Non-Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa - An Overview

What Is Non-Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa?

Non-pathogenic intestinal protozoa are single-celled parasites that are frequently present in the intestine but never cause disease. They have no adverse effects on the body, even in persons with compromised immune systems. Because of this, they are called "non-pathogenic," which means that they are incapable of causing disease.

What Are the Examples of Non-Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa?

Non-pathogenic intestinal protozoa include the following microorganisms:

• Entamoeba Coli: E.coli is a non-pathogenic Entamoeba species that lives as a commensal parasite in the human gastrointestinal tract. E. coli should not be confused with the bacterium Escherichia coli. Most of the time, during the microscopic analysis of stained stool specimens Entamoeba coli can be confused with the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of E. coli is not reason enough to seek therapy because it is deemed innocuous. When a person becomes infected with this harmless entamoeba, other harmful organisms may be introduced, and these other pathogens may cause infection or disease.

• Entamoeba Dispar: Entamoeba dispar is currently recognized as a distinct species; it is non-pathogenic and has not been linked to symptomatic amebiasis in humans. It is morphologically similar to Entamoeba histolytica, however, the trophozoites do not show similar features. In animals, Entamoeba dispar can cause varied localized intestinal lesions and can destroy epithelial cell monolayers in vitro. There are also some indications that pathogenic alterations may occur in some humans after infection with E. dispar. However, no substantial case-control studies have been conducted to determine this organism's true pathogenic potential.

• Entamoeba Hartmanni: This tiny amoeba lives inside the human body and colonizes the colon. Entamoeba histolytica, for which it is sometimes misidentified, is morphologically identical. Hence, for making an accurate diagnosis, size and appearance after staining are important.

• Entamoeba Polecki: Entamoeba polecki is a single-celled parasite found in the intestines of pigs and monkeys. It can also be found in cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and humans. Humans become infected by eating the parasite. Entamoeba histolytica is commonly mistaken for the parasite. Although Entamoeba polecki is rarely discovered in people, it has a vast and unpredictable epidemiology. The disease is far more prevalent in rural areas than in urban settings. Because Entamoeba policy has been linked to both zoonotic and fecal-oral transmission, several public health and preventative interventions are conceivable and should be addressed. The most apparent is limited contact with pigs and monkeys.

• Iodamoeba Butschlii: Its iodine-staining look gives rise to its name. Bütschlii is a non-pathogenic parasite ameba that is often found in the large intestines of humans, pigs, and other mammals. Iodamoeba butschlii is found all over the world. Pigs are frequently targeted by these protozoa because they are the most likely original host. Iodamoeba butschlii is a parasite that is not pathogenic. Because non-pathogenic and pathogenic parasites share similar traits, this parasite is sometimes misidentified as a pathogenic parasite. In terms of diseases, this non-pathogenic protozoa is rare in humans, and its prevalence is around four to eight percent only.

• Chilomastix Mesnili: It affects around 3.5 percent of the population in the United States. Chilomastix can also be seen in chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, and pigs, in addition to humans. Furthermore, it is present in the cecum and colon. Although Chilomastix mesnili is considered non-pathogenic, it is frequently found in conjunction with other parasite diseases. Chilomastix mesnili may be confused with other pathogenic species during the diagnostic process.

• Endolimax Nana: Endolimax is a genus of amoeba found in the intestines of numerous animals, including humans. Although it was originally assumed to be non-pathogenic, research has shown that it can induce intermittent or chronic diarrhea. Furthermore, it is important in medicine because it can generate false positives for other tests, particularly when the bacterium is responsible for amoebic dysentery. The bacterium that is responsible for amoebic dysentery is Entamoeba histolytica, and its presence suggests the host has absorbed fecal material. It produces cysts with four nuclei, which exist in the body and transform into trophozoites.

• Plasmodium Falciparum: Plasmodium falciparum can be pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Plasmodium falciparum is a pathogenic protozoan that causes a severe form of malaria in humans. The severity of infections can cause life-threatening complications, such as cerebral malaria. The non-pathogenic form of Plasmodium falciparum does not cause severe illness in humans. In some cases, the non-pathogenic form of Plasmodium does not cause severe illnesses in humans. In some cases, it causes mild symptoms and is sometimes asymptomatic.

What Is the Life Cycle of Non-Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa?

Non-pathogenic protozoa, such as Entamoeba coli, E. hartmanni, E. polecki, Endolimax nana, and Iodamoeba buetschlii live in the large intestine of the human host. These species pass trophozoites and cysts in their feces, and both are regarded as diagnostic. In contrast to trophozoites, which are frequently detected in diarrheal feces, cysts are typically found in formed stool.

When mature cysts are consumed in feces-contaminated food, water, or fomites, the colonization of non-pathogenic amebae occurs. Excystation takes place in the small intestine and trophozoites are released, and they travel to the large intestine. Furthermore, these trophozoites reproduce through binary fission and form cysts, and both stages are expelled in the stools.

Because of the protection provided by their cell walls, cysts can live in the external environment for days to weeks and are liable for transmission. Trophozoites passed in the stool are quickly destroyed once outside the body and, if consumed, would not survive exposure to the gastrointestinal environment.

How Is Non-Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa Diagnosed?

The common diagnostic approaches for non-pathogenic intestinal protozoa are as follows:

• Stool Examination: The healthcare provider may take stool samples and send them to a laboratory for microscopic examination. The presence of protozoa cysts or trophozoites indicates the presence of non-pathogenic intestinal protozoa.

• Molecular Techniques: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays can help in diagnosing specific detecting deoxyribose nucleic acids (DNA) sequences of non-pathogenic protozoa.

• Serological Tests: Blood tests are recommended to find antibodies against certain protozoa.

Conclusion

Non-pathogenic intestinal protozoans are harmless and have no adverse effects on the human body. However, their presence indicates fecal-oral transmission, which is a true sign of a lack of sanitary conditions. Therefore, to prevent this, one should maintain proper hygiene and avoid contaminated or infected food and water. This should be especially considered while eating outside.