Related Experiment Videos
Amebic liver abscess: report of three cases
L Fumarola1, A Francavilla, N Palasciano
1Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene, Medical School, University of Bari, Policlinico, Bari, Italy. lfumarola@midim.uniba.it
Parassitologia
|April 17, 2008
Summary
Amebic abscess, a severe form of amebiasis, presents with symptoms like fever and abdominal pain. Early diagnosis using antibody titers and antigen tests, followed by metronidazole treatment, leads to clinical improvement.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Medical Parasitology
Background:
- Amebic abscess, a frequent complication of extraintestinal amebiasis, carries significant morbidity and mortality.
- Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis.
Observation:
- Three cases of amebic liver abscess in Southern Italy were analyzed.
- Clinical presentation included fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, hepatomegaly, leukocytosis, and pleural effusion.
- Multiple abscesses were observed in all patients.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by elevated Entamoeba histolytica antibody titers (immunofluorescence assay) and positive antigen detection (ELISA) in stool and abscess aspirates.
- All patients received metronidazole, with two undergoing abscess aspiration.
- Computerized tomography demonstrated clinical improvement post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case series highlights diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for amebic liver abscess.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this potentially life-threatening condition.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and diagnostic markers aids in effective patient care.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...