This parasite is commonly contracted through contaminated food or water, particularly in developing countries, and is often seen in travelers returning from high-risk regions or immigrants in the U.S.

Katherine Ralston, an associate professor, describes E. histolytica as enigmatic, capable of killing human cells through a process known as trogocytosis, where it takes bites out of human cells, leaving them damaged.

Ralston's research revealed that E. histolytica consumes parts of human cells, incorporating human proteins that help it evade immune attacks.

A recent paper in 'Trends in Parasitology' outlines a new approach using genetic tools to better understand E. histolytica's proteins and genes, which could pave the way for improved treatments.

By combining RNAi with CRISPR gene-editing technology, researchers aim to identify crucial genes and proteins in E. histolytica, which could lead to potential therapies or vaccines.

Scientists are exploring genetic tools and CRISPR technology to inhibit the parasite's ability to disguise itself from the immune system.

Symptoms of amoebiasis include watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, with severe cases potentially resulting in fever and abdominal tenderness.

The species name 'histolytica' refers to its ability to dissolve tissue, creating abscesses in infected organs by killing cells through the process of trogocytosis.

Ralston emphasizes the importance of basic research in developing treatments for diseases caused by understudied parasites like E. histolytica, highlighting the years of effort required to study and develop tools against this complex parasite.

Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite that infects around 50 million people annually, is responsible for approximately 70,000 deaths each year, primarily causing diarrhea but also leading to severe health complications such as colon ulcers and organ damage.

The genome of E. histolytica is five times larger than that of salmonella, complicating genetic research; however, Ralston's team has developed an RNA interference (RNAi) library to study its 8,734 genes.

This research holds promise for developing effective vaccines and therapies against E. histolytica, marking significant progress in combating this parasitic infection.