Opportunities and obstacles in developing a vaccine for Entamoeba histolytica.
The development of a vaccine against Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebic colitis and liver abscess, would reduce childhood mortality in countries such as Bangledesh where community-based studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of E. histolytica. Immunological studies from this population have shown that protection from amebiasis is associated with mucosal anti-E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin antibodies, suggesting that a vaccine is an achievable goal. However, garnering resources for vaccine development is a challenge when the vaccine is targeted to poor people living in developing countries.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Vanessa C
VC
Miller-Sims
William A
WA
Petri
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000276:immunology*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines