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1.
World J Hepatol ; 16(3): 316-330, 2024 Mar 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38577528

ABSTRACT

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is still a common problem in the tropical world, where it affects over three-quarters of patients with liver abscess. It is caused by an anaerobic protozoan Entamoeba hystolytica, which primarily colonises the cecum. It is a non-suppurative infection of the liver consisting primarily of dead hepatocytes and cellular debris. People of the male gender, during their reproductive years, are most prone to ALA, and this appears to be due to a poorly mounted immune response linked to serum testosterone levels. ALA is more common in the right lobe of the liver, is strongly associated with alcohol consumption, and can heal without the need for drainage. While majority of ALA patients have an uncomplicated course, a number of complications have been described, including rupture into abdomino-thoracic structures, biliary fistula, vascular thrombosis, bilio-vascular compression, and secondary bacterial infection. Based on clinico-radiological findings, a classification system for ALA has emerged recently, which can assist clinicians in making treatment decisions. Recent research has revealed the role of venous thrombosis-related ischemia in the severity of ALA. Recent years have seen the development and refinement of newer molecular diagnostic techniques that can greatly aid in overcoming the diagnostic challenge in endemic area where serology-based tests have limited accuracy. Metronidazole has been the drug of choice for ALA patients for many years. However, concerns over the resistance and adverse effects necessitate the creation of new, safe, and potent antiamebic medications. Although the indication of the drainage of uncomplicated ALA has become more clear, high-quality randomised trials are still necessary for robust conclusions. Percutaneous drainage appears to be a viable option for patients with ruptured ALA and diffuse peritonitis, for whom surgery represents a significant risk of mortality. With regard to all of the aforementioned issues, this article intends to present an updated review of ALA.

2.
Cureus ; 16(2): e53902, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38465059

ABSTRACT

Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogenic protozoan endemic to Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. However, with increased travel and emigration, it is becoming a common parasitic infection leading to many worldwide deaths. We present a case of a young Hispanic male immigrant with an amebic liver abscess. This case report highlights the complexities of diagnosing and treating E. histolytica infection.

3.
J Radiol Case Rep ; 17(8): 38-48, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38090638

ABSTRACT

An 18-year-old male developed a huge liver abscess with severe anemia over the course of 2 weeks. Abdominal contrast enhanced computed tomography showed ruptured huge liver abscess in the right liver lobe with signs of active hemorrhage (contrast extravasation). Serology examination confirmed amoeba as the suspected pathogen of cause. Angiography was performed followed by transcatheter arterial embolization to localize and control the hemorrhage. Embolization using a combination of polyvinyl alcohol and gelfoam successfully controlled the active hemorrhage. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to evacuate and debride the huge abscess. Metronidazole was given and showed good results. Huge liver abscess size is a predictor of conservative management failure and requires a gradual step-up intervention. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of imaging in detecting liver abscess and active hemorrhage along with the role of interventional radiology in this case.


Subject(s)
Embolization, Therapeutic , Liver Abscess, Amebic , Male , Humans , Adolescent , Liver Abscess, Amebic/surgery , Rupture, Spontaneous , Hemoperitoneum , Embolization, Therapeutic/methods , Angiography
4.
Saudi J Med Med Sci ; 11(4): 267-274, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37970456

ABSTRACT

Background: Liver abscess is one of the hepatobiliary manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has been scarcely described in the literature. Objectives: To conduct a scoping review to provide a detailed description of the occurrence of hepatic abscess in patients with IBD and summarize the observed clinical features. Methodology: Searches were carried out using relevant keywords in Medline (via PubMed) and Web of Science from inception until June 13, 2022. Only articles that reported the occurrence of hepatic abscess in patients with IBD were included. Results: Forty-eight publications (40 case reports and 8 case series) were included, representing 73 patients with IBD who were radiologically or intraoperatively diagnosed with hepatic abscess. Patients with Crohn's disease were more predisposed to developing hepatic abscess than patients with ulcerative colitis (79.5% vs. 20.5%, respectively). Furthermore, pyogenic liver abscess was found to be more prevalent (57.9%) compared with aseptic (38.7%) and amebic (3.2%) abscesses. No clear relation was found between death or prolonged hospital stay in terms of the clinical presentation or management plan, as mortality was reported in different age groups with different managements. Conclusion: To date, there is no consensus regarding the appropriate management of hepatic abscess as an extraintestinal manifestation of IBD. However, the condition shares several features with liver abscess diagnosed among the general population.

