Publications

molecular cloning of a member of the fasciola hepatica saposin-like protein family.	a 436-bp complementary dna (cdna) was isolated from an adult fasciola hepatica cdna expression library by screening with the serum from a rabbit infected with f. hepatica for 4 wk. the deduced amino acid sequence encoded by this cdna is an 11.5-kda polypeptide that has significant homology to f. hepatica nk-lysin protein, to several members of saposin-like or nk-lysin protein families, as well as 3 amoebapore precursors of entamoeba histolytica. the most striking feature observed within this pro ...	2003	12880256
molecular and structural characterization of nadph-dependent d-glycerate dehydrogenase from the enteric parasitic protist entamoeba histolytica.	putative nadph-dependent gdh (l-glycerate dehydrogenase) of the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica (ehgdh) has been characterized. the ehgdh gene encodes a protein of 318 amino acids with a calculated isoelectric point of 6.29 and a molecular mass of 35.8 kda. ehgdh showed highest identities with gdh from epsilon-proteobacteria. this close kinship was also supported by phylogenetic analyses, suggesting possible lateral transfer of the gene from epsilon-proteobacteria to e. histolytica. in ...	2003	12877657
cockroaches (periplaneta americana and blattella germanica) as potential mechanical disseminators of entamoeba histolytica.	since cockroaches feed on feces, they may disseminate infective agents with the fecal-oral route. a field survey and experiments were conducted to determine the role of cockroaches in the dissemination of entamoeba histolytica. periplaneta americana (n=299) and blattella germanica (n=29) were collected from 11 primary schools in an urban area of south taiwan. e. histolytica/e. dispar cysts were found on the cuticle and/or in the digestive tract of p. americana (25.4%) whereas cysts were only iso ...	2003	12875929
epidemiology and control of intestinal parasites with nitazoxanide in children in mexico.	the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerance of nitazoxanide in children as a single broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent in the treatment of mixed parasite infections with both intestinal protozoa and helminths. two hundred seventy-two children (age range = 2-14 years) participated in this study. we systematically surveyed every household head using questionnaires designed to obtain information about household socioeconomic status and hygiene. parasitic infections were ...	2003	12875284
stress-dependent expression of a polymorphic, charged antigen in the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica.	we have identified a novel stress inducible gene, ehssp1 in entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis. ehssp1 belongs to a polymorphic, multigene family and is present on multiple chromosomes. no homologue of this gene was found in the ncbi database. sequence alignment of the multiple copies, and genomic pcr data restricted the polymorphism to the central region of the gene. this region contains a polypurine stretch that encodes a domain rich in acidic and basic amino acids. under ...	2003	12874327
vh3 gene usage in neutralizing human antibodies specific for the entamoeba histolytica gal/galnac lectin heavy subunit.	a combinatorial human immunoglobulin gene library was constructed from peripheral lymphocytes of an asymptomatic entamoeba histolytica cyst passer and screened for the production of fab antibody to the parasite. one of the fab clones, cp33, recognized the 260-kda galactose- and n-acetyl-d-galactosamine (gal/galnac)-specific lectin of e. histolytica. by shuffling the heavy and light chains of cp33 with the heavy and light chains of two libraries derived from the cyst passer and a liver abscess pa ...	2003	12874307
association between parasitic intestinal infections and acute or chronic diarrhoea in hiv-infected patients in caracas, venezuela.	a cross sectional survey was conducted to determine the association between enteric parasites and diarrhoea in hiv-infected adults in caracas. three hundred and four patients were evaluated: 104 had acute diarrhoea, 113 chronic diarrhoea and 87 were controls. isopora belli infection was associated with acute (p = 0.022) and chronic diarrhoea (p = 0.003), entamoeba histolytica/dispar infection was also associated with both acute (p = 0.015) and chronic diarrhoea (p = 0.017). strongyloides stercor ...	2003	12869231
entamoeba histolytica: intracellular distribution of the proteasome.	we have studied the intracellular distribution of proteasome subunits, corresponding to the catalytic (20s) core and the regulatory (19s) cap, in the extracellular protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica. contrary to all cell types described to date, notably mammalian and yeast, in which the proteasome is found in the nucleus and actively imported into it, microscopic analysis and subcellular fractionation of e. histolytica trophozoites show that the proteasome is absent from the nucleus of the ...	2002	12856315
incorporation of iron into tritrichomonas foetus cell compartments reveals ferredoxin as a major iron-binding protein in hydrogenosomes.	the intracellular transport of iron and its incorporation into organelles are poorly understood processes in eukaryotes and virtually unknown in parasitic protists. the transport of iron is of particular interest in trichomonads, which possess hydrogenosomes instead of mitochondria. the metabolic functions of hydrogenosomes, which contain a specific set of fes proteins, entirely depend on iron acquisition. in this work the incorporation of iron into the cattle parasite tritrichomonas foetus was ...	2003	12855742
nontranslated polyadenylated rnas from entamoeba histolytica.	protozoan parasites display a range of unusual molecular mechanisms that could be helpful for their survival in nature. among these parasites, entamoeba histolytica is one of the most prevalent in developing countries such as india. entamoeba histolytica produces at least four different unusual transcripts, ie, tr, ehapt1 and uee1, that are polyadenylated, but do not have significant open reading frames. availability of large-scale sequence information has helped us to understand the nature of t ...	2003	12855374
characterization of a rab11-like gtpase, ehrab11, of entamoeba histolytica.	the entamoeba histolytica rab11 family of small molecular weight gtpases consists of three members, ehrab11, ehrab11b, and ehrab11c. the functions of these rabs in entamoeba have not been determined. therefore, as an approach to elucidate the role of the rab11 family of gtpases in entamoeba, immunofluorescence microscopy was undertaken to define the subcellular localization of one member of this family, ehrab11. under conditions of growth, ehrab11 displayed a punctate pattern in the cytoplasm of ...	2003	12850258
