Intestinal amoebiasis: a cause of colonic ulceration

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Intestinal amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
• Risk factors include travel, immunocompromise, and sexual practices among men who have sex with men.
• Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic infections to severe colitis and hepatic abscesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two clinical cases of intestinal amoebiasis.
• To highlight the diverse clinical presentations and management of Entamoeba histolytica infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients with intestinal amoebiasis.
• Diagnosis involved colonoscopy, stool microbiological tests, and imaging for hepatic abscess.
• Treatment included metronidazole and paromomycin, with abscess drainage in one case.

Main Results:

• One patient was asymptomatic with incidentally found colonic ulcers.
• The second patient presented with diarrhea and a hepatic abscess, alongside colonic ulcers.
• Both patients achieved favorable clinical outcomes after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal amoebiasis requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by luminal amoebicides, are effective treatments.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for large abscesses.