Entamoeba histolytica: Difference between revisions

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Entamoeba histolytica
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* Microscopically distinguishable from the non-pathogenic ''E. dispar'', so needs molecular tests to confirm diagnosis
 
* Microscopically distinguishable from the non-pathogenic ''E. dispar'', so needs molecular tests to confirm diagnosis
   
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== Management ==
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=== Liver abscess ===
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* Either
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** [[Is treated with::Metronidazole]] 750 mg PO tid for 10 days
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** [[Is treated with::Tinidazole]] 2 g PO daily for 5 days
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* Followed by a luminal agent, either
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** [[Is treated by::Paramomycin]] 10 mg/kg PO tid for 5 to 10 days
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** [[Is treated by::Diloxanide furoate]] 500 mg PO tid for 10 days
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=== Diarrhea ===
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* [[Is treated by::Tinidazole]] 2 g PO daily for 5 days
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* Followed by a luminal agent, as above
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=== Asymptomatic carriage ===
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* Treat with a luminal agent, as above
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Entamoeba histolytica''}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Entamoeba histolytica''}}
 
[[Category:Protozoa]]
 
[[Category:Protozoa]]

Revision as of 14:37, 9 December 2019

Background

Microbiology

  • Intestinal protozoan parasite within the genus Entamoeba
  • Microscopically distinguishable from the non-pathogenic E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and E. bangladeshii

Epidemiology

  • Causes 34 to 50 million cases annually and up to 100,000 deaths

Clinical Presentation

Amoebic diarrhea and dysentery

  • Amoebic diarrhea, with or without dysentery, is common
    • About 15 to 30% of cases involve amoebic dysentery (with macroscopic or microscopic blood)
  • Typically a subacute onset over 3 to 4 weeks and abdominal pain
    • However, can be up to months
  • Fever is rare, even in dysentery
  • In children, can lead to intussusception, perforation, and necrotizing colitis

Amoebic liver abscess

  • Amoebic liver abscess is far more common in men than women, and rare in children
  • Symptoms progress over 2 to 4 weeks, with fever, cough, and abdominal pain
    • The pain is typically a dull ache in the right upper quadrant or epigastrium

Disseminated emoebiasis

  • Metastatic infections are possible, most often from direct extension of a liver abscess
  • Most commonly spreads to chest, with empyema, bronchohepatic fistula, pericarditis
  • Cerebral disease is rare but can happen

Diagnosis

  • Microscopically distinguishable from the non-pathogenic E. dispar, so needs molecular tests to confirm diagnosis

Management

Liver abscess

Diarrhea

  • Tinidazole 2 g PO daily for 5 days
  • Followed by a luminal agent, as above

Asymptomatic carriage

  • Treat with a luminal agent, as above