Question

A patient showed symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain and stools with excess mucous and blood clots. Name the disease and its pathogen. Where do these pathogens live in the victim’s body? Name the mechanical carrier that transmits this parasite.

Answer 1

The patient is suffering from Amoebic Dysentry (Amoebiasis) caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It lives in the colon of the infected person feeding on the colon cells. Houseflies act as mechanical carriers and serve to transmit the parasite from faeces of infected person to food and food products, thereby contaminating them. Drinking water and food contaminated by the faecal matter are the main source of infection.