Entamoeba histolytica (Amebiasis)

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Entamoeba histolytica (Amebiasis)

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A 19-year-old man presents to a rural clinic in Bangladesh for evaluation of abdominal pain that has been ongoing for the past month. The pain is intermittent and most prominent in the right upper quadrant. In addition, he has often noticed bright-red blood in his stool. The patient consumes alcohol and tobacco and has been sexually active with three female partners over the past year. Temperature is 37.7°C (100°F), blood pressure is 101/72 mmHg, and pulse is 78/min. Physical examination reveals right upper quadrant pain elicited by deep palpation. CT imaging is shown below. Via which of the following routes did this patient most likely acquire the infection?
 
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External References

First Aid

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Dysentery

Entamoeba histolytica p. , 176

Entamoeba histolytica

amebiasis p. 152

bloody diarrhea p. 176

metronidazole p. 192

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Summary

Amebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Most cases of amebiasis occur in developing countries, where access to clean water and proper sanitation is limited. However, the condition can also be seen in developed countries among travelers who have visited areas where amebiasis is endemic. Symptoms of amebiasis can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and rectal bleeding. If left untreated, the infection can progress to involve the liver (amebic hepatitis) or the brain (amebic meningoencephalitis).