Entamoeba histolytica

The trophozoites may range in size from 10-60 m.

The single nucleus may not be visible in unstained preparations.

The nucleus has a small compact karyosome that is usually

centrally located but maybe eccentric.

The peripheral chromatin typically is finely granular and is

distributed evenly over the inner surface of the nuclear
membrane.

Mature cysts are spherical and contain four nuclei, the usual size
ranges from 12-15 m. Except for their smaller size, the
structures of the nuclei in the cysts are similar to those in the
trophozoites.

Nuclei are visible in wet preparations and the glycogen present in

the mature cyst is usually diffuse.
 In young cysts the glycogen is a discrete mass normally pushing
the nucleus to one side and contains a spread out karyosome.
Immature cysts like these can be easily confused with E. coli cysts
which maybe the same size.

Immature cysts may contain one or two nuclei as seen in these

three cysts.

Entamoeba histolytica cyst

Trichrome stain x1000

A binucleate cyst containing a chromatoidal body is seen in this

field. The small eccentric karyosome is not very evident.
 Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite
Trichrome stain x1000

Note the characteristic nuclear structure of this amoeba. ie. a

discrete, small karyosome and evenly distributed peripheral
chromatin.

Small vacuoles are present in the cytoplasm.