ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA

Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica which manifests as Amoebic dysentery, Amoebic colitis and Liver abscesses. Intestinal Amoebiasis may mimic Ulcerative colitis and other forms of Inflammatory bowel disease. Extra intestinal Amoebiasis manifests as Amoebic liver abscess occurring in approximately 5% of patients with a history of intestinal Amoebiasis. Most infections are acquired by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Serologic tests are most useful for the diagnosis of extraintestinal infections because approximately 95% of patients with Amoebic liver abscess are seropositive. This decreases to 70% of patients with active intestinal infection and to 10% in asymptomatic carriers. Detectable titres may persist for months or years after successful treatment.