The life cycle of Entamoeba coli, a non-pathogenic amoeba, involves two stages: the cyst stage and the trophozoite stage.
1. Cyst Stage: - The life cycle begins with the ingestion of mature cysts of Entamoeba coli through contaminated food or water. - The cysts pass through the stomach and reach the small intestine. - In the small intestine, the cysts are exposed to the acidic environment and the action of digestive enzymes. - The cysts then undergo excystation, where the protective cyst wall is broken, and the trophozoites are released.
2. Trophozoite Stage: - The released trophozoites are the active feeding and multiplying stage of Entamoeba coli. - They move to the large intestine, where they attach to the intestinal wall using pseudopodia (temporary extensions of the cell membrane). - The trophozoites feed on bacteria and other debris present in the intestine. - They multiply by binary fission, where one trophozoite divides into two identical daughter cells. - The trophozoites can also encyst under unfavorable conditions, such as dehydration or lack of nutrients.
3. Encystation: - Encystation is the process by which trophozoites transform into cysts. - The trophozoites round up and develop a protective cyst wall around themselves. - The cysts are resistant to environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, pH, and desiccation. - The cysts are excreted in the feces of the infected individual, allowing them to contaminate the environment.
4. Transmission: - The mature cysts of Entamoeba coli are passed in the feces of the infected individual. - These cysts can contaminate soil, water, or food, becoming a source of infection for others. - The cysts can survive in the environment for extended periods, waiting to be ingested by a new host.
Overall, the life cycle of Entamoeba coli involves the ingestion of cysts, excystation in the small intestine, trophozoite colonization and multiplication in the large intestine, encystation, and the excretion of cysts in the feces, completing the cycle. It is important to note that Entamoeba coli is considered a non-pathogenic species and does not cause disease in humans.