Amebiasis is a leading parasitic cause of death.
My research concerns the cell biology and pathogenesis of Entmaoeba histolytica, the protozoan cause of amebiasis. My lab has developed the methodologies for DNA transfection of the parasite, and is using this technology to express antisense RNA and dominant mutants for the lectin to further characterize its function in vivo. A related area of investigation is new diagnostic tests for amebiasis. I have developed a monoclonal antibody based antigen detection test for amebiasis which is improved in sensitivity and specificity over conventional microscopic identification of the parasite. This test has been FDA - approved and is being commercially produced.