[Clinical case of the month. Amoebic liver abscess contracted in India with diagnosis confirmed by PCR]

Rev Med Liege. 2013 Jul-Aug;68(7-8):428-32.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Amoebiasis is a disease of parasitic origin responsible for dysentery and extra-intestinal complications. The infection is by Entamoeba histolytica, an amoeba whose geographical distribution is cosmopolitan, but that is more prevalent in tropical areas. Only a few infections are symptomatic and some of them may cause extra-intestinal complications. Hepatic amoebiasis is the most frequently observed. We report the case of a Belgian woman who developed an amoebic liver abscess after returning from a trip to India. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR detection of E. histolytica DNA performed on the abscess fluid. The epidemiological, diagnosis and treatment aspects are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Belgium
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Entamoeba histolytica / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Liver Abscess, Amebic / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Travel

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan