[Advances in research on virulence factors of Entamoeba histolytica].

The parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is an important pathogen responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis in human, claiming up to 100 000 victims every year. This parasite is characterized by its high potential for invading and destroying human tissues. Invasion past the mucous barrier of the colonic epithelium leads to the development of colitis and amebic dysentery. Dissemination of the trophozoite through blood stream permits the invasion of other tissues, resulting in abscesses in extracolonic location. Several virulence factors have been proposed to be involved in E. histolytica pathogenicity. This review is to summarize the advances in the research.