Immunologic studies on hamsters infected with Entamoeba histolytica.

The serologic and cell-mediated immune responses of hamsters exposed to 2 strains of Entamoeba histolytica (HM-1 and HM-19) were evaluated by a series of in vitro tests. The pathogenicity of the 2 strains was evaluated in terms of their ability to produce liver abscesses and spleen enlargement. Antibody response was evaluated by the indirect hemagglutination test. The cellular immune response was assayed by increased DNA synthesis by lymphocytes and migration inhibition of macrophages.