Meeting at Manson House, London, 19 February 1998: Amoebic disease - Entamoeba histolytica and E-dispar: comparison of molecules considered importantfor host tissue destruction

Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar are genetically distinct but closely re lated protozoan species. Both colonize the human gut but only E. histolytic a is able to invade tissues and cause disease. Comparison of the 2 species may help to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in the pathogenicity of E. histolytica. During the last few years, Various amoeba molecules con sidered to be important for pathogenic tissue invasion have been identified and characterized, such as a galactose-inhibitable surface lectin, pore-fo rming peptides and cysteine proteinases. This review summarizes present kno wledge about the structure and function of these molecules, with emphasis o n the differences between E. histolytica and E. dispar.