current invasive disease. Contacts of HIV+/AIDS patients who were infected with E. histolytica were asymptomatic cyst passers. Our results suggest that E. histolytica strains prevalent in the studied community appear to be of low pathogenic potential.

In accordance with the 1997 documents of the World Health Organization (WHO), amoebiasis is defined as the infection by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica with or without clinical manifestations. The only known natural host of E. histolytica is the human with the large intestine as major target organ. This parasite has a very simple life cycle in which the infective form is the cyst, considered a resistant form of parasite: The asymptomatic cyst passers and the intestinal amoebiasis patients are the transmitters; they excrete cysts in their feces, which can contaminate food and water sources. E. histolytica sensu stricto is the potentially pathogenic species and E. dispar is a commensal non-pathogenic Entamoeba. Both species are biochemical, immunological and genetically distinct. The knowledge of both species with different pathogenic phenotypes comes from a large scientific debate during the second half of the 20th century, which gave place to the rapid development of diagnostics technology based on molecular and immunological strategies. During the last ten years, knowledge of the new epidemiology of amoebiasis in different geographic endemic and non-endemic areas has been obtained by applying mostly molecular techniques. In the present work we highlight novelties on human infection and the disease that can help the general physician from both endemic and non-endemic countries in their medical practice, particularly, now that emigration is undoubtedly a global phenomenon that is modifying the previous geography of infectious diseases worldwide.

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