Biological evidence of genetic exchange in Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

The demonstration of a new zymodeme of Entamoeba histolytica produced in culture from cloned isolates suggested possible genetic exchange in this parasite. We have attempted to substantiate that finding by using rats as biological hosts. Clones were made from 3 separate isolates of E. histolytica, each established in culture from liver pus or faeces. After enzyme characterization these clones, of zymodemes II, XIV and XIX, were paired in each of the 3 possible combinations and the mixtures injected into the caecum of rats. Clones of new or hybrid zymodemes were produced as well as the original parents, with one exception, the mixture of XIV and XIX, from which only one of the parents was recovered. The hybrids produced included zymodeme XX, observed previously, and zymodeme XI, a naturally occurring zymodeme that has in the past been recovered only from subjects with invasive amoebiasis.