Amoebic dysentery is the most common illness affecting human, and form one of the major health problem in Iraq. Cysts and trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica were detected using rapid stool examination and cultural techniques. Trophozoites of E. histolytica reveal various virulence factors through their ability to lyses red blood cells, lipid and extracellular protein in vitro. Infection rate with E. histolytica in Babylon Governorate reached 38.6% ,the distribution of infection differ with months of the year ,the highest percentage of infection was recorded in July (47.3%), while the lowest percentage of infection rate was recorded in February (26.2%). Gender and age also showed slight variation in infection rate. The infection was higher in males than females meanwhile the age period 1-10 years showed the highest infection rate (46.6%). Phagocytosis assay for amoebic dysentery patients revealed an enhancement in the activity of polymorphonuclear cells to engulf and reduce of Nitroblue tetrazolium. Levels of the antibodies in serum of infected persons showed a significantly elevation particularly IgA, IgG, and IgM types compared with control groups. Treatment of amoebic mice with pomegranate extract succeeded in their recovery.
Key words: Entamoeba histolytica, virulence factors, phagocytosis, immunoglobulins, pomegranate extract
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