How to treat Amebiasis?

[Manami]

Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica (see the image below), a protozoan that is found worldwide (see Etiology). The highest prevalence of amebiasis is in developing countries where barriers between human feces and food and water supplies are inadequate. Although most cases of amebiasis are asymptomatic, dysentery and invasive extraintestinal disease can occur. Amebic liver abscess is the most common manifestation of invasive amebiasis, but other organs can also be involved, including pleuropulmonary, cardiac, cerebral, renal, genitourinary, peritoneal, and cutaneous sites. In developed countries, amebiasis primarily affects migrants from and travelers to endemic regions, men who have sex with men, and immunosuppressed or institutionalized individuals.

[Anshu]

@manami Treatment of amebiasis includes pharmacologic therapy, surgical intervention, and preventive measures, as appropriate. Most individuals with amebiasis may be treated on an outpatient basis. Several clinical scenarios may favor inpatient care, as follows:
Severe colitis and hypovolemia requiring intravenous (IV) volume replacement

Liver abscess that is of uncertain etiology or is not responding to empiric therapy

Fulminant colitis requiring surgical evaluation

Peritonitis and suspected amebic liver abscess rupture

Intestinal amebiasis may be mistakenly treated as if it were inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accordingly, in all patients with suspected IBD, lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be performed before treatment with steroids is initiated.
The following consultations may be helpful:
Infectious disease specialist

General surgeon

GI specialist