Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Published on: June 12, 2014
Polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration intensity as consequence of Entamoeba histolytica density in amebic colitis
Sonia M Dickson-Gonzalez1, Marleny Lunar de Uribe, Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
1Pathology Department, Hospital de Clinicas Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.
Background:
It has been suggested that the damage observed in invasive amebiasis is related to interactions between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. We analyzed the relation between infiltrating inflammatory cell populations and E. histolytica density in intestinal amebic lesions.
Methods:
Biopsies obtained endoscopically from patients with amebic colitis were analyzed to describe their morphologic abnormalities. Cellular populations and E. histolytica trophozoites were measured quantitatively in order to assess the correlation between infiltrating inflammatory cell populations and parasite density.
Results:
Amebic lesions were most often located in the colon (55%). The histopathologic diagnoses were colitis in 31%, erosive colitis in 26%, and ulcerated colitis in 24%. The predominant cellular populations found in the lesions were lymphocytes (59.8%) (3,672 +/- 2,413/mm(2)) followed by PMN (17%) (1,038 +/- 1,171 PMN/mm(2)) (p < 0.01). A higher density of PMN infiltration was observed in severe cases. Cellular populations predictive of the presence of E. histolytica trophozoites (p = 0.047) were PMN (p = 0.019) and lymphocytes (p = 0.033). The highest association was found between E. histolytica trophozoites and PMN (p = 0.0221).
Conclusions:
Neutrophils and lymphocytes, particularly the former, are associated significantly with the density of parasites. Our findings support the theory that PMN interaction with E. histolytica contributes to the pathogenesis of amebic intestinal lesions.
Insights
Invasive amebiasis involves interactions between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and Entamoeba histolytica. PMN and lymphocytes are significantly associated with parasite density, supporting their role in amebic intestinal lesion pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Invasive amebiasis pathogenesis is linked to interactions between immune cells and Entamoeba histolytica.
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are implicated in amebic tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between inflammatory cell populations and Entamoeba histolytica density in intestinal amebic lesions.
- To quantify cellular infiltration and parasite presence in amebic colitis.
Main Methods:
- Endoscopic biopsies from patients with amebic colitis were examined for morphologic abnormalities.
- Quantitative analysis of cellular populations and E. histolytica trophozoites was performed.
- Correlation between inflammatory cell infiltration and parasite density was assessed.
Main Results:
- Amebic lesions were predominantly found in the colon.
- Lymphocytes were the most abundant cells, followed by PMN.
- Higher PMN infiltration correlated with more severe amebic colitis cases.
- PMN and lymphocytes were predictive of E. histolytica presence, with PMN showing the strongest association.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils and lymphocytes significantly correlate with Entamoeba histolytica density.
- Findings support the role of PMN-E. histolytica interactions in the pathogenesis of amebic intestinal lesions.
More Related Videos
07:05Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
08:58Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:28Amebiasis
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology