Abstract
1. After a general consideration of the host-parasite relations betweenE. histolyticaand man, a case is made for the recognition of a commensal phase in the life history of this amoeba.2. This view is supported by observations on the food habits ofE. histolyticain chronic cases and carriers of human amoebiasis.3. From these observations it is evident that from 30 to 100% of trophic amoebae in such cases have ingested bacteria derived from the contents of the large bowel.
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