5.
Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex ; 80(4): 265-268, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37703554

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured amoebic liver abscess is a rare complication in the pediatric population. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 13-year-old male with right flank abdominal pain, productive cough with foul-smelling sputum, fever, and respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed breathlessness, decreased vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax, abdominal distension, hepatomegaly, and lower limb edema. Laboratory tests revealed mild anemia, leukocytosis without eosinophilia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, hypoalbuminemia, and positive immunoglobulin G antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica in pleural fluid. He required a chest tube and treatment with metronidazole. After 2 months of follow-up, the abscesses disappeared, and the empyema decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Massive pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured liver abscess is a rare complication. The epidemiological link associated with the symptoms and serological tests can help in the diagnosis.


INTRODUCCIÓN: El empiema pleural secundario a ruptura de absceso amebiano hepático es una complicación poco frecuente en la población pediátrica. CASO CLÍNICO: Se reporta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 13 años que presentó dolor abdominal en flanco derecho, tos productiva con esputo de mal olor, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria. Al examen físico se encontró amplexación y murmullo vesicular disminuido en hemitórax derecho, distensión abdominal, hepatomegalia y edema de miembros inferiores. Los resultados del laboratorio evidenciaron anemia leve, leucocitosis sin eosinofilia, elevación de fosfatasa alcalina, hipoalbuminemia y anticuerpos IgG contra Entamoeba histolytica positivo en líquido pleural. Requirió tubo de drenaje torácico y tratamiento con metronidazol. A los dos meses de seguimiento los abscesos desaparecieron y el empiema disminuyó. CONCLUSIONES: El empiema pleural masivo secundario a ruptura de absceso hepático es una complicación poco frecuente. El nexo epidemiológico asociado con la sintomatología y pruebas serológicas pueden ser de ayuda en el diagnóstico.


Subject(s)
Empyema, Pleural , Liver Abscess, Amebic , Child , Male , Humans , Adolescent , Liver Abscess, Amebic/complications , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Empyema, Pleural/diagnosis , Empyema, Pleural/etiology , Abscess , Abdominal Pain
6.
Biomedicines ; 11(8)2023 Aug 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37626818

ABSTRACT

Amebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal complication of amebiasis. In animal models of ALA, neutrophils have been shown to be the first cells to come into contact with Entamoeba histolytica during the initial phase of ALA. One of the multiple mechanisms by which neutrophils exhibit amebicidal activity is through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX2), which generates and transports electrons to subsequently reduce molecular oxygen into superoxide anion. Previous reports have shown that ROS release in the susceptible animal species (hamster) is mainly stimulated by the pathogen, in turn provoking such an exacerbated inflammatory reaction that it is unable to be controlled and results in the death of the animal model. Apocynin is a natural inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. No information is available on the role of NOX in the evolution of ALA in the hamster, a susceptible model. Our study showed that administration of a selective NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) enzyme inhibitor significantly decreases the percentage of ALA, the size of inflammatory foci, the number of neutrophils, and NOX activity indicated by the reduction in superoxide anion (O2-) production. Moreover, in vitro, the apocynin damages amoebae. Our results showed that apocynin administration induces a decrease in the activity of NOX that could favor a decrease in ALA progression.

7.
Bol. méd. Hosp. Infant. Méx ; 80(4): 265-268, Jul.-Aug. 2023. graf
Article in English | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1520289

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background: Pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured amoebic liver abscess is a rare complication in the pediatric population. Case report: We report the case of a 13-year-old male with right flank abdominal pain, productive cough with foul-smelling sputum, fever, and respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed breathlessness, decreased vesicular murmur in the right hemithorax, abdominal distension, hepatomegaly, and lower limb edema. Laboratory tests revealed mild anemia, leukocytosis without eosinophilia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, hypoalbuminemia, and positive immunoglobulin G antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica in pleural fluid. He required a chest tube and treatment with metronidazole. After 2 months of follow-up, the abscesses disappeared, and the empyema decreased. Conclusions: Massive pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured liver abscess is a rare complication. The epidemiological link associated with the symptoms and serological tests can help in the diagnosis.


Resumen Introducción: El empiema pleural secundario a ruptura de absceso amebiano hepático es una complicación poco frecuente en la población pediátrica. Caso clínico: Se reporta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 13 años que presentó dolor abdominal en flanco derecho, tos productiva con esputo de mal olor, fiebre y dificultad respiratoria. Al examen físico se encontró amplexación y murmullo vesicular disminuido en hemitórax derecho, distensión abdominal, hepatomegalia y edema de miembros inferiores. Los resultados del laboratorio evidenciaron anemia leve, leucocitosis sin eosinofilia, elevación de fosfatasa alcalina, hipoalbuminemia y anticuerpos IgG contra Entamoeba histolytica positivo en líquido pleural. Requirió tubo de drenaje torácico y tratamiento con metronidazol. A los dos meses de seguimiento los abscesos desaparecieron y el empiema disminuyó. Conclusiones: El empiema pleural masivo secundario a ruptura de absceso hepático es una complicación poco frecuente. El nexo epidemiológico asociado con la sintomatología y pruebas serológicas pueden ser de ayuda en el diagnóstico.

8.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30126, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36381913

ABSTRACT

Amebiasis is a fecal-oral transmitted parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, and is generally seen in migrants and travelers of endemic areas. Extraintestinal infection often involves the liver, causing amebic liver abscesses. Twenty to thirty percent of these patients have pleuropulmonary involvement as a complication. The diagnosis is based on clinical, imaging, and serology studies.  A 35-year-old male from New Guinea presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant pain that radiates to the right shoulder, epigastric pain, and fever. Laboratory results showed an increase in hepatic enzymes; days later leukocytosis was reported. Ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly with heterogeneous masses, and three complex cystic hepatic abscesses were found on a CT scan. Percutaneous drainage was placed. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion that required a thoracentesis days after. A pigtail catheter was placed. Three amebic antibody tests were performed with a negative result for the first time, equivocal on the second time, and a positive result on the last one. Twenty-six days later the patient was discharged. Amebiasis is a rare and benign condition in the United States, that can cause abdominal cramping, watery diarrhea, and weight loss. A very low percentage of patients will develop an amebic liver abscess, which can be fatal. Amebic liver abscess may rupture and spread to the peritoneum, pleural space, or pericardium. The serum antigen followed by the serology test contributes to the accurate diagnosis. The first antibody amebic test performed on a patient, has a high probability of a false negative result, due to this possibility, the test must be repeated. Metronidazole remains the drug of choice, and therapeutic aspiration is occasionally required as an adjunct to antiparasitic therapy.

9.
PeerJ ; 10: e14085, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36196402

ABSTRACT

Background: Amebic liver abscess (ALA) caused by Entamoeba histolytica is usually diagnosed based on its clinical symptoms, medical imaging abnormalities of the liver, and serological tests, the most common being the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For more than three decades, no investigation has evaluated the diagnostic performance of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in the serodiagnosis of ALA. Herein, we assessed the efficiencies of anti-amebic IgG and IgG subclasses for diagnosing ALA. Methods: A serological ELISA-based test was performed to assess its diagnostic performance using a total of 330 serum samples from ALA patients (n = 14), healthy individuals (n = 40), and patients with other diseases (n = 276). Results: ELISA targeting the total IgG antibody to E. histolytica antigen exhibited 100% sensitivity 95% CI [76.8-100.0] and 97.8% specificity 95% CI [95.5-99.1], whereas the assay targeting IgG1 showed the same sensitivity (100% 95% CI [76.8-100.0]) and a slightly higher specificity (99.1% 95% CI [97.3-99.8]). The other IgG subclasses (IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) displayed a lower sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity and specificity did not significantly differ between tests measuring total IgG and IgG1 (Exact McNemar's test; p > 0.05), with a concordance of 98.2%, represented by a Cohen's kappa of 0.83 (p < 0.001), indicating almost perfect agreement. Conclusion: ELISA targeting IgG1 can provide valuable information to clinicians in differentiating ALA from other parasitic diseases, cancers, cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis. However, enzyme-conjugated anti-human total IgG is cheaper than anti-human IgG subclasses. Therefore, we suggest that total IgG-based ELISA is sufficient for the routine serodiagnosis of human ALA and possibly other clinical manifestations of invasive amebiasis.


