ABSTRACT
In recent years, knowledge of the aspects involved in amoebiasis, the virulence factors of Entamoeba histolytica, and the human–amoeba interaction have advanced rapidly. The Entamoeba histolytica life cycle does not include a vector and consists of two main stages—trophozoite and cyst. A wide variety of molecules have been described as Entamoeba histolytica virulence factors that act in concert and favor amoebae invasion. An excellent work in 1984 described the sequential histopathological study of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) formation from very early stages in hamsters inoculated by the intraportal route with Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. The development of a vaccine against Entamoeba histolytica is imperative and represents a great opportunity to prevent and even eradicate amoebiasis. Animal models have enabled the testing of new therapeutic targets to treat amoebiasis. This chapter describes the main models used to study intestinal and hepatic amoebiasis, including the lesions caused by amoebae and treatments for the disease.
