Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
11:49

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Published on: June 12, 2014

A new test for infection by Entamoeba histolytica

A L Luaces1, L M Osorio, A J Barrett

  • 1Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, Havana, Cuba.

Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|February 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal parasite, invades tissues via histolysin. The ENZYMEBA test detects antibodies to histolysin, aiding in diagnosing E. histolytica infections and liver abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Entamoeba histolytica is a significant human intestinal parasite.
  • Virulent strains produce histolysin, a proteinase facilitating tissue invasion.
  • Liver abscess is a severe complication of E. histolytica infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a sensitive and selective diagnostic test for E. histolytica infection.
  • To investigate the role of histolysin in the humoral immune response.
  • To assess the utility of detecting anti-histolysin antibodies in diagnosing liver abscesses.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of histolysin enzyme.
  • Development of a selective enzyme assay.
  • Raising specific antisera against histolysin.
  • Implementation of the ENZYMEBA test, combining antibody specificity and enzyme assay.
  • Detection of circulating antibodies to histolysin using solid-phase enzyme immunoassay.

Main Results:

  • The ENZYMEBA test demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting E. histolytica infection.
  • Circulating antibodies to histolysin were successfully detected.
  • The presence of anti-histolysin antibodies suggests a humoral immune response during liver abscess formation.

Conclusions:

  • The ENZYMEBA test is a valuable tool for diagnosing E. histolytica infections.
  • Histolysin elicits a detectable humoral immune response.
  • Detecting antibodies to histolysin may aid in diagnosing E. histolytica-induced liver abscesses.

More Related Videos

Development of a Negative Selectable Marker for Entamoeba histolytica06:05

Development of a Negative Selectable Marker for Entamoeba histolytica

Published on: December 12, 2010

Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches09:04

Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches

Published on: October 27, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...