Influence of inflammation on parasitism and area of experimental amoebic liver abscess: an immunohistochemical and morphometric study

Parasit Vectors. 2011 Feb 28:4:27. doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-27.

Abstract

The influence of inflammation on the number of trophozoites and on the murine amoebic liver abscess area following infection with Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and digital morphometry were used to identify and quantify the trophozoites, neutrophils, macrophages, and lesions. Positive correlation was observed between the number of trophozoites and inflammatory cells. A significant decrease in parasitism and inflammation in groups treated with dexamethasone was observed. The scarceness or absence of trophozoites in the treated groups suggest the importance of the inflammatory response in the production of amoebic hepatic abscesses in spite of the inherent virulence of the parasite being decisive in the establishment of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Biometry
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Entamoeba / immunology*
  • Entamoeba / pathogenicity*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Liver / parasitology
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / immunology*
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dexamethasone