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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Published on: June 12, 2014
Abstract:
2 strains of Entamoeba histolytica, SAW 760 and SAW 408 (non-invasive zymodeme IX and invasive zymodeme II respectively, Sargeaunt & Williams 1979) were administered intra-intestinally to 15 inbred and 3 outbred strains of mouse. All were known to be free of the mouse amoeba E. muris. During the investigation, all animals were maintained in plastic film isolator units, under gnotobiotic conditions. Both zymodemes were found to be capable of infecting all 18 strains of mice for varying periods of time and both were capable of invading the gut mucosa in genetically susceptible strains. Mortality was high in some of the immunologically deprived strains, particularly with the more invasive strain of amoeba. 4 mouse strains: DBA/2, MRL, NZB, C57BL/6 bg, were found to be particularly good hosts to SAW 760.
Insights
This study shows that both invasive and non-invasive Entamoeba histolytica strains can infect various mouse models. Genetic susceptibility influences gut invasion and mortality, with specific mouse strains being better hosts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite causing amoebiasis.
- Different strains (zymodemes) of E. histolytica exhibit varying levels of invasiveness.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of different mouse strains to E. histolytica infection.
- To determine the role of host genetics in E. histolytica gut invasion and pathogenesis.
- To identify specific mouse models suitable for studying E. histolytica infection.
Main Methods:
- Intra-intestinal administration of two E. histolytica zymodemes (SAW 760 and SAW 408) to 18 mouse strains under gnotobiotic conditions.
- Monitoring infection establishment, duration, and gut mucosal invasion.
- Assessing mortality rates in relation to host immunity and parasite invasiveness.
Main Results:
- All 18 mouse strains were susceptible to infection by both E. histolytica zymodemes.
- Gut mucosal invasion occurred in genetically susceptible mouse strains.
- Higher mortality was observed in immunologically deprived mice, especially with the invasive zymodeme.
- DBA/2, MRL, NZB, and C57BL/6 bg mice showed particular susceptibility to the SAW 760 strain.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain genetics significantly influences susceptibility and response to Entamoeba histolytica infection.
- Gnotobiotic mouse models are valuable for studying E. histolytica pathogenesis.
- Specific mouse strains can serve as effective models for investigating amoebiasis.