amebiasis in the newborn.	infestation with entamoeba histolytica is especially common in areas with low socioeconomic status. extra intestinal invasive involvement is more frequent in young children with significant mortality. this disease is rarely reported in the newborns. this 19-day-old newborn who was infected with orally given surgar solution is presented. he was successfully treated with omidazole.	2003	12841407
analysis of genes of mitochondrial origin in the genus entamoeba.	the amitochondriate protistan parasite entamoeba histolytica has lost most mitochondrial functions secondarily but has retained a reduced organelle of mitochondrial origin, the mitosome. we here investigate the presence, origins, and expression in other species of entamoeba of three genes of mitochondrial origin--pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase and the mitochondrial-type chaperonins cpn60 and hsp70. the genes appear to be present in all species and specifically related, confirming that the ...	2003	12836878
humoral immune response against proteophosphoglycan surface antigens of entamoeba histolytica elicited by immunization with synthetic mimotope peptides.	the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica, which is responsible for intestinal amebiasis and amebic liver abscess, is causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. proteophosphoglycans (ppgs, also known as lipophosphoglycans, lpgs, or lipopeptidophosphoglycans, lppgs) are major surface components of e. histolytica. passive immunization with a monoclonal antibody (eh5) directed against the ppgs protected severe combined immune-deficient mice from amebic liver abscess. the structure of ...	2003	12832123
diagnosis of entamoeba histolytica in a routine cervical smear.		2003	12827708
emphysematous pyelonephritis and renal amoebiasis in a patient with diabetes mellitus.	emphysematous pyelonephritis is an uncommon and life-threatening infection of the kidney that is characterized by gas formation within or around the kidney and is associated with diabetes mellitus and urinary tract infection. amoebiasis is a protozoal infection caused by entamoeba histolytica. in its invasive forms, the disease is characterized by visceral abscess formations. we present a case of concomitant emphysematous pyelonephritis and renal amoebiasis in a 42-year-old female with uncontrol ...	2003	12823698
intracellular release of nitric oxide by ncx 972, an no-releasing metronidazole, enhances in vitro killing of entamoeba histolytica.	the activity of ncx 972, a new molecule obtained by adding a nitric oxide (no) moiety to metronidazole, was tested against six isolates of entamoeba histolytica in xenic cultures. ncx 972 released no into trophozoite cells and enhanced killing of amoebas in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to metronidazole.	2003	12821483
antiprotozoal activity of the constituents of rubus coriifolius.	extraction of the aerial parts of rubus coriifolius, a medicinal plant used by the maya communities in southern mexico to treat bloody diarrhoea, resulted in the isolation of seven known compounds (-)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, hyperin, nigaichigoside f1, beta-sitosterol 3-o-beta-d-glucopyranoside, gallic acid and ellagic acid. all compounds were tested for their antiprotozoal activity against entamoeba histolytica and giardia lambia. epicatechin was the main responsible for the antiprotozoal ac ...	2003	12820241
antiamoebic activity of benzyl glucosinolate from lepidium virginicum.	in a continuation of our search for potential antiprotozoal agents from plants, we found that a crude extract from the roots of lepidium virginicum exhibited antiprotozoal activity against entamoeba histolytica trophozoites (ic(50) of 100.1 micro g/ml). bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of one known glucosinolate responsible for such activity. this compound was identified as benzyl glucosinolate. it showed in vitro activity against entamoeba histolytica strain hm1-imss (ic( ...	2003	12820228
an ecto-protein tyrosine phosphatase of entamoeba histolytica induces cellular detachment by disruption of actin filaments in hela cells.	actin cytoskeleton disruption in host cells has been demonstrated for ptpases from pathogenic microorganisms. in this work, we analysed whether the secreted acid phosphatase from entamoeba histolytica has phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity and the possibility that this activity may participate in damaging host cells. the secreted acid phosphatase of e. histolytica, which catalyses p-nitrophenyl phosphate hydrolysis at acid ph values, was found to have phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity. the ...	2003	12814646
status of intestinal parasitic infections in a remote island, yondo, jeonranam-do: province.	this study was performed to observe the present status of intestinal parasitic infections in a remote island, yondo, located in southern part of jeonranam-do(province), korea. in february and may 1988, total 1,011 individual stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal helminths and protozoa using formalin-ether centrifugal sedimentation technique. the results are summarized as follows: of 1,011 ingabitants examined, 398(39.4%) were positive for intestinal parasites. helminth positiv ...	1988	12811041
entamoeba histolytica: expression and dna binding of ccaat/enhancer-binding proteins are regulated through the cell cycle.		2003	12810051
entamoeba histolytica: a beta 1 integrin-like fibronectin receptor assembles a signaling complex similar to those of mammalian cells.	during tissue invasion, entamoeba histolytica trophozoites interact with endothelial cells and extracellular matrix (ecm) proteins such as fibronectin (fn), collagen, and laminin. it has been demonstrated that trophozoites interact with fn through a beta1 integrin-like fn receptor (beta 1ehfnr), activating tyrosine kinases. in order to characterize the signaling process triggered by the amoebic receptor, activation, and association of tyrosine kinases and structural proteins were determined. as ...	2003	12810041
