Daily Current Affairs : 17-July-2023
A recent surveillance study conducted from March 2017 to February 2020 in Kolkata has brought to light a concerning development in the realm of amoebiasis. Amoebiasis is a type of diarrhoea caused by a microscopic parasite known as Entamoeba histolytica, which is transmitted through human feces. Traditionally, this pathogen has been the primary cause of amoebiasis, but the study has revealed a shift in the landscape, with a previously non-pathogenic amoeba, E. moshkovskii, now becoming a threat to human health.
Key Findings:
The research yielded significant insights into the changing patterns of amoeba infections in Kolkata:
- Replacement of E. histolytica with E. moshkovskii:
- E. histolytica, which was previously the predominant amoeba pathogen causing amoebiasis, is now on the decline.
- Instead, E. moshkovskii has emerged as a new pathogen responsible for causing amoebiasis in humans.
- Multiple Causes of Diarrhoea:
- Diarrhoea can be triggered by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, and amoeba pathogens.
- In this study, the focus was on amoeba-related diarrhoea caused by E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii.
- Seasonal Patterns of Infections:
- Infections caused by E. histolytica peaked during the wet season when the environment favored its transmission. These infections declined with the onset of the dry season.
- In contrast, E. moshkovskii exhibited a different seasonal pattern, with infection peaks coinciding with the summer and post-fall seasons. This indicates a unique set of environmental factors favoring its spread during these periods.
Amoebiasis: An Overview
Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic parasite transmitted through the feces of infected individuals. While some infected people may not display any symptoms, others may experience diarrhoea, nausea, and weight loss. It is crucial to note that the parasite solely resides in humans and is passed through feces.
Implications of the Study:
The identification of E. moshkovskii as a newly pathogenic amoeba in Kolkata has several implications for public health and research:
- Diagnostic Challenges:
- Healthcare providers must now consider E. moshkovskii as a potential causative agent of amoebiasis when diagnosing patients with diarrhoeal illnesses. This underscores the importance of accurate and comprehensive diagnostic methods to distinguish between various amoeba species.
- Surveillance and Monitoring:
- The findings emphasize the necessity of ongoing surveillance and monitoring of amoeba infections in the region. Understanding the prevalence and seasonal patterns of both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii infections can aid in developing targeted prevention and control strategies.
- Environmental Factors:
- The study’s revelation of distinct seasonal patterns of infection between the two amoeba pathogens indicates the influence of environmental factors on their transmission. Further research is required to identify these factors and assess how they contribute to the emergence of E. moshkovskii as a pathogen.
Important Points:
- A three-year surveillance study in Kolkata revealed a significant shift in amoeba infections.
- E. histolytica, the traditional pathogen causing amoebiasis, is decreasing in prevalence.
- E. moshkovskii has emerged as a new pathogen causing amoebiasis in humans.
- Amoebiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by Entamoeba histolytica, transmitted through human feces.
- Diarrhoea can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and amoeba pathogens.
- Infections caused by E. histolytica peak during the wet season and decline during the dry season.
- E. moshkovskii infections peak during the summer and post-fall seasons, indicating distinct seasonal patterns.
- The emergence of E. moshkovskii poses diagnostic challenges for healthcare providers in differentiating between amoeba species.
- Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of amoeba infections are crucial to develop prevention and control strategies.
- Environmental factors play a role in the transmission of both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii.
- Further research is needed to identify and understand these environmental factors.
- The study highlights the importance of accurate and comprehensive diagnostic methods for amoebiasis.
- Targeted public health interventions are necessary to combat the spread of E. moshkovskii and protect human health in the region.
Why In News
Over the course of a three-year surveillance study conducted between March 2017 and February 2020 in Kolkata, researchers made a startling discovery: an amoeba pathogen that had previously been harmless to humans has undergone a transformation, becoming pathogenic and leading to an increase in amoebiasis cases.
MCQs about Changing Patterns of Amoebiasis in Kolkata
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What major finding did the three-year surveillance study in Kolkata reveal about amoebiasis?
A. Infections caused by E. histolytica are increasing.
B. E. moshkovskii is the predominant amoeba pathogen causing amoebiasis.
C. Amoebiasis is caused by bacteria and viruses.
D. The study did not find any significant changes in amoeba infections.
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What are the two primary factors responsible for causing diarrhoea?
A. Bacteria and viruses
B. Amoeba and parasites
C. Viruses and amoeba pathogens
D. Bacteria and parasites
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What is the unique seasonal pattern observed in E. moshkovskii infections?
A. Infections peak during the wet season.
B. Infections peak during the dry season.
C. Infections peak during the summer and post-fall seasons.
D. Infections peak during the winter season.
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Why is accurate diagnosis crucial in the context of emerging E. moshkovskii infections?
A. E. moshkovskii infections are more severe than E. histolytica infections.
B. E. moshkovskii infections are more common in urban areas.
C. E. moshkovskii can cause different symptoms compared to E. histolytica.
D. E. moshkovskii infections can be mistaken for other types of diarrhoeal illnesses.
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