Background: Intestinal Amoebiasis, driven by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, presents a persistent public health problem across East Africa. Due to diagnostic overlaps with non-pathogenic look alikes, tracking the specific circulation of infectious cysts remains challenging. This study synthesized regional data to map prevalence patterns and dominant transmission risks.
Results: The average regional prevalence of E. histolytica stands at 16.5%, with significant fluctuations across hot spots. Stool antigen and nested PCR testing successfully differentiated true pathogenic species from Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii. Surface-water reliance, improper hand hygiene, and open defecation showed the strongest correlations with high cyst shedding.
- Quote paper
- Dr. MD, Mmed. Medical Specialist Paul Shimba Alphonce (Author), 2026, Epidemiological Burden and Risk Factors of Circulating Entamoeba Histolytica Cysts in East Africa: A Regional Meta-Analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1744670