Erythrophagocytosis in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: A Comparative Study
Figure 4
Real time video microscopy showing the opsonization-like event. (a) E. dispar: Figure 4(a)(A) shows a trophozoite (green) with a group of bound erythrocytes (red); then it can be seen how these erythrocytes completely detach from this amoeba (Figure 4(a)(B–D)), probably due to a low affinity binding. A new trophozoite (blue) appears in the scene (Figure 4(a)(D)) ready to bind the erythrocytes that had been bound to another amoeba (Figure 4(a)(E and F)). Once again, these erythrocytes will detach from this blue amoeba (Figure 4(a)(G–I)). (b) E. histolytica: Figure 4(b)(A) shows a trophozoite (green) which binds erythrocytes (red) sending them to the caudal pole until it encounters another trophozoite (blue) (Figure 4(b)(B–D)); after both amoebas bound to the same group of erythrocytes, it is appreciated how they “fight” to keep the erythrocytes clump (Figure 4(b)(E–H)). Finally, Figure 4(b)(I) shows how every amoeba keeps a portion of the erythrocytes. Numbers shown in the upper right corner of each image correspond to time in seconds.