antiamoebic chemoprophylaxis using quinfamide in children: a comparative study.	this study sought to examine whether the administration of quinfamide at 3- or 6-month intervals diminished the frequency of entamoeba histolytica cysts in stool samples compared to controls. the prospective, longitudinal, randomized, single-blind study examined children from six primary schools in celaya and neutla, guanajuato. of the 1,524 students in these schools, we selected participants for the study as follows: children were included in the study if their parents agreed in writing to the ...	2002	12805964
induction of permeability changes and death of vertebrate cells is modulated by the virulence of entamoeba spp. isolates.	although entamoeba histolytica is capable of inducing an apoptotic response in vertebrate cells in vitro (cell. microbiol. 2 (2000) 617), it is not known whether vertebrate cell death requires direct amoeba-vertebrate cell contact or simply the presence of amoebae in the area of the vertebrate cells. in addition, entamoeba spp. vary in their virulence and pathogenicity. the potential effects of these critical parameters also have not been elucidated. we tested the virulent hm-1:imss isolate and ...	2003	12798929
gene discovery in the entamoeba invadens genome.	entamoeba invadens, a parasite of reptiles, is a model for the study of encystation by the human enteric pathogen entamoeba histolytica, because e. invadens form cysts in axenic culture. with approximately 0.5-fold sequence coverage of the genome, we were able to get insights into e. invadens gene and genome features. overall, the e. invadens genome displays many of the features that are emerging from ongoing genome sequencing efforts in e. histolytica. at the nucleotide level the e. invadens ge ...	2003	12798503
the intestinal protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica contains 20 cysteine protease genes, of which only a small subset is expressed during in vitro cultivation.	cysteine proteases are known to be important pathogenicity factors of the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica. so far, a total of eight genes coding for cysteine proteases have been identified in e. histolytica, two of which are absent in the closely related nonpathogenic species e. dispar. however, present knowledge is restricted to enzymes expressed during in vitro cultivation of the parasite, which might represent only a subset of the entire repertoire. taking advantage of the current e. ...	2003	12796295
genotyping of entamoeba species in south africa: diversity, stability, and transmission patterns within families.	using a recently described polymerase chain reaction-based dna typing method for entamoeba histolytica and e. dispar, we investigated the genetic diversity of these species in a geographically restricted region of south africa. patterns were stable over time in the same infection, and, with few exceptions, infected family members carried the same strain. however, both species exhibited remarkable variation, with no 2 family groups being infected with the same strain of e. histolytica. mixed infe ...	2003	12792862
entamoeba dispar does not produce the monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (mlif) produced by entamoeba histolytica.		2003	12791105
prospect for an entamoeba histolytica gal-lectin-based vaccine.	entamoeba histolytica is the aetiological agent of invasive amoebiasis, the third leading parasitic cause of mortality in the world. the disease can be easily cured by chemotherapy; however, prevention, mainly in the form of vaccination, could greatly decrease the incidence of the disease, and possibly help in its eradication. the parasite's surface galactose and n-acetyl-d-galactosamine-inhibitable adherence lectin (gal-lectin) is highly antigenic and is the most promising subunit vaccine candi ...	2003	12791100
new palladium(ii) complexes of 5-nitrothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones. synthesis, spectral studies and in vitro anti-amoebic activity.	thiosemicarbazones (1-7) and their palladium(ii) complexes (1a-7a) of the type [pd(tscn)cl(2)] (where tscn=thiosemicarbazone) were prepared from 5-nitro thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde and [pd(dmso)(2)cl(2)], respectively. coordination via the thionic sulphur and the azomethine nitrogen atom of the thiosemicarbazones to the metal ion were confirmed by spectral data. these compounds were screened in vitro against (hk-9) strain of entamoeba histolytica possess amoebicidal properties. enhancement of ant ...	2003	12788362
[intestinal parasitoses in the mahajanga region, west coast of madagascar].	a study on human intestinal parasites was carried out from november 1996 until january 1997, in mahajanga's hospital, on the western coast of madagascar. we collected the faeces from 401 patients and the sera from 112 of them. faecal examination using direct examination and mif method revealed that 67.6% of the stools contained at least one parasite. the frequency of the protozoa was high (47.7%). the prevalence of the nematodosis reached 23.4%. hymenolepis nana, taenia saginata or solium and sc ...	2003	12784593
amebic cysteine proteinase 2 (ehcp2) plays either a minor or no role in tissue damage in acute experimental amebic liver abscess in hamsters.	amebic cysteine protease 2 (ehcp2) was purified from ethyl ether extracts of axenically grown trophozoites of entamoeba histolytica strain hm1-imss. the purification procedure involved molecular filtration and electroelution. sequence analysis of the purified product revealed ehcp2 and ubiquitin(s). electrophoretic migration patterns, isoelectric point determination and western blot studies failed to reveal other ehcp molecules. polyclonal antibodies against the purified ehcp2 prepared in rabbit ...	2003	12783310
cyclospora cayetanensis and other intestinal parasites associated with diarrhea in a rural area of jordan.	cryptosporidium spp. and cyclospora cayetanensis have emerged as important causes of epidemic and endemic diarrhea in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. the exact modes of transmission in certain rural areas are still unclear. reports of water-borne and food-borne outbreaks suggest that fecally contaminated water or food acts as a vehicle of transmission. two hundred stool samples of patients with gastroenteritis from four health centers in a rural area of jordan were examined using fo ...	2003	12783275
intestinal parasites in children with diarrhea in delhi, india.	the parasitic causes of diarrhea in children in delhi were determined by the direct smear technique; stool specimens of 127 children were examined for intestinal parasites. in 59 cases (46.5%) intestinal helminths and protozoa were demonstrated. ascaris lumbricoides was observed in 1 (0.8%) case, while trichuris trichiura was the finding in 3 (2.4%). protozoal parasites included giardia intestinalis and entamoeba histolytica in 14 (11%) cases each, balantidium coli in 3 (2.4%) cases and cryptosp ...	2002	12757217
