1. Home
    2. Journals
    3. Journal of Biosciences
    4. Volume 21
    5. Issue 3

    • Fulltext

       

        Click here to view fulltext PDF


      Permanent link:
      https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/jbsc/021/03/0423-0432

    • Keywords

       

      Entamoeba histolytica ; pathogenesis; amoebiasis

    • Abstract

       

      Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is the etiologic agent of amoebiasis in humans. It exists in two forms—the trophozoite which is the active, dividing form, and the cyst which is dormant and can survive for prolonged periods outside the host. In most infected individuals the trophozoites exist as commensals. In a small percentage of infections, the trophozoites become invasive and penetrate the intestinal mucosa, causing ulcers. The trophozoites may reach other parts of the body—mainly liver, where they cause tissue necrosis, leading to lifethreatening abscesses. It is thought that pathogenesis of infection byEntamoeba histolytica is governed at several levels, chief among them are (i) adherence of trophozoite to the target cell, (ii) lysis of target cell, and (iii) phagocytosis of target cell. Several molecules which may be involved in these processes have been identified. A lectin inhibitable by galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine is present on the trophozoite surface. This is implicated in adherence of trophozoite to the target cell. Various amoebic poreforming proteins are known, of which 5kDa protein (amoebapore) has been extensively studied. These can insert into the lipid bilayers of target cells, forming ion-channels. The phagocytic potential of trophozoites is directly linked to virulence as measured in animal models. Factors like association of bacteria with trophozoites also influence virulence. Thus, pathogenesis is determined by multiple factors and a unifying picture taking into account the relative contributions of each factor is sought. Recent technical advances, which includes the development of a transfection system to introduce genes into trophozoites, should help to understand the mechanism of pathogenesis in amoebiasis.

    • Author Affiliations

       

      Devinder Sehgal1 Alok Bhattacharya1 Sudha Bhattacharya1 2

      1. School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067, India
      2. School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi - 110067, India

    • Dates

       
      Published
      May 1996
      Manuscript received
      10 October 1995
      Manuscript revised
      14 February 1996

  • Journal of Biosciences | News

      Forthcoming Special issue.


    • To trigger further research on plant mitochondria, the Journal of Biosciences is bringing out a special issue titled "Plant Mitochondria: Properties and Interactions with Other Organelles".


      Plant mitochondria are quite distinct and have unique features, such as a cyanide-insensitive alternate pathway. They also interact with chloroplasts to optimize photosynthetic carbon assimilation.


      Submissions are welcome until 30 July 2023. The contributions can be original articles, short communications, reviews, or mini-reviews on any topic related to plant mitochondria.


      Authors can submit their articles online at https://www.editorialmanager.com/jbsc/default2.aspx

      Posted on April 12, 2023
      <

    • Editorial Note on Continuous Article Publication

      Posted on July 25, 2019

      Click here for Editorial Note on CAP Mode

© 2023-2024 Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru.

Contact | Site index