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09:04
Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches
Published on: October 27, 2013
Multidrug resistance in amoebiasis patients
Devendra Bansal1, Rakesh Sehgal, Yogesh Chawla
1Department of Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|October 4, 2006
Summary
Drug resistance in Entamoeba histolytica is not currently a major issue in clinical isolates. Further studies are needed to investigate susceptibility to antiamoebic drugs for improved patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba sp., is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Treatment failures in amoebiasis suggest potential drug resistance, necessitating investigation into resistance mechanisms.
- The multidrug resistance (MDR) gene's role in Entamoeba sp. requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the presence and expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR) gene mRNA in clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar.
- To investigate potential drug resistance mechanisms in Entamoeba species causing amoebiasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR techniques.
- Analyzed 45 clinical isolates of Entamoeba sp. (15 E. histolytica, 30 E. dispar).
- Extracted DNA and total RNA from clinical isolates and a sensitive E. histolytica strain (HM1: IMSS).
Main Results:
- PCR detected the EhPgp1 gene segment in all E. histolytica isolates and the sensitive strain.
- Overexpression of EhPgp1 was observed exclusively in a resistant E. histolytica mutant.
- No EhPgp1 transcription was detected in any of the clinical isolates or the sensitive E. histolytica strain.
Conclusions:
- Drug resistance in clinical Entamo a histolytica isolates does not appear to be a widespread problem currently.
- Further investigation into the susceptibility of clinical E. histolytica isolates to various antiamoebic drugs is recommended for optimal patient management.
- The study provides baseline data on MDR gene expression in Entamoeba species, contributing to understanding treatment outcomes.
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