Classification:
Phylum: Amoebozoa
Class: Archamoebae
Scientific Name: Entamoeba coli
Common Name: E. coli.
Class: Archamoebae
Scientific Name: Entamoeba coli
Common Name: E. coli.
General Characteristics:
E. Coli is a non-pathogenic species of entamoeba that can be distinguished by wide and tapered pseudopodia. Cysts are distinguished by their eight nuclei. They are classified as parasites of the intestinal tract but do not harm the body, even in people with weak immune systems.
Habitat:
Intestinal tract of humans
Importance to Humans:
E. Coli are parasitic to the human intestinal tract but do not cause any harm to their host. They are sometimes mistaken, for the E. Coli bacterium, which is harmful if ingested.
Sources:
"Parasites- Nonpathogenic (harmless) Intestinal Protozoa". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/nonpathprotozoa/.