Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae infection

Related Key Words and Synonyms: Iodamoeba buetschlii infection

Where do these parasites live in the body?
They are found only in the intestines, never in other parts of the body.

What is non-pathogenic intestinal amebae?
Some parasites that are commonly found in peoples' intestines and stool specimens never make them sick. Germs that don't cause illness are called "nonpathogenic." These parasites do not harm the body, even in people with weak immune systems.

The following is a list of these parasites (amebae):


 * Chilomastix mesnili
 * Endolimax nana
 * Entamoeba coli
 * Entamoeba dispar
 * Entamoeba hartmanni
 * Iodamoeba buetschlii

How did a patient become infected?
You might have become infected by swallowing something, such as food or water, or touching something (and then putting your fingers in your mouth) that was contaminated with stool from an infected person.

How long could these parasites stay in my body?
For weeks, months, or years. But they never spread from the intestines to other parts of the body.

How is infection diagnosed?
By seeing the parasites in samples of stool.

Can these parasites cause symptoms?
No.