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Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Gastrointestinal system

Amoebiasis - Gastrointestinal infections

A diarrhoeal illness or dysentery caused by infection with amoebae. - Definition, Incidence, Aetiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical features, Complications, Investigations, Management, Prognosis.

Amoebiasis

 

Definition

 

A diarrhoeal illness or dysentery caused by infection with amoebae.

 

Prevalence

 

Up to 50% of the population in the tropics.

 

Geography

 

Occurs worldwide but most common in the tropics and subtropics.

 

Aetiology

 

The condition is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, transmission occurs through food and drink contamination or by anal sexual activity.

 

Pathophysiology

 

The amoeba can exist as two forms; a cyst and a trophozoite, only the cysts survive outside the body. Following ingestion the trophozoites emerge in the small intestine and then pass to the colon where they may invade the epithelium causing ulceration.

 

Clinical features

 

Asymptomatic carriage and excretion of potentially infective cysts.

 

Patients may have a gradual onset of mild intermittent diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Subsequently bloody diarrhoea with mucus and systemic upset may occur as a result of colitis, which may be severe. A fulminating colitis with a low-grade fever and dehydration may develop.

 

Complications

 

Severe haemorrhage may result from erosion into a blood vessel. Amoebae may then pass to the liver causing hepatitis and intrahepatic abscesses.

 

Amoebic liver abscesses result in tender hepatosplenomegaly, a swinging fever and malaise.

 

Progression of fulminant colitis to toxic dilatation risks perforation and peritonitis.

 

Chronic infection causes fibrosis and stricture formation.

 

Investigations

 

Serodiagnosis is by fluorescent antibody titre, positivity is low in asymptomatic carriers. Stool examination may reveal the trophozoites. Liver disease should be suspected if alkaline phosphatase rises, hepatic ultrasound is used to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Management

 

Metronidazole is the drug of choice, large liver abscesses require ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage. Prevention is difficult due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, boiling water for 10 minutes kills the cysts.

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Medicine and surgery: Gastrointestinal system : Amoebiasis - Gastrointestinal infections |


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