Parasitology Training Manual

Entamoeba hartmanni

• Entamoeba hartmanni is considered nonpathogenic.
• At one time literature referred to E. hartmanni as being a sub-species of E. histolytica. This idea has since been proved incorrect.(2,3,10)
• The cyst is very similar to E. histolytica but is smaller, less than 10 microns. It very often contains less than 4 nuclei but 4 nuclei are characteristic of the species. The cyst also contains chromatoidal bars, however, they are slightly smaller and more numerous.
• The trophozoite of E. hartmanni measuring 5 - 12 microns is also slightly smaller than that of E. histolytica and often contains hyperparasites.
• Please refer to the section on artifacts for a description of hyperparasites.
• The size of the trophozoite is altered by the presence of hyperparasites. Care must be taken when differentiating the trophozoites of E. hartmanni and E. histolytica.
• Although E. hartmanni is considered nonpathogenic it should be considered an indicator of fecal contamination.

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David M. Raymondo
MLT, CLS(m)
Professional Affiliation: Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Gamma-Dynacare is a Division of the Dynacare Health Group