Entamoeba histolytica causes liver abscess. The virulence factor that enables this organism to lyse hepatocytes and evade complement is:

• A Amoebapore proteins
• B Galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) lectin ✓
• C Cysteine proteases
• D Phospholipase A

Explanation

The Gal/GalNAc lectin is the primary surface adhesin of E. histolytica that mediates adherence to colonic mucus and hepatocytes; it also has significant structural homology with CD59, allowing the trophozoite to evade complement-mediated lysis. Amoebapores are channel-forming peptides that insert into target cell membranes causing cell death by disrupting ionic gradients. Cysteine proteases degrade IgA, complement components, and tissue matrix. Phospholipase A contributes to cell lysis but is not the primary complement evasion factor.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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