Diagnostic Bundle of Amoebic Abscess
Amoebiasis is characterized as a protozoan parasite infection in humans caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Although it frequently lives in the large intestine, it can also infiltrate other organs. The most frequent consequence of invasive amoebiasis is amoebic liver abscess (ALA). About 48% of all visceral abscesses are caused by abscesses in the liver, making it the most often affected organ. Total 10% of the world's population is infected by Entamoeba histolytica, 10% of these individuals acquire invasive amoebiasis and 1–10% of these individuals go on to develop ALA. The majority of infected people live in countries that are tropical or subtropical, including tropical Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Alcoholism, homosexuality and those who are immunosuppressed or have AIDS are the commonest risk factors for ALA.
The presence of a liver abscess should be suspected in those who have right-sided upper abdomen pain, fever, weight loss and other systemic symptoms. Unusual signs occurs when an abscess rupture in nearby cavities like the pleura, pericardium or peritoneum, the compression of tubular structures in the hepatic hilum, or distant embolic dissemination.
In people who reside in or are originally from endemic locations, Entamoeba histolytica may occasionally be the cause of simple or minor abscesses. They may think about empirical treatment and decide against aspiration. Such cases often respond strongly after 72 hours of beginning metronidazole medication.
Amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses can be broadly divided into two categories of abscesses. It is crucial to diagnose and treat ALA as soon as possible. The most preferred technique for diagnosing a liver abscess is ultrasonography. The presence of serum anti-amoebic IgG antibody and microscopic examination of pus for amoebic trophozoites should be used to confirm ALA.
The diagnostic package can be used to confirm liver abscesses. Let's review the available modalities and highlight their key characteristics.
References:
1.Priyadarshi RN, Kumar R, Anand U. Amebic liver abscess: Clinico-radiological findings and interventional management. World J Radiol 2022; 14(8): 272-285.
2.Shyam Kishor Kumar et al., Amoebic Liver Abscess in Tertiary Care Centre. National Journal of Laboratory Medicine. 2017; 6(4): MO26-MO31.
3.Sharma S, Ahuja V. Liver Abscess: Complications and Treatment. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2021;18(3):122-126.
Dr Kinjal Patel
Medical Microbiologist with an aptitude for holistic wellness and serving community with so far acquired knowledge. A dedicated reader in pursuit of improving human lives by transforming laboratory medicine and sharing pearls of medicine. Her life's mantra is "do what you love or love what you do".
