Fig. 2. A and B in Surface Coat Differences between and Non-Invasive Entamoeba dispar Invasive Entamoeba histolytica

Fig. 2. A and B. Cell coat of E. histolytica and E. dispar as observed in thin sections after treatment with Con A. The cell coat of E. histolytica (A) was observed as a thick layer of relatively homogenous electron- dense precipitate all along the cell surface. In contrast, in E. dispar, (B) the cell coat was strongly positive. Bar: 0.1 µm. C to D. Confocal and phase contrast microscopy images of amoebae after incubation with fluoresce- in-tagged Concanavalin A. As observed by confocal microscopy (C) and phase contrast (D) in E. histolytica trophozoites the displacement of surface lectin receptors formed a defined cap at the posterior pole of the cell, but such structure is not formed by E. dispar and only irregular patches were seen (E) confocal and (F) phase contrast. Bar: 20 µm.