Hartmanella and Acanthamoeba species
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Pathogenesis--(mild disease process). At one time, the disease caused by N.
fowleri was thought to be caused by these two genera. At present, it is believed that
there is no pathogenicity caused by Hartmanella species, but Acanthamoeba species
are still believed to produce infection in man.
Laboratory identification--same as N. fowleri except for the absence of the
flagellated stage.
ORGANISM 6 -- Ensolimax nana
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
COMMON NAME: None.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Cosmopolitan.
PATHOGENESIS: Nonpathogenic.
HABITAT: Intestines (colon).
INTERMEDIATE HOST: None.
RESERVOIR HOST: None.
INFECTED FORM: Mature, quadrinucleated cyst.
MODE OF INFECTION: Ingestion.
LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION:
SPECIMEN SOURCE: Feces.
Figure 1-15. Life cycle of Endolimax nana.
MD0842
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