[Autochthonous and imported amebiasis: description of 2 clinical cases]

Two cases of intestinal amoebiasis, one of which autochthonous and the other acquired in Africa, are described. The first of the patients, who never moved to the Tropics nor to Southern Italy, had profuse bloody diarrhea leading to hypovolemic shock; the second case was characterized by massive hemorrhage. Both responded well to appropriate treatment. Infection with E. histolytica should be borne in mind in patients with abdominal symptoms not only if they have travelled in the Tropics, but also in temperate regions, including Northern Italy.