Entamoeba histolytica is a disease-causing parasite that can affect anyone, although it is more common in those who lived or travelled in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Diagnosis can be difficult since, under a microscope, it looks similar to other parasites such as Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba hartmanii. The latter two parasites generally do not cause illness.

Entamoeba histolytica is transmitted via the oral-fecal route or from contaminated food or surfaces. Infected people do not always become sick and symptoms are often mild including stomach cramps and loose stools. This parasite can infect the liver or spread to other parts of the body including the lungs and brain, although this is not as common. Research has shown that in a small percentage of patients with amebic liver abscess, the infection can cause brain abscess with the patient presenting with central nervous system symptoms. 

Potential treatment:

Treatment for infection with Entamoeba histolytica includes antiparasitic drug therapy and may include a combination based on the severity of infection.