Abstract
Cultures of Entamoeba histolytica obtained from the stools of human cases of amoebic infection have been introduced into the intestinal tract of kittens by Cutler 1 and Boeck and Drbohlav 2 and the disease apparently successfully reproduced in this type of animal.
A rather generalized systemic invasion by Entamoeba histolytica has also been described by other workers, but there are many who question the cellular structures considered as amoeba in such reports. The invasion, however, of these protozoa into the liver with the resulting autolysis of hepatic tissue and the formation of the socalled amoebic “abscess” has been generally accepted as occurring through the portal system. The study of the histopathologic lesion in the liver often reveals numerous amoebas in the vascular pathways, suggesting this system as the route of invasion.
In the present experiments, having obtained at autopsy a satisfactory culture of Entamoeba histolytica from a hepatic “abscess,” as herein reported 3 we were desirous of ascertaining the effects that might be produced by hypodermic injections of such a culture into the lower animal through various routes of introduction.
The culture contained a varied bacterial flora in conjunction with the luxuriant growth of the amoeba. The presence of the bacterial microorganisms in the injection material naturally somewhat confuses the results.
Twenty-five rabbits were employed.
Series 1.—Eight rabbits were laparotomized and fresh cultures rich in amoeba were introduced with a hypodermic syringe into the branches of the mesenteric veins. Such suspensions were naturally carried through the portal system and into the liver. Five of these animals were killed at varying periods of from 2 to 5 weeks. At autopsy evidences of localized peritonitis were present about the site of inoculation hut resolution and organization of exudate were shown in such areas.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.