Scanning electron microscopy of erythrophagocytosis by Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites.

We analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the sequence of erythrocyte ingestion by a virulent strain of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Axenic cultures of amebas were placed in chamber plastic slides for 30 min. Human red blood cells (RBC) were added to the wells in a ratio of 1:100, ameba:erythrocytes. After different times of interaction, cells were fixed and processed for SEM. Erythrophagocytosis by E. histolytica is characterized by random suction of cells at early stages and polarization of the phagocytic event at one end of the parasite during later stages.