Subject(s)
Liver Abscess, Amebic , Humans , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , Antibodies, Protozoan/analysis , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Serologic Tests/methods
10.
World J Radiol ; 14(8): 272-285, 2022 Aug 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36160830

ABSTRACT

In its classic form, amebic liver abscess (ALA) is a mild disease, which responds dramatically to antibiotics and rarely requires drainage. However, the two other forms of the disease, i.e., acute aggressive and chronic indolent usually require drainage. These forms of ALA are frequently reported in endemic areas. The acute aggressive disease is particularly associated with serious complications, such as ruptures, secondary infections, and biliary communications. Laboratory parameters are deranged, with signs of organ failure often present. This form of disease is also associated with a high mortality rate, and early drainage is often required to control the disease severity. In the chronic form, the disease is characterized by low-grade symptoms, mainly pain in the right upper quadrant. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) play an important role not only in the diagnosis but also in the assessment of disease severity and identification of the associated complications. Recently, it has been shown that CT imaging morphology can be classified into three patterns, which seem to correlate with the clinical subtypes. Each pattern depicts its own set of distinctive imaging features. In this review, we briefly outline the clinical and imaging features of the three distinct forms of ALA, and discuss the role of percutaneous drainage in the management of ALA.

11.
IDCases ; 27: e01441, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35145869

ABSTRACT

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is a common condition in the developing world but is rare in the United States without a clear exposure risk. It is even less common to develop in an infant. The diagnosis of ALA can be logistically difficult and often requires invasive procedures and testing with slow turnaround times. We present an 18-month-old boy initially admitted with fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea with rapid progression to respiratory failure. He was found to have a significant pleural effusion accompanying a large solitary liver lesion with abdominal ascites. There was no infectious exposure history or travel history, and thus pyogenic liver abscess was suspected, and aspiration performed while he was on empiric antimicrobials. The bacterial culture was negative. Molecular testing with 16 s and 18 s rRNA PCR on the fluid were non-diagnostic. The diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica was confirmed within 48 hrs via plasma next-generation sequencing. Serum IgG for E histolytica resulted positive multiple weeks after the patient was discharged. The patient made a full recovery after metronidazole and paromomycin. This case illustrates the need to maintain ALA in the differential diagnosis for liver abscess in an infant even in the absence of risk factors. Additionally, plasma next-generation sequencing may play a role in more rapid diagnosis of ALA and has the potential to reduce the need for more invasive testing.

12.
Pediatr Clin North Am ; 69(1): 79-97, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34794678

ABSTRACT

Although rare in the developed world, amebiasis continues to be a leading cause of diarrhea and illness in developing nations with crowding, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water supply. Recent immigrants or travelers returning from endemic regions after a prolonged stay are at high risk of developing amebiasis. A high index of suspicion for amebiasis should be maintained for other high-risk groups like men having sex with men, people with AIDS/HIV, immunocompromised hosts, residents of mental health facility or group homes. Clinical presentation of intestinal amebiasis varies from diarrhea to colitis and dysentery. Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common form of extraintestinal amebiasis. Various diagnostic tools are available and when amebiasis is suspected, a combination of stool tests and serology should be sent to maximize the yield of testing. Treatment with an amebicidal drug such as metronidazole/tinidazole and a luminal cysticidal agent such as paromomycin for clinical disease is indicated. However, for asymptomatic disease treatment with a luminal cysticidal agent to decrease chances of invasive disease and transmission is recommended.


Subject(s)
Amebiasis/drug therapy , Amebiasis/epidemiology , Liver Abscess, Amebic/drug therapy , Liver Abscess, Amebic/epidemiology , Amebiasis/diagnosis , Amebiasis/transmission , Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Colitis/parasitology , Diarrhea/parasitology , Drinking Water/parasitology , Dysentery, Amebic/epidemiology , Entamoeba/isolation & purification , Feces/parasitology , Female , Humans , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Liver Abscess, Amebic/transmission , Male , Metronidazole/therapeutic use , Paromomycin/therapeutic use , Travel
13.
Trop Parasitol ; 12(2): 113-118, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36643982