entamoeba histolytica infections in captive primates.	a group based survey on the presence of entamoeba histolytica and entamoeba dispar using real-time pcr among 20 species of captive non-human primates was performed after diagnosis of e. histolytica dysentery in a spider monkey ( ateles belzebuth hybridus). e. histolytica dna was detected in three species of new world primates and in three species of old world primates. in five of six e. histolytica isolates, it was possible to amplify the srehp gene. they all revealed the same pattern after alui ...	2003	12756542
images in pathology. food for thought! vegetable cells in histopathological sections.		2003	12754631
symptomatic intestinal amoebiasis and climatic parameters.	symptomatic intestinal amoebiasis is an important problem, especially in the developing world. the relationships between climatic parameters and amoebic dysentery cases were evaluated in this study. climatic data were obtained from the local meteorological department and the diagnosis of amoebic dysentery was established by clinical and laboratory investigation. monthly mean temperature (r = 0.755, p = 0.005), monthly mean maximum temperature (r = 0.711, p = 0.01), monthly mean temperature at 10 ...	2003	12751714
comparison between constitutive and inducible plasmid vectors used for gene expression in entamoeba histolytica.		2003	12742589
amebic colitis in an asymptomatic patient.		2003	12741911
[amebic liver abscess. surgical treatment].		2002	12733337
enteric pathogens and soil: a short review.	it is known that soil is a recipient of solid wastes able to contain enteric pathogens in high concentrations. although the role of soil as a reservoir of certain bacterial pathogens is not in question, recent findings show that soil may have a larger role in the transmission of enteric diseases than previously thought. many of the diseases caused by agents from soil have been well characterized, although enteric diseases and their link to soil have not been so well studied. gastrointestinal inf ...	2003	12730707
gastric amebiasis due to entamoeba histolytica in a dama wallaby (macropus eugenii).	a 1.5-year-old captive female dama wallaby (macropus eugenii) died after a 3-month period of progressive weight loss, anorexia, bloat, and diarrhea. histopathologic examination revealed numerous entamoeba histolytica trophozoites within the gastric mucosa and, less frequently, gastric submucosa and submucosal vessels. immunofluorescent antibody testing confirmed the identity of the trophozoites as e. histolytica. the trophozoites were associated with mild glandular epithelial necrosis, mucosal e ...	2003	12724579
[amebic dysentery].		2003	12722286
a comparative study of the intestinal parasites prevalent among children living in rural and urban settings in and around chennai.	a comparative analysis of the various intestinal parasites detected among children attending schools was carried out in a rural and urban location in and around chennai. a total of 324 stool samples were examined by routine microscopy using normal saline and lugol's iodine preparation as well as by saturated sodium chloride flotation technique. all suspicious samples were subjected to zinc sulphate concentration technique as well as modified ziehl neelson stain and trichrome stains to identify t ...	2002	12718339
[vulvar amebiasis. report of a case and review of the literature].	genital amebiasis by entamoeba histolytica is rare, even in mexico where the disease is endemic. we report a case of genital amebiasis in a female patient with a recto-perineal fistula and two-week history of a profuse vaginal discharge, a painful and friable vulvar ulcer and induration in gluteal and inner side of thighs. the pap smear and the biopsy showed trophozoites, no malignant cells were observed. the findings were compatible with genital amebiasis. the serology test for e. histolytica w ...	2003	12708354
entamoeba histolytica: rapid identification and differentiation of indian isolates by riboprinting.	entamoeba histolytica infection still remains one of the major public health problem for developing countries like india. a rapid and accurate detection of this parasite is essential for prevention and control of amoebiasis. in this study, using the method of 'riboprinting' (pcr-rflp of rrna genes from amoeba) we have analysed 15 stool samples from symptomatic patients of amoebiasis. all 15 patients of clinical amoebiasis had e. histolytica in their stool and two of the samples also showed mixed ...	2002	12706746
amebiasis.		2003	12700377
intestinal parasitic infections in bekasi district, west java, indonesia and a comparison of the infection rates determined by different techniques for fecal examination.	this study was undertaken to determine the current status of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in west java, indonesia, and to compare the infection rates obtained by three different methods of fecal examination. a total of 285 fecal samples were collected from 131 males and 154 females at a junior high school. samples were brought to the department of parasitology, faculty of medicine, university of indonesia, and were examined for parasites by the kato-katz thick smear metho ...	2002	12693577
proteolysis of enteric cell villin by entamoeba histolytica cysteine proteinases.	invasive microorganisms efface enteric microvilli to establish intimate contact with the apical surface of enterocytes. to understand the molecular basis of this effacement in amebic colitis, we seeded entamoeba histolytica trophozoites on top of differentiated human caco-2 cell layers. western blots of detergent lysates from such cocultures showed proteolysis of the actin-bundling protein villin within 1 min of direct contact of living trophozoites with enterocytes. mixtures of separately prepa ...	2003	12690119
ehp53, an entamoeba histolytica protein, ancestor of the mammalian tumour suppressor p53.	this paper reports the identification of ehp53, a p53-like entamoeba histolytica protein, which binds to the human p53 dna consensus sequence (oli-p53). monoclonal antibodies against p53 (ab-1 and ab-2) recognized a single 53 kda spot in two-dimensional gels and inhibited the formation of complexes produced by e. histolytica nuclear extracts and oli-p53. additionally, e. histolytica gene promoter sequences with high homology to oli-p53 formed complexes with nuclear proteins that were abolished b ...	2003	12686631
