[Amebiasis]

Abstract

Amoebiasis caused by the enteric protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is a widespread parasitic disease, which causes 40,000 to 100,000 deaths per year. Cases diagnosed in Denmark are always imported. Infection results from ingestion of amoebic cysts, which after excystation form trophozoits in the small intestine, colonize the bowel lumen and invade the intestinal epithelium resulting in amoebic colitis. Spread to the liver and formation of amoebic liver abscesses occurs in one third of the cases, whereas other extraintestinal manifestations are rare. Amoebic colitis and liver abscess have a good prognosis when treated with metronidazole, whereas complications such as necrotizing colitis, peritonitis and pericarditis have a high mortality. An early diagnosis and treatment is therefore important. Intestinal amoebiasis is diagnosed by demonstration of E. histolytica cysts or amoebae in the stools, whereas serology is of value in diagnosing extraintestinal amoebiasis in nonendemic regions.