SOME BIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS AND HOST–PARASITE RELATIONS OF ENTAMOEBA INVADENS

Abstract

A hypothesis explaining the processes leading to the encystation of E. invadens is presented. It is suggested that E. invadens can live in turtles as a harmless commensal because the conditions necessary for its encystation and the completion of its life cycle are available in the intestinal lumen of turtles. As these conditions are not present in snakes, the amoebae feed on the mucous secretion of the snakes' intestinal epithelium, and invade the tissues.