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Published on: April 21, 2012
Effect of hamster liver passage on the isoenzyme patterns of Entamoeba histolytica
X J Cheng1, M Y Huang, D Mirelman
1Department of Parasitology, Shanghai Medical University.
Abstract:
The effect of hamster liver passage on the isoenzyme patterns of isolates of Entamoeba histolytica was investigated. Three isolates, F, G and T were originally obtained from patients with acute amebic dysentery and another strain, C, was obtained from an asymptomatic carrier. All these strains were maintained for over two years in axenic culture. The isoenzyme pattern (zymodeme) of hexokinase (HK), phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and glucose phosphoisomerase (GPI) of these strains was found to belong to non-pathogenic group X, but the isoenzyme pattern of GPI resembled less pathogenic zymodeme XX and might be an intermediate type. Following inoculation of trophozoites into hamster livers and recovery after abscess formation, their isoenzyme pattern changed and revealed that they belonged to pathogenic type XIV. Liver passage caused an enhancement in amebic virulence as evidenced by their increased ability to destroy leukocytes. The results indicate that isoenzyme pattern is not a stable property of E. histolytica.
Insights
Entamoeba histolytica isoenzyme patterns changed after hamster liver passage, shifting from non-pathogenic to pathogenic types. This study shows that isoenzyme profiles are not stable characteristics of this parasite.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite causing amoebiasis.
- Isoenzyme analysis (zymodeme analysis) is used to differentiate strains.
- Virulence of E. histolytica can vary significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of host passage on the isoenzyme patterns of Entamoeba histolytica.
- To determine if virulence is associated with specific zymodemes.
- To assess the stability of isoenzyme profiles in E. histolytica.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of E. histolytica isolates in axenic culture.
- Determination of isoenzyme patterns (zymodemes) for hexokinase (HK), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), and glucose phosphoisomerase (GPI).
- Inoculation of trophozoites into hamster livers, followed by recovery and re-analysis of isoenzyme patterns and virulence assessment.
Main Results:
- Initially, E. histolytica isolates belonged to non-pathogenic zymodeme group X, with one showing intermediate characteristics.
- After hamster liver passage, all isolates shifted to pathogenic zymodeme type XIV.
- Liver passage enhanced virulence, indicated by increased leukocyte destruction.
Conclusions:
- Host passage, specifically in the hamster liver, can alter the isoenzyme patterns of Entamoeba histolytica.
- Isoenzyme profiles are not stable and can change following adaptation to a host environment.
- Changes in zymodeme may correlate with increased parasitic virulence.
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