Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Entamoeba histolytica is a parasite endemic to many countries. While many people who are infected remain asymptomatic, serious complications can also occur. We report the case of a 25-year-old male immigrant from Guatemala who presented to the ED with epigastric pain and non-bloody diarrhea. Abdominal imaging revealed at least 10 hypodense liver lesions, prompting a further workup. He was subsequently diagnosed with invasive amebiasis infection due to E. histolytica and was initiated on appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a broad infectious differential when evaluating hepatic lesions, even in patients without a recent travel history. This case is unique due to the presence of multiple amoebic abscesses in a patient living in a non-endemic region with a remote immigration history and potential sexual transmission. This report highlights a rare presentation of a relatively common infection in a patient without recent travel or known exposure, emphasizing the need for clinical vigilance in non-endemic settings.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94107
Institutions: Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414933642