Checklist of Endolimax species recognized in human and animals, a review on a neglected intestinal parasitic amoeba

Abstract

Objectives: Endolimax is a protozoan genus belongs to Amoebida order. The member of this genus occurrence in a vast range of vertebrate and invertebrate, but the species of this genus are not well studied. This review aimed to provide an updated list and some summarized information on Endolimax species, which were identified in human and animals up to the 2023. Methods: The present study was carried out to evaluate the Endolimax species with a broad review of the literature, books and electronic databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar until 2023. The hosts, pathogenicity, synonyms and distribution of valid species were considered and recorded. Results: Totally 20 defined species of Endolimax were found. Among them, only 12 species of Endolimax have been accepted as valid species. The valid species  arranged by the host, including 1 species in human, 2 species in rodents, 1 species in birds, 2 species in reptiles, 1 species in amphibian, 4 species in arthropod and 1 species in fishes. Conclusion: Intensive studies are needed in order to identification of other new and valid species in different animals and their characteristics.