transcriptional silencing of an amoebapore gene in entamoeba histolytica: molecular analysis and effect on pathogenicity.	transcriptional silencing of the gene coding for amoebapore a (ap-a) was observed when trophozoites of entamoeba histolytica were transfected with a hybrid plasmid construct containing the ap-a gene flanked by the upstream and downstream segments of the original ehap-a gene. transfectants were totally devoid of ap-a transcript and ap-a protein. an identical silencing effect was observed upon transfection with a plasmid that contained only the 5' upstream region of ap-a. removal of the selecting ...	2003	12684379
differential use of multiple replication origins in the ribosomal dna episome of the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica.	the factors that control the initiation of eukaryotic dna replication from defined origins (oris) on the chromosome remain incompletely resolved. here we show that the circular rdna episome of the human pathogen entamoeba histolytica contains multiple potential oris, which are utilized in a differential manner. the primary ori in exponentially growing cells was mapped close to the promoter of rrna genes in the upstream intergenic spacer (igs) by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. replication i ...	2003	12682354
evaluation of dot-elisa for serological diagnosis of amebiasis.	we improved the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-elisa) reported by itoh and sato, and assessed the usefulness of this test for the diagnosis of amebiasis. the sensitivity of dot-elisa was compared with that of plate elisa, the indirect hemagglutination test (iha), and the indirect fluorescent antibody test (ifa) for the diagnosis of amebiasis. of 37 serum samples from patients with documented amebiasis, 36 (97.3%) were positive by dot-elisa. there was consistency among the results of ...	2003	12673403
l10 ribosomal protein from entamoeba histolytica share structural and functional homologies with qm/jif-1: proteins with extraribosomal functions.	in the present work, the complete amino acid sequence of the entamoeba histolytica ribosomal protein l10 (ehl10) is reported. cdna of 630bp revealed an open reading frame that encodes a protein of 210 amino acids. analysis of ehl10 ribosomal protein revealed 75% similarity and 57% identity with qm protein from homo sapiens and 78 and 60%, respectively, with arabidopsis thaliana. western blot analysis of ribosomal proteins from e. histolytica showed that ehl10 protein is part of the ribosomal com ...	2003	12672524
identification of entamoeba histolytica thiol-specific antioxidant as a galnac lectin-associated protein.	entamoeba histolytica is a human intestinal parasite that causes amebic dysentery. a cell surface amebic adhesin, the galactose and n-acetyl-d-galactosamine inhibitable (galnac) lectin mediates amebic adherence to and contact-dependent killing of host cells. previous work has suggested that the galnac lectin transduces signals via protein interactions with its short cytoplasmic domain. we used a yeast two-hybrid system to screen an e. histolytica cdna library for proteins that interact with the ...	2003	12672520
molecular biology of the amitochondriate parasites, giardia intestinalis, entamoeba histolytica and trichomonas vaginalis.	the amitochondriates are an assembly of unicellular protists that lack mitochondria, and often other typical eukaryotic organelles, such as peroxisomes. relatively little research has been conducted on amitochondriates, even though marine waters are likely to be teeming with such organisms, representing yet unknown protist lineages. the three amitochondriates that have been studied in any detail are the three mucosal human parasites: giardia, trichomonas and entamoeba. these pathogens have world ...	2003	12670510
intestinal parasitic infection and associated symptoms in children attending day care centres in trujillo, venezuela.	to examine the presence of intestinal protozoan and helminth infections and their association with clinical signs and symptoms in children in trujillo, venezuela.	2003	12667154
membrane-bound acid phosphatase (map) from entamoeba histolytica has phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity and disrupts the actin cytoskeleton of host cells.	protein tyrosine phosphatases (ptpases) have been described as virulence factors in different pathogenic microorganisms. the pathogenic process by enatamoeba histolytica is a multifactorial phenomenon that occurs in 3 steps: adhesion, cytolytic and cytotoxic effect, and phagocytosis. lytic enzymes may participate during the second part of this process. in this work, we determined that purified membrane-bound acid phosphatase (map) from e. histolytica trophozoites has ptpase activity. the enzyme ...	2003	12666878
specific antibody immune response against the parasitic portion of a glutathione-s-transferase fusion protein.	the humoral immune response against an entamoeba histolytica recombinant protein has been investigated. the 628 bp bam hi-eco ri dna fragment (l1b) from the m11 cdna clone, partially coding for a 220 kda (l220) protein, was ligated in-frame into the pgex-3x plasmid vector to produce the fusion protein gst-l1b. balb/c mice were immunized with different doses of the gst-l1b fusion protein (10-500 microg). gst-l1b doses of 100/50/50, 300, or 500 microg induced an antibody response (igg1>igg3, igg2a ...	2003	12665474
amoebiasis.	amoebiasis is the second leading cause of death from parasitic disease worldwide. the causative protozoan parasite, entamoeba histolytica, is a potent pathogen. secreting proteinases that dissolve host tissues, killing host cells on contact, and engulfing red blood cells, e histolytica trophozoites invade the intestinal mucosa, causing amoebic colitis. in some cases amoebas breach the mucosal barrier and travel through the portal circulation to the liver, where they cause abscesses consisting of ...	2003	12660071
synthesis, antiprotozoal and anticancer activity of substituted 2-trifluoromethyl- and 2-pentafluoroethylbenzimidazoles.	the synthesis of several halogenated benzimidazoles substituted in position 2 with trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl and 2-thioethylaminodimethyl group is reported. antiprotozoal and anticancer activity of series of newly synthesized and previously obtained compounds was studied. all of tested bezimidazoles showed remarkable antiprotozoal activity against giardia intestinalis, entamoeba histolytica and trichomonas vaginalis. of the studied collection of halogenated benzimidazoles the most antica ...	2002	12660022
