Abstract

VIASUS PEREZ, Diego F.; PINILLA, Análida E.  and  LOPEZ, Myriam C.. Immunology of the amebic liver abscess. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2004, vol.6, suppl.1, pp.80-96. ISSN 0124-0064.

Infection by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes amebic dysentery and amebic liver abscess, diseases associated with a high morbidity and mortality. In the case of amebic liver infection, the role of humoral immunity in protection has not been well established but it is important in seroidemiological studies and for diagnostic methods. Cellular immunity is important for the control of infection and the development of protective immunity after an invasive infection. Molecular genetic techniques and new experimental models have increased the knowledge on the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Its adequate understanding, together with the knowledge on the molecular biology and genetics of the parasite and of the host's immune mechanisms will allow the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools as well as the development of an effective and safe vaccine for eliminating the disease.

Keywords : Entamoeba histolytica; liver abscess; amoebic; immunity humoral; cell-mediated immunity; vaccine.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )