Question

Which of the following Protozoa cause Liver infection?

• A. Entamoeba
• B. Trypanosome
• C. Acanthamoeba
• D. Trichomonas

Hint:

Entamoeba histolytica is the only protozoan known for causing amoebic liver abscess.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding liver infections by protozoa.
Among protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica is the main causative agent of amoebic liver abscess.
It invades the intestinal wall and spreads via the portal vein to the liver, leading to abscess formation.
Step 2: Clinical features.
Patients typically present with fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and sometimes jaundice.
Untreated cases may lead to rupture of the abscess and life-threatening complications.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (A) Entamoeba: Correct, as Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic liver abscess.
- (B) Trypanosome: Causes sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei) or Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), not liver infection.
- (C) Acanthamoeba: Causes keratitis and encephalitis, not liver infection.
- (D) Trichomonas: Causes urogenital infections, not liver infection.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The protozoan responsible for liver infection is Entamoeba histolytica.