Molecular epidemiology, evolution, and phylogeny of Entamoeba spp.

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans. The estimations of the worldwide burden of amoebiasis by the WHO indicated that approximately 500 million people were infected with the parasite and 10% of these individuals had invasive amoebiasis. However, our understanding of the disease burden and epidemiology of human amebiasis has undergone dramatic changes over the last two decades based on molecular analyses. The development of Entamoeba genomics has also provided some interesting and valuable information on the evolution and population structure of this parasite. In addition, the use of a number of molecular markers has greatly expanded our understanding of Entamoeba host range and genetic diversity. In this review, we re-assessed Entamoeba prevalence and species in humans, non-human primates, other animals, and the environment in the context of molecular data. Some issues regarding the evolution and phylogeny of different Entamoeba species lineages are also discussed.