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[Extraenteric infection caused by Blastocystis spp. in a female patient with liver abscess]

T V Prodeus, O P Zelia, T A Khlebnikova

    Meditsinskaia Parazitologiia I Parazitarnye Bolezni
    |October 10, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blastocystis species can cause liver abscesses in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and combination therapy led to full recovery, highlighting the importance of considering this pathogen.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Extraenteric infections, particularly liver abscesses, are rare complications of Blastocystis species infections.
    • Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for developing invasive Blastocystis infections.

    Observation:

    • A 64-year-old female patient developed a liver abscess post-colon polyposis surgery.
    • Microscopic examination of liver abscess aspirates confirmed the presence of Blastocystis species, including dividing forms.
    • The patient also exhibited signs of lung involvement, including right lung compression and bilateral hydrothorax.

    Findings:

    • Blastocystis species were identified as the causative agent of the liver abscess.
    • The patient recovered fully following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and imidazole derivatives.
    • The clinical presentation suggests Blastocystis species can cause disseminated disease in immunocompromised hosts.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the potential for Blastocystis species to cause severe extraintestinal infections in immunocompromised patients.
    • Increased physician awareness is crucial for the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal and liver diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
    • Further research into the pathogenesis and clinical significance of Blastocystis species in invasive infections is warranted.

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