[Amoebosis: May sexual transmission be an underestimated way of contamination?]

Abstract

Introduction: Amoebiasis is a cosmopolitan disease and the third most deadly of parasitic diseases. Entamoeba histolytica is the only one to be pathogenic. Its transmission is not only related to the faecal peril but also sexual, with cases described among men who have sex with men. A case of unusual sexual transmission is described in this article, aiming to discuss the impact of these ways of transmitting amoebiasis on patient management.

Case report: We describe the case of an amebic liver abscess in a 27-years-old man who did not travel in endemic areas. After patient interrogation, it seems that the contamination mode was sexual, related to a heterosexual relationship with a new female partner 4 months before the diagnosis. HIV and hepatitis B serologies were negative.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of amoebiasis should be suspected in case of dysentery or liver abscess even if there is no history of travel in endemic areas or of sexual intercourse between men.

Keywords: Abcès hépatique; Amibiase; Amoebiasis; Liver abscess; Maladies transmises sexuellement; Sexually transmitted diseases.