Clinical significance of the redefinition of the agent of amoebiasis.

Entamoeba histolytica is the pathogenic species of Entamoeba that causes amoebic dysentery and other invasive disease. The morphologically similar species, E. dispar, is non-pathogenic and accounts for about 90% of the previously estimated 500 million E. histolytica infections world-wide. Because of the recent redefinition of E. histolytica and E. dispar, and the limited number of drugs available to treat amoebiasis, a new approach to treatment of individuals carrying these parasites is necessary. A meeting of eminent scientists has recently agreed that on no account should prophylaxis against amoebiasis be given, and no treatment without symptoms should be administered. The expense of treating asymptomatic individuals, both monetary and at the risk of over-use of precious drugs, does not appear to be justified. It would seem wise that we preserve currently effective anti-amoebic drugs and avoid the development of drug-resistant E. histolytica.