Macrophage requirement for host defence against experimental hepatic amoebiasis in the hamster

Abstract

The role of macrophages in hepatic amoebiasis in hamsters was investigated using BCG for activation, and with silica for elimination of these cells. Silica-treated animals inoculated intrahepatically with 1 .times. 105 trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica developed amoebic abscesses in the liver and more metastases to other organs than control animals, and this effect was silica dose-dependent. BCG-treated animals developed significantly smaller abscesses in the liver and fewer metastatic foci. Apparently macrophages are involved in host defense against the establishment of amoebic liver abscess and metastatic dissemination of amoebae.