Induction of permeability changes and death of vertebrate cells is modulated by the virulence of Entamoeba spp. isolates.

Although Entamoeba histolytica is capable of inducing an apoptotic response in vertebrate cells in vitro (Cell. Microbiol. 2 (2000) 617), it is not known whether vertebrate cell death requires direct amoeba-vertebrate cell contact or simply the presence of amoebae in the area of the vertebrate cells.