Amebiasis
Laura Webb Lamps, MD
Key Facts
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Liver abscess is most frequent complication of invasive amebiasis
Clinical Issues
Elevated alkaline phosphatase, leukocytosis common
Fever and RUQ pain
Macroscopic Features
Irregular solitary or multiple lesions
Often contain necrosis resembling “anchovy paste”
Microscopic Pathology
Abundant nuclear debris but few intact inflammatory cells
Organisms have foamy cytoplasm; round, eccentric nuclei
Ingested red blood cells essentially pathognomonic of E. histolytica
Trophozoites may mimic macrophages
 Contrast enhanced CT of the liver shows an amebic abscess with a surrounding rim  . This cavity was filled with thick, tenacious necrotic debris (“anchovy paste”). |
 Ingested red blood cells are virtually pathognomonic of E. histolytica  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
Entamoeba histolytica
Definitions
Infection of liver by protozoa E. histolytica
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Environmental Exposure
Most common in poor communities with inadequate sanitation
Human carriers are main reservoir
Infectious Agents
Liver abscess is most frequent complication of invasive amebiasis
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