Amoebic Liver Abscess: A disease native to Oman?

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is a significant global health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
• Understanding the local epidemiology of ALA is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging characteristics of ALA in Oman.
• To determine if ALA cases in Oman are primarily acquired locally or imported.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series study was conducted at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
• Data from 22 patients diagnosed with ALA between January 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Eighteen of 22 patients were Omani, with only two reporting recent international travel.
• Abdominal pain and fever were the most common symptoms; elevated alanine transferase was noted in most patients.
• A significant majority (90%) of patients had no preceding symptomatic infections.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest ALA is endemic within Oman, with a low occurrence rate compared to other endemic areas.
• The lack of travel history in most local patients supports a native origin for ALA in Oman.
• Implementing screening measures is advised to prevent amoebic spread and control ALA incidence.