The present study analyzes the effects of zinc on Entamoeba histolytica act
ivity and on its pathogenicity. Metal activity was evaluated in vitro with
regard to the parasite's viability, replication, and adhesion to epithelial
cells and in vivo with regard to its pathogenicity. The results obtained i
n vitro show that zinc at 1.0 mM concentration does not affect amebic viabi
lity; however, it does decrease amebic replication and adhesion (P < 0.001)
. In vivo studies performed on a model of experimental liver abscess in the
hamster indicate that the intraperitoneal administration of a single dose
of zinc at 48 h after the intrahepatic inoculation of amebic trophozoites s
ignificantly inhibits (P < 0.001) abscess development. The results indicate
that zinc alters the functionality of the ameba in vitro as reflected by a
decrease in replication and adhesion and in vivo as manifested by inhibiti
on of amebic pathogenicity.