Research Projects

Amebiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. It is the third most common parasitic infections, affecting about 50 million people across the globe and resulting in 100,000 deaths per annum. The diagnosis of E. histolytica infection has traditionally involved microscopic examination of stool specimens which is highly unreliable on account of its less sensitivity and false-positive results. Newer and more sensitive diagnostic tests include ELISA based kits for detection of antigens in fecal samples. However, these kits suffer from cross-reactivity issues as it fails to differentiate the other Entamoeba species. Diagnosis of E.histolytica infection would be improved by the identification of unique antigenic biomarkers that would not cross-react with other organisms. The purpose of this project is to design a sandwich ELISA based antigen detection kit exploiting highly antigenic and novel surface glycoproteins of E.histolytica that do not cross react with other intestinal pathogens.