Entamoeba histolytica trophs
is the single-celled protozoan that causes amoebic dysentery. Infection may ensue after ingestion of food or water that contains Entamoeba cysts. Because it moves with pseudopods, Entamoeba is in the class Sarcodina. Trophozoites (trophs) of Entamoeba histolytica are shown at 1000 X magnification in fecal material. Each troph is an irregular shape, reflecting its ability to move with pseudopods. Each Entamoeba may have up to four nuclei. The presence of a karysome (a dark staining circular structure within the nucleus) may help identify an organism as Entamoeba. Cysts and trophs in the stool are used for diagnosis.
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