What is the Difference Between Escherichia coli and Entamoeba coli?

Escherichia coli and Entamoeba coli are two distinct microbial species that live in the gastrointestinal tract, but they have different characteristics and effects on human health.

Escherichia coli (commonly known as E. coli) is a bacterial species of the genus Escherichia, which can be either harmless or pathogenic. It is a prokaryotic organism and is considered mostly harmless in the gastrointestinal tract. However, some strains of E. coli can cause intestinal problems and illnesses.

Entamoeba coli, on the other hand, is a mostly non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba, an amoeba belonging to the genus Entamoeba in the family Entamoebidae. It is a eukaryotic organism and is typically considered harmless. Entamoeba coli has three distinct morphological forms during its life cycle: trophozoite, pre-cystic stage, and cystic stage.

Key differences between Escherichia coli and Entamoeba coli include:

• Domain/Phylum: Escherichia coli is a bacterium, belonging to the domain Bacteria and the phylum Proteobacteria, while Entamoeba coli is an amoeba belonging to the domain Eukaryota and the phylum Amoebozoa.
• Cell Type: E. coli is a prokaryotic organism, while Entamoeba coli is a eukaryotic organism.
• Pathogenicity: Escherichia coli can be harmless or pathogenic, with some strains causing intestinal problems and illnesses, while Entamoeba coli is mostly considered harmless and non-pathogenic.

Both species can be designated as E. coli, and they can also be commensal or harmless in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection with Entamoeba coli can be a sign of fecal-oral contamination, and proper hand hygiene and avoidance of contaminated food can help prevent infection.

Comparative Table: Escherichia coli vs Entamoeba coli

Escherichia coli and Entamoeba coli are two different microbial species that live in the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two: