Opportunities and obstacles in developing a vaccine for Entamoeba histolytica

The development of a vaccine against Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebic colitis and liver abscess, would reduce childhood mortality in countries such as Bangledesh where community-based studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of E. histolytica. Immunological studies from this population have shown that protection from amebiasis is associated with mucosal anti-E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin antibodies, suggesting that a vaccine is an achievable goal. However, garnering resources for vaccine development is a challenge when the vaccine is targeted to poor people living in developing countries.