What is Entamoeba coli?

Entamoeba coli, sometimes simply called E. coli (not to be confused with the bacteria Escherichia coli that is most commonly associated with the word E. coli), is a type of parasite that can live in our digestive tract. Unlike its cousin Entamoeba histolytica, which can cause serious illness, Entamoeba coli is generally considered harmless. It's one of the many tiny organisms that make their home inside us, and for the most part, they live quietly without causing any fuss. But just what is Entamoeba coli, and why is it important to know about it?

Understanding Entamoeba coli

Entamoeba coli is a single-celled organism, and like all amoebas, it can change shape as it moves. In its lifecycle, it has two stages: the cyst and the trophozoite. The cyst is like a tough little bubble that protects the amoeba when it's outside the body, waiting to hitch a ride with the next host. The trophozoite is the active form that lives in your intestines, and it's the stage that does all the eating and moving around. (1)

The Trophozoite Stage of Entamoeba coli

When we talk about the trophozoite, we're referring to the version of Entamoeba coli that's actively living in your intestines. This is the stage where it feeds and grows. While it's not contributing to our health or helping out like some other bacteria in our intestines might, it's also not causing the kind of harm that some other parasites do. Essentially, Entamoeba coli is living in your gut without being beneficial or particularly harmful. It's part of the complex mix of microbes that live in the human digestive system. Now, the cyst form of Entamoeba coli is how this amoeba travels. These cysts are tough and can survive outside the body until they find a new host to inhabit. (2)

The Cyst Stage of Entamoeba coli

The cyst form of Entamoeba coli is how this microscopic parasite gets around. When you consume food or water that's been contaminated with feces containing Entamoeba coli cysts (yeah, it's a bit gross), you might end up with these cysts passing into your digestive system. Once they're inside you, they come out of their shell, so to speak, and turn into trophozoites. (2)

Diagnosing Entamoeba coli

So, how do you know if Entamoeba coli has made its way into your system? In most cases, you wouldn't because it usually doesn't make you sick. However, if your doctor suspects you've got some unwanted guests in your gut, they might take a stool sample and look at it under a microscope. Among the myriad of potential organisms that can be found in a stool sample, Entamoeba coli may be one of them – as either Entamoeba coli cysts or trophozoites.

What Does Entamoeba coli Do? 

For the most part, Entamoeba coli minds its own business. It's considered nonpathogenic and is not known to cause illness in humans. That said, just because it doesn't make you sick doesn't mean it's not worth paying attention to. It can indicate that water or food you have been consuming might be contaminated with other organisms, some of which could be harmful.

Since Entamoeba coli is not a disease-causing parasite, living with it doesn't generally require treatment. It's a reminder, though, of the importance of good hygiene practices to prevent other, more harmful organisms from setting up shop in your gut.

Preventing Unwanted Microscopic Hitchhikers

Preventing parasites, in general, comes down to hygiene. Washing your hands regularly, making sure your food is properly cooked, and drinking safe, clean water are your best defenses. Entamoeba coli might not be a problem by itself, but taking steps to avoid it can help keep you safe from other, more dangerous amoebas and microbes.

It may also be beneficial to periodically do a parasite detox cleanse. Our Parasite Detox Tonic is a powerful antiparasitic formula that may help to eliminate a variety of different parasitic organisms. Doing a cleanse with this formula a few times a year can help to rid your gut of unwanted hitchhikers. Of course, make sure to consult with your doctor to ensure this supplement is right for you, especially if you are currently taking any medications.

Summary

So, what is Entamoeba coli? It's a mostly harmless tenant of your gut, an amoeba that lives quietly among many others in the complex community of our digestive system. Understanding Entamoeba coli and its cysts is all about understanding the little ecosystem inside us and how to keep it balanced. By taking care of ourselves with basic hygiene, we're not just protecting against this particular amoeba; we're keeping the whole system in check.

The world of microbes is vast and varied, and Entamoeba coli is just one of the many microorganisms that we share our bodies with. It's a part of the diverse world inside us that we're just beginning to understand. Knowing about Entamoeba coli is a step toward understanding how to live in harmony with these tiny life forms and how to protect ourselves from the ones that could cause harm.

References

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564412/

2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/entamoeba-coli