ABSTRACT

Context: Amebic liver abscess (ALA) occurs in 3%-9% of the amebiasis cases, with complications seen in 20%-40% of the cases and 2%-18% mortality rate. Successful treatment thus requires the accurate identification of these cases. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to assess the seropositivity and profile of ALA patients in western Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in western Rajasthan from November 2017 to May 2019. Serological diagnosis of ALA was done by detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the serum of the patients by ELISA. The derangements in laboratory profile (hematological and biochemical parameters) and ultrasonography findings were assessed from the hospital records. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Among the total cases (n = 34), 20 were diagnosed as ALA. Twenty-one (61.8%) were positive for anti-amebic IgG antibodies. Among ALA patients, 14 (70%) were >40 years old and only 6 (30%) patients were of age ≤40 years. Male: female ratio was 5.7:1, and ultrasonography records of 15 ALA patients revealed the presence of hepatomegaly (n = 7, 46.7%), pleural effusion (n = 3, 20%), lung collapse (n = 2, 13.3%), and vascular involvement (n = 1, 6.7%). The right lobe of the liver was involved in majority of the patients (n = 12, 80%). Total white blood cell count (P < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (P = 0.001), total serum bilirubin (P = 0.019), and serum alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.018) were significantly elevated in ALA patients. Conclusions: Seroprevalence shows that ALA still remains the dominant etiology in liver abscess patients in this region. There are significant derangements in the laboratory profile that require a larger study for corroboration.

14.
World J Clin Cases ; 10(36): 13157-13166, 2022 Dec 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36683647

ABSTRACT

Amebic liver abscesses (ALAs) are the most commonly encountered extraintestinal manifestation of human invasive amebiasis, which results from Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) spreading extraintestinally. Amebiasis can be complicated by liver abscess in 9% of cases, and ALAs led to almost 50000 fatalities worldwide in 2010. Although there have been fewer and fewer cases in the past several years, ALAs remain an important public health problem in endemic areas. E. histolytica causes both amebic colitis and liver abscess by breaching the host's innate defenses and invading the intestinal mucosa. Trophozoites often enter the circulatory system, where they are filtered in the liver and produce abscesses, and develop into severe invasive diseases such as ALAs. The clinical presentation can appear to be colitis, including upper-right abdominal pain accompanied by a fever in ALA cases. Proper diagnosis requires nonspecific liver imaging as well as detecting anti-E. histolytica antibodies; however, these antibodies cannot be used to distinguish between a previous infection and an acute infection. Therefore, diagnostics primarily aim to use PCR or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect E. histolytica. ALAs can be treated medically, and percutaneous catheter drainage is only necessary in approximately 15% of cases. The indicated treatment is to administer an amebicidal drug (such as tinidazole or metronidazole) and paromomycin or other luminal cysticidal agent for clinical disease. Prognosis is good with almost universal recovery. Establishing which diagnostic methods are most efficacious will necessitate further analysis of similar clinical cases.

17.
Indian J Gastroenterol ; 40(3): 272-280, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33991310

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Amebic liver abscess is treated successfully with metronidazole or another nitroimidazole drug followed by a luminal amebicide. Metronidazole has long been preferred, but has been associated with several adverse effects including intolerance in certain clinical situations. Mechanisms of metronidazole resistance and mutagenic potential have been described. Effects of the use of drug in pregnant women and infants of lactating women are unknown. Nitazoxanide was proven to be efficacious in treating invasive intestinal amebiasis. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide as compared to metronidazole in patients with uncomplicated amebic liver abscess. METHODS: Patients with clinical and ultrasonography features suggestive of liver abscess, positive amebic serology, and/or anchovy sauce appearance on aspiration of the pus were included in the study and randomized into two parallel treatment groups. Group M received metronidazole, 2-2.5 g/day intravenous (IV), for inpatients, or 2-2.4 g/day oral, for outpatients in three divided doses for 14 days. Group N received nitazoxanide 500 mg BD per oral for 10 days. RESULTS: A total of sixty subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized equally into two groups, group M and group N. Number of patients achieving symptomatic clinical response (SCR) was similar in the two groups (80% vs. 76.7%, p = 1.00), though time to achieve symptomatic clinical response was significantly lower in metronidazole group as compared to that in nitazoxanide group. Greater proportion of patients achieved early clinical response (ECR) in metronidazole group as compared to nitazoxanide group. Complete resolution of abscess, at 6 months, was noted in 18 (60%) patients in the M group and 22 (73.3%) patients in the N group (p = 0.273). Metronidazole was associated with significantly greater frequency of adverse effects than nitazoxanide. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows equivalent efficacy of nitazoxanide in uncomplicated amebic liver abscess as compared to metronidazole, with better tolerability and advantage of simultaneous luminal clearance, thus reducing chances of recurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/01/017249.