gerd like symptoms as seen in a village.	twenty cases of protozoal infection presented with symptoms suggesting gerd. treatment with antacids and h2 blockers was unsuccessful in giving them relief. as they had also protozoal infection, treatment with anti-protozoal drugs gave them complete relief in the follow up period of one year after the end of treatment. hence we have named these conditions simulating peptic ulcer gerd as pseodogerd or protozoal gerd. it is suggested that the person presenting with the symptoms of gerd in our area ...	2002	12645160
synthesis, spectral studies and screening for amoebicidal activity of new palladium(ii) complexes derived from thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones.	in view of the antiamoebic properties observed for many thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones, a series of n(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones metal complexes derived from thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde was prepared for evaluation against entamoeba histolytica. reaction of thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde with cycloalkylaminothiocarbonylhydrazines having different amines gave the corresponding thiosemicarbazones. reaction of latter with [pd(dmso)(2)cl(2)] gave requisite palladium thiosemicarbazone ...	2003	12639559
[protozoa and food hygiene].		2002	12635345
[the phagocytic activity of blood platelets in different parasitic diseases].	blood platelets take part in immune reactions of the organism, especially in anti-parasitic immunity. we conducted the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. this experiments were done on 40 patients infected with giardia intestinalis (26), ascaris lumbricoides (8), entamoeba histolytica/entamoeba dispar (6). blood for analysis was collected thrice, before treatment (p1), after two weeks (p2), and after two months treatment with anti-parasitic drugs (p3). control group consisted of 32 healthy p ...	2002	12632920
characterization of sialidase from entamoaeba hystolitica and possible pathogenic role in amebiasis.	sialidase from entamoeba histolytica was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity by chromatography on hydroxyapatite, reactive brown agarose, fetuin/agarose and by fast performance liquid chromatography on a monoq column. the enzyme had a molecular mass of 65 kda, as determined by sds-page. it had an optimum ph of 5.5 and was maximally active at 37 degrees c. it required ca(2+) and mg(2+) for activation but was strongly inhibited by cu(2+), fe(2+) and zn(2+). the e. histolytica sialidas ...	2003	12632168
investigation of an outbreak of amoebiasis in georgia.	entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, occurs worldwide and 12% of the world's population are estimated to be infected. the prevalence of infection varies between 1% in industrialised countries to between 50% and 80% in tropical countries, where tra	1999	12631887
pathogenic intestinal parasites and bacterial agents in solid wastes.	to determine the profile of potentially pathogenic enteric parasites and bacterial agents in municipal refuse dumps in ibadan, nigeria.	2002	12630495
[systematic search for parasites among leprosy patients in mali].	practice of multidrug therapy in leprosy (combination dapsone + rifampicine + clofazimine) established since 1981, has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease. however, immunosuppression due to treatment of multi-drugs therapy induced adverse reactions with glucocorticoid and the change in host immune response due to the leprosy itself, might increase the risk of parasitic infections. to test this hypothesis, we carried out a case-control study at the "institut marchoux" in bamako. st ...	2002	12616942
blocking the expression of a calcium binding protein of the protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica by tetracycline regulatable antisense-rna.		2003	12615327
antiprotozoal activities of phospholipid analogues.	the antiprotozoal activity of phospholipid analogues, originally developed as anti-cancer drugs, has been determined in the past decade. the most susceptible parasites are leishmania spp. and trypanosoma cruzi with activity also shown against trypanosoma brucei spp., entamoeba histolytica and acanthamoeba spp. miltefosine, an alkylphosphocholine, was registered for the oral treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (vl) in india in march 2002. this review will focus on the biological activities of pho ...	2003	12615315
effectiveness of peptone-yeast extract (p-y) medium in the cultivation and isolation of entamoeba histolytica/entamoeba dispar in turkish patients.	amebiasis is a common protozoan infection worldwide, causing serious health problems in both children and adults. today, almost 10% of the world population is infected with entamoeba histolytica/entamoeba dispar. the aims of this study were both the comparison of the reproduction rates and densities of e. histolytica/e. dispar in robinson, dobell-laidlaw and p-y culture media and isolation of e. histolytica/e. dispar from stool samples in peptone-yeast (p-y) medium. trophozoites and cysts of e. ...	2003	12614984
a surface amebic cysteine proteinase inactivates interleukin-18.	amebiasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. invasion by entamoeba histolytica trophozoites causes secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from host epithelial cells, leading to a local acute inflammatory response, followed by lysis of colonic cells. extracellular cysteine proteinases from amebic trophozoites are key virulence factors and have a number of important interactions with host defenses, including cleavage of immunoglobulin g (igg), iga, and complement components c3 ...	2003	12595442
entamoeba histolytica: purification and characterization of ornithine decarboxylase.	ornithine decarboxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis in eukaryotes, was stabilized and purified from trophozoites of the parasite protozoan e. histolytica. analytical electrophoresis revealed the presence in the purified preparations of a major polypeptide of 45 kda and barely detectable amounts of two other proteins of 70 and 120 kda. both the 45 and 70 kda polypeptides were recognized by a mouse anti-odc monoclonal antibody. the major polypeptide exhibited amino terminal s ...	2002	12594962
entamoeba histolytica: acute granulomatous intestinal lesions in normal and neutrophil-depleted mice.	to study the role of neutrophils in the innate resistance to entamoeba histolytica intestinal infection in mice, animals were treated with anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibodies prior to intracecal parasite inoculation and the resulting lesions were compared with normal mice that had been equally infected. in contrast to our previous finding that neutrophils are critical in eliminating e. histolytica infection in the liver, we show here that neutrophils are not absolutely required to eliminate e. ...	2002	12594958
