Hepatic amebiasis: diagnostic counterimmunoelectrophoresis and metronidazole (flagyl) therapy

In an ongoing study of obscure fevers in Cairo, Egypt which is presently in its 6th year, 12 cases of hepatic amebiasis have been diagnosed. Three were diagnosed during the period 1971-1974. With the introduction of amebic serologic techniques, particularly counterimmunoelectrophoresis, nine additional cases have been diagnosed in 1975-1976. Of 9 patients treated with metronidazole 6 were rapidly cured, 2 had a recurrence of fever necessitating surgical drainage of the abscess, and 1 died suddenly on the 3rd day of therapy.