Serologic Response to the 96,000-Da Surface Antigen of Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica infection continues to be a serious public health concern in developing countries, affecting similar to 10% of the world's population. Infection may be asymptomatic or may result in invasive colitis with possible dissemination and formation of hepatic or, rarely, extrahepatic abscesses. Over 10 million cases of invasive disease occur annually, resulting in 34,000-75,000 deaths (estimated). The availability of an inexpensive, rapid, sensitive serologic assay to identify patients with invasive disease would be of great value. One approach to such a test is to identify serologically reactive antigens and formulate a defined antigen test, possibly using cloned antigens. The authors describe here the potential of one purified E. histolytica surface constituent for use as an aid in the diagnosis of amebiasis.