structural basis for sequential displacement of ca(2+) by yb(3+) in a protozoan ef-hand calcium binding protein.	we have studied the displacement of ca(2+)by the trivalent lanthanide ions (yb(3+)) in a protozoan (entamoeba histolytica) ca(2+)-binding protein (ehcabp), by nmr and thermodynamics. we have demonstrated, for the first time, how one can use in a combined fashion the utility of nmr and thermodynamics to have an insight to the relative binding specificities/affinity between ca(2+) and yb(3+). as revealed by the titration experiments, yb(3+) displaces ca(2+) from the four metal binding sites presen ...	2003	12592012
amoebapores, archaic effector peptides of protozoan origin, are discharged into phagosomes and kill bacteria by permeabilizing their membranes.	antimicrobial peptides are widespread in animal species and their function as defensive molecules may even have appeared before the evolution of metazoa. the amoeboid protozoon entamoeba histolytica discharge membrane-permeabilizing polypeptides named amoebapores into the phagosome in which engulfed bacteria are situated as evidenced here by confocal laser microscopy and electron microscopy using specific antibodies. we demonstrate that the purified three isoforms of the amoebic polypeptides exh ...	2003	12590963
iron-dependent hydrogenases of entamoeba histolytica and giardia lamblia: activity of the recombinant entamoebic enzyme and evidence for lateral gene transfer.	entamoeba histolytica and spironucleus barkhanus have genes that encode short iron-dependent hydrogenases (fe-hydrogenases), even though these protists lack hydrogenosomes. to understand better the biochemistry of the protist fe-hydrogenases, we prepared a recombinant e. histolytica short fe-hydrogenase and measured its activity in vitro. a giardia lamblia gene encoding a short fe-hydrogenase was identified from shotgun genomic sequences, and rt-pcr showed that cultured entamoebas and giardias t ...	2003	12588739
segmentation and tracking of migrating cells in videomicroscopy with parametric active contours: a tool for cell-based drug testing.	this paper presents a segmentation and tracking method for quantitative analysis of cell dynamics from in vitro videomicroscopy data. the method is based on parametric active contours and includes several adaptations that address important difficulties of cellular imaging, particularly the presence of low-contrast boundary deformations known as pseudopods, and the occurence of multiple contacts between cells. first, we use an edge map based on the average intensity dispersion that takes advantag ...	2002	12585703
amoebic versus pyogenic liver abscess.	to study the differences between the clinical presentation and complications of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess. to correlate the diagnostic significance of entamoeba indirect haemagglutination test (e.iha) in establishing the diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess.	2002	12585366
[detection of dna of toxoplasma gondii in rat by using polymerase chain reaction].	to study the significance of dna of toxoplasma gondii in peripheral blood.	2001	12571947
[preliminary study on isolation, purification and hydrolytic activity of cysteine proteinases in entamoeba histolytica].	to explore the invading mechanism of amebae in lamina porpria and observe the interaction between the cysteine proteinase (cp) of entamoeba histolytica and laminin.	2001	12571943
[clinical analysis of 36 cases with amebic liver abscess].	to investigate the clinical features of amebic liver abscess, the causes of misdignosis and the effect of medical and surgical therapy on patient's prognosis.	2000	12567615
[a case with amoebic vaginitis].		1999	12563761
opportunistic intestinal protozoal infections in immunocompromised children.	hundred immunocompromised children and 100 house contact controls were chosen. patients included: 52 nephrotic syndrome children receiving corticosteroids for more than one month (age 5.28 +/- 2.32 years), 14 protein-calorie malnutrition (pcm) patients (8 cases of marasmus aged 6 +/- 2.27 months and 6 cases of marasmic kwashiorkor aged 1.39 +/- 0.88 years) and 34 lymphomas patients (22 cases of hodgkin's disease and 12 cases of non-hodgkin's lymphoma; age 4.5 +/- 3.54 years). examination of conc ...	1999	12561933
coccidian parasites as a cause of watery diarrhoea among protein energy malnourished and other immunocompromised egyptian children.	the role of coccidian parasites in the pathogenesis of watery diarrhea was studied among children with protein energy malnutrition (pem), immunocompromised due to causes other than pem and immunocompetent diarrheic of matched age and sex, as controls. the results showed that the prevalence of infection was 15.48%, cryptosporidium was the most prevalent and showed 14.19% (18.3%, 17.5% and 7.3% in pem, immunocompromised and immunocompetent cases respectively). cyclospora oocysts were detected only ...	1999	12561908
fulminant amoebic colitis with perforation successfully treated by staged surgery: a case report.	radical surgery for fulminant amoebic colitis leads to extremely high mortality; however, resective surgery is mandatory if a patient develops massive fecal peritonitis. we herein report an extremely rare case of fulminant amoebic colitis with multiple perforations, which was successfully treated by staged surgical procedures. a 48-year-old man who had been treated with predonisolone under a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was admitted. biopsy specimens from the colonic mucosa revealed entamoeba ...	2003	12560929
ehpgp5 mrna stability is a regulatory event in the entamoeba histolytica multidrug resistance phenotype.	the multidrug resistance (mdr) phenotype in entamoeba histolytica is characterized by the overexpression of the ehpgp5 gene in trophozoites grown in high drug concentrations. here we evaluated the role of ehpgp5 mrna stability on mdr using actinomycin d. ehpgp5 mrna from trophozoites growing without emetine had a half-life of 2.1 h, which augmented to 3.1 h in cells cultured with 90 microm and to 7.8 h with 225 microm emetine. polyadenylation sites were detected at 118-, 156-, and 189-nucleotide ...	2003	12556531
