Entameba

/ɛnˈtæmiːbə/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic amoebas (single-celled organisms) that infect the human intestine, causing dysentery and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Etymology

From 'ent-' (inside, intestinal, from Greek 'enteron') + 'amoeba' (from Greek 'amoibe,' meaning change). The scientific name literally means 'intestine-changing organism' and was named because it lives in and affects the intestines.

Kelly Says

Entameba histolytica has killed more people throughout history than any virus—it destroys intestinal tissue and causes bloody diarrhea, and it's still a major killer in areas without clean water, making it one of the most successful human parasites ever.

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