Amoebiasis is one of the leading causes of death from parasitic disease worldwide, but it is rarely heard about in the United States. The disease is caused by a protist, specifically an amoebozoa named Entamoeba histolytica. Infection by this parasite is most common in underdeveloped countries and invades hosts by the fecal-oral route, secreting enzymes and using its pseudopods to tear apart human cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, they can penetrate the gut lining and migrate through the bloodstream to other vital organs. This can lead to bloody diarrhea, as well as abscesses in the liver, lungs, or brain, which may ultimately result in death.
Phytopthora ramorum, more commonly known as Sudden Oak Death, is a fungal-like pathogen that affects over 130 botanical species globally. The establishment of P. ramorum in native forest ecosystems raises concerns as it creates a global cascade of ecological impacts, affecting botanical reproduction in nurseries, globally conserved gardens, and food webs across forested ecosystems. This review will examine P. ramorum’s transmission and genetic adaptability, as well as treatment strategies against both P. ramorum and its host species.
After spending an eternity in the restroom in pain, you decide to explore how to prevent it from happening again. Luckily, significant research has been performed on a common bacteria living inside that raw meat product you consumed before your unfortunate trip to the bathroom. The likely culprit—Salmonella.