molecular analysis of repetitive dna elements from entamoeba histolytica, which encode small rnas and contain matrix/scaffold attachment recognition sequences.	we have isolated two dna elements-eh mrs1 and eh mrs2-from entamoeba histolytica, which contain the eukaryotic consensus scaffold/matrix attachment region (s/mar) bipartite recognition sequences. both these sequences bind to high salt extractable nuclear proteins and insoluble nuclear matrix proteins in e. histolytica hm1:imss, suggesting that the predicted s/mar recognition sequences may indeed function as scaffold attachment regions in e. histolytica. sequence analysis shows that eh mrs1 and e ...	2003	12554082
biosynthesis of entamoeba histolytica proteophosphoglycan in vitro.	a complex glycoconjugate proteophosphoglycan (ppg) is present on the surface of the pathogenic protozoan parasite entamoeba histolytica but not in the non-pathogenic entamoeba dispar. it is thought to be an important molecule involved in pathogenesis. in order to study its biosynthesis, an in vitro cell-free system was developed. the specificity of the system was demonstrated by various criteria including immunoprecipitation by a specific monoclonal antibody. the in vitro synthesized molecule wa ...	2003	12554078
apoptotic killing and phagocytosis of host cells by the parasite entamoeba histolytica.	the ability of entamoeba histolytica to kill and phagocytose host cells correlates with parasite virulence. this study addressed the role of apoptotic cell killing and host cell phosphatidylserine exposure in the subsequent phagocytosis of jurkat t cells by e. histolytica. ingested host cells were apoptotic, as evidenced by the activation of caspase 3 in 88% +/- 3% (mean and standard deviation [sd] of the mean) of jurkat cells engulfed by e. histolytica; ingested cells without detectable active ...	2003	12540579
entamoeba histolytica cysteine proteinases disrupt the polymeric structure of colonic mucin and alter its protective function.	the adherent mucous gel layer lining the colonic epithelium is the first line of host defense against invasive pathogens, such as entamoeba histolytica. the mucous layer prevents the attachment of amoeba to the colonic epithelium by trapping and aiding in the expulsion of the parasite. disruption of the mucous layer is thought to occur in invasive amebiasis, and the mechanism by which the parasite overcomes this barrier is not known. the aim of this study was to characterize the specific interac ...	2003	12540564
cytogenetic evaluation of two nitroimidazole derivatives.	5-nitroimidazoles are a well-established group of antiprotozoal and antibacterial agents. thanks to their antimicrobial activity these chemotherapeutic agents inhibit the growth of both anaerobic bacteria and certain anaerobic protozoa such as trichomonas vaginalis, entamoeba histolytica and giardia lamblia. the aim of the present study is to achieve a precise characterization of the genotoxic activity of these compounds and to establish the value of cytogenetic assays in order to determine the ...	2003	12537960
mobile genetic elements in protozoan parasites.	mobile genetic elements, by virtue of their ability to move to new chromosomal locations, are considered important in shaping the evolutionary course of the genome. they are widespread in the biological kingdom. among the protozoan parasites several types of transposable elements are encountered. the largest variety is seen in the trypanosomatids-trypanosoma brucei, trypanosoma cruzi and crithidia fasciculata. they contain elements that insert site-specifically in the spliced-leader rna genes, a ...	2002	12532039
[distribution of entero-parasitic infections in the peruvian highland: study carried out in six rural communities of the department of puno, peru].	a prevalence study was carried out in six rural communities in the peruvian highlands with the purpose of achieving a better understanding of the distribution of entero-parasites. the communities were located along the banks of lake titicaca, in the provinces of puno and el collao, department of puno, peru, at 3,800 m.a.s.l. to that effect, a total of 91 feces samples of adults and children from the following communities were analyzed: conchaca, puñutani, capalla, culta, maraesqueña, and jaillih ...	2002	12525846
cellular location and function of the p-glycoproteins (ehpgps) in entamoeba histolytica multidrug-resistant trophozoites.	we have studied the cellular location and the efflux pump function of the entamoeba histolytica p-glycoproteins (ehpgps) in drug-sensitive and -resistant trophozoites. polyclonal antibodies against the ehpgp384 polypeptide (375-759 amino acids) revealed a 147-kda protein by western blot. the band intensity correlated with the emetine-resistance of the trophozoites. through the confocal microscope, using the anti-ehpgp384 and fluorescein secondary antibodies, the ehpgps were found in a complex ve ...	2002	12523626
calreticulin-like molecule in trophozoites of entamoeba histolytica hm1:imss (swissprot: accession p83003).	in this work, we report the partial sequence of a 51 kda protein of entamoeba histolytica that is highly immunogenic in humans. partial sequencing of the n-terminal end showed that 18 of the first 20 amino acid residues of the protein were identified uniquely, indicating that the final product was a homogeneous protein preparation. the n-terminal sequence that was found was: kvyfeetfengwkxiwskw. comparing the 19-amino acid sequence of the protein in automated databases shows significant similari ...	2002	12518855
defective production of reactive oxygen intermediates (roi) in a patient with recurrent amebic liver abscess.	previously, we reported the case of a man in the fourth decade of life afflicted with three independent episodes of amebic liver abscesses over a period of 4 years. previous evidence has indicated that the cellular immune response is involved in protection against recurrent invasive amebic infection, and macrophage-mediated effector mechanisms appear important for host resistance to entamoeba histolytica infection. the aim of the present work was to investigate locomotor activity and oxidative b ...	2002	12518854
outbreak of amebiasis in tbilisi, republic of georgia, 1998.	in 1998, we investigated a suspected outbreak of amebic liver abscesses caused by entamoeba histolytica in the republic of georgia, using a case-control study. a questionnaire was administered and blood samples were obtained from cases and controls for serologic diagnosis. medical records showed that e. histolytica infections were rarely diagnosed before 1998. however, from july through september 1998, 177 cases of suspected amebiasis were identified. of 52 persons who had diagnosed liver absces ...	2002	12518853