Genome sequenced from a lethal amoeba

2005/03/01 Belaustegi Irazabal, Ainara - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Genetika
• Medikuntza

The genome of amoeba histolytica has been sequenced. Today, and globally, more than 50 million people are infected with amoeba histolytica, killing about 100,000 people each year. The disease caused by this grandmother is called amebiosis and is the one that causes the most patients and deaths among parasitic diseases and after malaria. Sequencing the genome of Entamoeba histolytica, researchers hope to better understand the details of this parasite and, consequently, to advance the development of antibiotics and vaccines.