A minute protozoan organism consisting of a single cell, in which a nucleus is surrounded by protoplasm that changes its shape as the protozoon progresses or absorbs nourishment. Several varieties are found under diﬀerent conditions within the human body. One variety, Entamoeba coli, is found in the large intestine of humans without any associated disease; another, Entamoeba gingivalis, is found in the sockets of the teeth and associated with PYORRHOEA. Entamoeba histolytica is the causative organism of amoebic dysentery (see DYSENTERY); Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri cause the infection of the brain known as MENINGOENCEPHALITIS. Entamoeba histolytica may also cause meningoencephalitis. Other forms are found in the genital organs.
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