Mouse models of amoebiasis and culture methods of amoeba

Entamoeba histolytica is the third leading parasitic cause of man mortality in the world. Infection occurs via ingestion of food or water contaminated with cysts of E. histolytica. Amoebae primarily colonize the intestine. The majority of amoebic infections are asymptomatic, but under some conditions, approximately 4–10% of infections progress to the invasive form of the disease. To better understand the pathogenesis of amoebiasis and the interaction between amoebae and their hosts, the development of suitable animal models is crucial. Pigs, gerbils, cats and mice are used as animal models for the study of amoebiasis in the laboratory. Among these, the most commonly used model is the mouse. In addition to intestinal amoebiasis, we developed a mouse model of liver abscess by inoculating amoeba through portal vein. However, the frequency of successful infection remains low, which is dependent on the conditions of amoebae in the laboratory. As the maintenance of virulent amoebae in the laboratory is unstable, it needs further refinement. This review summarizes mouse models of amoebiasis and the current state of laboratory culture method of amoebae.