The amoeba which can cause liver or lung abscesses is

The amoeba which can cause liver or lung abscesses is

• A. Entamoeba histolytica
• B. Entamoeba coli
• C. Acanthamoeba castellanii
• D. Naegleria fowleri

Answer: (A)

Pathogenicity with extraintestinal involvement is being tested. Entamoeba histolytica is the invasive amoeba that penetrates the intestinal wall and can form amebic liver abscesses; from a hepatic abscess, extension to the lung is a possible complication. In contrast, Entamoeba coli is a nonpathogenic commensal and does not cause liver abscesses; Acanthamoeba castellanii can cause keratitis and disseminated infection but is not a typical cause of liver or lung abscesses; Naegleria fowleri causes fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and does not produce liver or lung abscesses. Thus, Entamoeba histolytica best fits the description.

Pathogenicity with extraintestinal involvement is being tested. Entamoeba histolytica is the invasive amoeba that penetrates the intestinal wall and can form amebic liver abscesses; from a hepatic abscess, extension to the lung is a possible complication. In contrast, Entamoeba coli is a nonpathogenic commensal and does not cause liver abscesses; Acanthamoeba castellanii can cause keratitis and disseminated infection but is not a typical cause of liver or lung abscesses; Naegleria fowleri causes fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and does not produce liver or lung abscesses. Thus, Entamoeba histolytica best fits the description.