Intestinal amoebiasis: a cause of colonic ulceration

We present two clinical cases of intestinal amoebiasis. The first case was asymptomatic, with colonic ulcers incidentally detected during colonoscopy. The second case presented with diarrhea and a hepatic abscess, also associated with colonic ulcers. Both patients showed a favorable clinical outcome following treatment. Amoebiasis is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is more common among travelers, immunocompromised individuals, and men who have sex with men. Clinically, it can range from asymptomatic infection to severe colitis and hepatic abscess formation. Diagnosis is established through stool microbiological tests, serology, and intestinal biopsies. In invasive cases, treatment consists of metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by a luminal amoebicide such as paromomycin. In cases of large abscesses, drainage may be required.