Amoebiasis and probiotics: perspectives on complementary treatment

Abstract

Amoebiasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica that has a worldwide geographic distribution, with a higher prevalence in developing countries where social and sanitary conditions are considerably precarious. Amoebiasis can be accompanied by severe clinical manifestations such as amoebic colitis and amoebic liver abscess, aggravating the host's condition, with death as one of the consequences. Several health actions and pharmacological strategies have been made to prevent the infection and possible complications of this disease, and have achieved success in containing the disease in most patients. However, some medications such as metronidazole can also cause serious complications to the individual because of their potential hepatotoxic effect in addition to producing other side effects. Research directed towards an alternative and effective treatment for amebiasis has been conducted. The use of probiotics has been highlighted as a promising treatment against Entamoeba spp. In this review, we will address the prospects of using probiotics as a treatment for amoebiasis patients. In addition, we will provide information on the biology of Entameba spp.; the clinical manifestations of amoebiasis and a perspective of the use of Weissella paramesenteroides as a possible treatment.