Checklist of Endolimax species recognized in human and animals, a review on a neglected intestinal parasitic amoeba

Abstract

Objectives: Endolimax is a protozoan genus belongs to Amoebida order. The member of this genus occurrence in a vast range of vertebrate and invertebrate, but the species of this genus are not well studied. This review aimed to provide an updated list and some summarized information on Endolimax species, which were identified in human and animals up to the 2023.
 Methods: The present study was carried out to evaluate the Endolimax species with a broad review of the literature, books and electronic databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar until 2023. The hosts, pathogenicity, synonyms and distribution of valid species were considered and recorded.
 Results: Totally 20 defined species of Endolimax were found. Among them, only 12 species of Endolimax have been accepted as valid species. The valid species arranged by the host, including 1 species in human, 2 species in rodents, 1 species in birds, 2 species in reptiles, 1 species in amphibian, 4 species in arthropod and 1 species in fishes.
 Conclusion: Intensive studies are needed in order to identification of other new and valid species in different animals and their characteristics.

Food and Drinking Water as Sources of Pathogenic Protozoans: An Update

“…The intestinal colonization with Endolimax occurs after ingestion of mature cysts via the oral-fecal route. The trophozoite originates from the cyst and multiplies by binary fission in the host [25] where it feeds exclusively on bacteria [286]. The cysts are excreted in feces and can survive for two weeks at room temperature and two months at lower temperatures [25].…”

“…nana is considered a commensal in the colon and appendix but rare cases of abdominal pain, diarrhea, polyarthritis, and urticaria were found to be associated with this protozoan. A systematic review of E. nana prevalence showed that most data were obtained from general studies on intestinal parasites and very few case reports are available [25]. A recent case of chronic urticaria and prolonged occasional abdominal pain and diarrhea with weight loss after a journey to Vietnam involved a 34-year-old Italian woman.…”