Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis

Introduction

The paper discusses about “Amoebiasis”, which is a diseases caused by a protozoan species of micro organisms, in a holistic context. The paper mentions as to how the disease is transmitted, highlights the characteristics of the disease, includes the transmission of giardiasis, mentions as to how trichomoniasis is classified as a sexually transmitted disease and covers the effective methods of treating protozoan infections.

Discussion

Agent of Amoebiasis and Mode of Transmission

Amoebiasis is amongst the diseases that are spreading worldwide at a very fast rate. The diseases are caused by an anaerobic parasitic protozoan known as “Entamoeba histolytica”, the causative agent of the disease (Ryan & Ray, 2004). The Figure 1 on the next page presents a enlarged scanned image of “Entamoeba histolytica”. The agent is found to exist in two different stages: a nonmotile cystic stage as well as the motile trophozoites stage.

The transmission of the agent can occur by one of the many modes of transmissions. The most common modes of transmission are when the parasitic agent enters the human body through the mouth. This mainly occurs due to swallowing something that is infected by the parasite. Other than that, the disease can also spread through the contaminated hands of the infected person. Furthermore, the disease can also be transmitted by sexual activity (Ryan & Ray, 2004).

Figure 1: Entamoeba histolytica

Characteristics and Transmission of Giardiasis

Giardiasis is the disease caused by the flagellate protozoan also termed as the “Giardia lamblia” (Betancourt & Rose, 2004). The organism is found to have strong resemblance with a “smiley face”, which can be evident if the organism is split and stained. Figure 2 below is an enlarged image of “Giardia lamblia”.

Figure 2: “Giardia lamblia”

It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water as well as food items. It can also be acquired from unwashed hands. In short, it ...