Subject(s)
Liver Abscess, Amebic , Female , Humans , Lactation , Liver Abscess, Amebic/drug therapy , Metronidazole , Nitro Compounds , Pregnancy , Thiazoles
18.
Exp Parasitol ; 224: 108103, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33771537

ABSTRACT

In this work the effect of (-)-epicatechin on the development of amebic liver abscess in hamsters was evaluated. (-)-epicatechin is a flavonoid present in plants that possesses various biological properties, including its activity against some protozoal parasites; however its antiamebic activity in a living model had not been evaluated. Syrian golden hamsters were intrahepatically inoculated with 1x106E. histolytica trophozoites, three days after inoculation they received nine intraperitoneal doses of (-)-epicatechin (10 mg/100 g) every 48 h. Animals without treatments and treated with metronidazole were included as controls. Macroscopic characteristics of the hepatic abscess, histopathological analysis of the tissue and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined. (-)-epicatechin produced a decrease in liver abscess progression being observed only 9.49% of damage compared to 84% shown by untreated animals. During treatment with (-)-epicatechin hepatic tissue showed signs of liver repair and absence of amoebae. Additionally, (-)-epicatechin produced a modulating effect on inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10. All these events observed in animals treated with (-)-epicatechin could contribute to the elimination of trophozoites and liver healing.


Subject(s)
Catechin/therapeutic use , Liver Abscess, Amebic/prevention & control , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use , Antiprotozoal Agents/toxicity , Catechin/toxicity , Cricetinae , Cytokines/analysis , Cytokines/metabolism , Dimethyl Sulfoxide/toxicity , Disease Models, Animal , Liver/immunology , Liver Abscess, Amebic/drug therapy , Male , Mesocricetus , Metronidazole/therapeutic use , Metronidazole/toxicity , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
19.
Cureus ; 12(10): e10872, 2020 Oct 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33178525

ABSTRACT

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extra-intestinal manifestation of amebiasis. Its complications include rupture into peritoneum, pleural space or anterior abdominal wall. Large abscesses can cause compression of neighboring vascular structures with thrombus formation. Herein, we are presenting an unusual case of a 26-year-old male patient who presented with fever, abdominal pain, chest pain and dyspnea. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a lesion in the right lobe of liver and chest radiograph revealed minimal right-sided pleural effusion. A computed tomographic (CT) scan was done in view of unexplained symptoms and a diagnosis of ALA compressing the inferior vena cava (IVC) with subsequent thrombus formation and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was made. He was managed successfully with antibiotics, percutaneous aspiration and anticoagulation.

20.
Microorganisms ; 8(10)2020 Oct 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33050280

ABSTRACT

The etiological agent of human amoebiasis is the protozoan parasite E. histolytica; the disease is still an endemic infection in some countries and the outcome of infection in the host infection can range from asymptomatic intestinal infection to intestinal or liver invasive forms of the disease. The invasive character of this parasite is multifactorial and mainly due to the differential expression of multiple pathogenic genes. The aim of the present work was to measure the differential expression of some genes in different specimens of patients with amoebic liver abscess (ALA) and specimens of genital amoebiasis (AG) by RT-qPCR. Results show that the expression of genes is different in both types of samples. Almost all studied genes were over expressed in both sets of patients; however, superoxide dismutase (Ehsod), serine threonine isoleucine rich protein (Ehstirp), peroxiredoxin (Ehprd) and heat shock protein 70 and 90 (Ehhsp-70, EHhsp-90) were higher in AG biopsies tissue. Furthermore, cysteine proteinases 5 and 2 (Ehcp5, Ehcp2), lectin (Ehgal/galnaclectin) and calreticulin (Ehcrt) genes directly associate with pathogenic mechanisms of E. histolytica had similar over expression in both AG and ALA samples. In summary the results obtained show that trophozoites can regulate the expression of their genes depending on stimuli or environmental conditions, in order to regulate their pathogenicity and ensure their survival in the host.

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