Question

Causative agent of amoebiasis is
A. Amoeba proteus
B. Entamoeba histolytica
C. Entamoeba coli
D. Entamoeba gingivalis

Answer 1

Hint: Amoebiasis is also known as amoebic dysentery. This agent is found in the large intestine. Because it infects the large intestine. Abdominal pain and cramps, stool with blood clots and constipation are the major symptoms of this pathogen in the body.

Complete answer:
> Amoeba proteus is found on the dead decay part. It is non-pathogenic in nature. It does not cause amoebiasis. That’s why option “A” is incorrect.

> Entamoeba coli is beneficial for human beings. It is found in the intestine of humans. One of its beneficial effects includes synthesis of vitamin K. That’s why option “C” is incorrect.

> Entamoeba gingivalis infects the mouth of the body. It is responsible for poor dentition in infected patients. That’s why option “D” is incorrect.

> Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan. It acts as an endoparasite of humans. Because it infects the large intestine of the human. This pathogen is spread by means of house flies. House flies spread this pathogen from faeces of infected people to food. When humans intake this contaminated food, then this pathogen infects humans. It’s symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation and blood clots in stools. This disease is known as amoebiasis.

Hence, The correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
Pathogens are the disease causing agents. When they infect the host, then the host shows symptoms to the particular pathogen. The presence of symptoms inside the organism can be used to find the name of a pathogen. For example: Presence of abdominal pain, constipation and blood clots in stool depicts that pathogen can be Entamoeba histolytica.

Note: Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba gingivalis belong to the same genus. But they belong to different species. Entamoeba histolytica infects the large intestine.