In vitro induction of Entamoeba histolytica cyst-like structures from trophozoites.

ABSTRACT: Inhibition of encystment can be conceived as a potentially useful mechanism to block the transmission of Entamoeba histolytica under natural conditions. Unfortunately, amoeba encystment has not been achieved in vitro and drugs inhibiting the formation of cysts are not available. Luminal conditions inducing encystment in vivo are also unknown, but cellular stress such as exposure to reactive oxygen species from immune cells or intestinal microbiota could be involved. A role for certain divalent cations as cofactors of enzymes involved in excystment has also been described. In this study, we show that trophozoite cultures, treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of trace amounts of several cations, transform into small-sized spherical and refringent structures that exhibit resistance

SUBMITTER: Aguilar-Diaz H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2821915 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature