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Amebic liver abscess and human immunodeficiency virus infection: a report of three cases

C J Liu1, C C Hung, M Y Chen

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 22, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Invasive amebiasis, particularly amebic liver abscess, may indicate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the Far East. Clinicians should consider HIV testing for patients with invasive amebiasis, especially those with prolonged symptoms or HIV risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Invasive amebiasis is infrequently associated with homosexual men and individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • It has not been traditionally recognized as an indicator of concurrent HIV infection.
  • This study investigates a potential link between invasive amebiasis and HIV in the Far East.

Observation:

  • A case series involving three patients in the Far East presenting with invasive amebiasis (amebic liver abscess and colitis).
  • One patient was a bisexual man with a prolonged amebiasis course, who was subsequently diagnosed with HIV via seroconversion.
  • Two additional patients with amebic liver abscess were also found to be infected with HIV.

Findings:

  • The causative agent, Entamoeba histolytica, was identified in all three cases using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.
  • The clinical presentation of amebic liver abscess and colitis in these patients was associated with newly diagnosed HIV infection.
  • This suggests that invasive amebiasis can serve as a clinical manifestation of HIV infection.

Implications:

  • Invasive amebiasis, particularly with protracted symptoms or risk factors, should prompt consideration for HIV testing in endemic regions.
  • This finding may alter the diagnostic approach for invasive amebiasis in the Far East.
  • Early identification of HIV in patients with amebiasis can facilitate timely antiretroviral therapy and improve patient outcomes.

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