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Background: Liver abscesses continue to present a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the medical community. Early clinical distinction between an amoebic and a pyogenic liver abscess is challenging due to their overlapping clinical presentations. Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics, lab parameters as well as management in patients suspected of liver abscess. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in 60 consecutive patients presenting with liver abscess, admitted at tertiary care hospital. Lab investigations were carried out. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration of a liver abscess either by percutaneous needle or by a pigtail catheter. Patients were monitored during the period of hospital stay to note their outcome. The data variables collected were compiled by using an excel spreadsheet and later analysed using Medcalc (version 20.118). Results: The commonly observed clinical presentation was abdominal pain (95%) followed by fever (57%) and jaundice (7%). On examination, 60% of the liver abscess cases had right hypochondrial tenderness while Hepatomegaly was observed in about 17% of the subjects. Leucocytosis was observed in 67% of the cases in view of underlying infectious etiology. The size of the majority (60%) of the liver abscess were in the range of 5.1 to 9.9 cms and right lobe was the most affected region (75.2%). Conclusion: Early recognition of symptoms, institution of antibiotic and amoebicidal therapy and drainage of abscess via appropriate modality improves the prognosis of liver abscess.

Several studies with kaempferol (KP) and linearolactone (LL) have demonstrated their antiparasitic activity. However, the toxicity of these treatments is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the possible toxicological effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of KP or LL on the amoebic liver abscess model (ALA) in Mesocricetus auratus. An ALA was induced in male hamsters with 1.5 × 105Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) trophozoites inoculated in the left hepatic lobe. The lesion evolved for 4 days, and then KP (5 mg/kg body weight/day) or LL (10 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered for 4 consecutive days. Then, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), paraclinical analyses, and necropsy for histopathological evaluation were performed. There was similar ALA inhibition by KP (19.42%), LL (28.16%), and metronidazole, the antiamoebic control (20.87%) (p ≤ 0.05, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). There were hepatic and renal biochemical alterations in all treatment groups, mainly for KP (aspartate aminotransferase: 347.5 ± 37.5 U/L; blood urea nitrogen: 19.4 ± 1.9 g/dL; p ≤ 0.05, ANOVA). Lesions found in the organs were directly linked to the pathology. In conclusion, KP and LL decreased ALA development and exerted fewer toxicological effects compared with metronidazole. Therefore, both compounds exhibit therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment of amoebiasis caused by E. histolytica. However, additional clinical studies in different contexts are required to reaffirm this assertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Amoebiasis is a prevalent infection in the tropics and can sometimes present as liver abscess. Cardiac tamponade is an uncommon complication of ruptured amoebic liver abscess requiring urgent pericardiocentesis, which has a high success rate, but procedural complications can include injury to cardiac chambers, abdominal viscera, and even death. This case underscores the approach to diagnose and manage an unintended visceral puncture during pericardiocentesis, which is a rare but life-threatening complication. Case summary A 41-year-old male presented with intermittent fever over 2 months and chest pain for 15 days. Echocardiography revealed a significant pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. In an emergency setting, percutaneous pericardiocentesis was attempted to drain the effusion. However, the pigtail inadvertently punctured a sizable liver abscess. Consequently, another pigtail was inserted into the pericardial cavity to successfully drain the effusion. Patient was discharged on Day 12 and is doing well at 6 months follow-up. Discussion A previously undiagnosed case of a ruptured amoebic liver abscess presented with the uncommon complication of cardiac tamponade, necessitating emergency pericardiocentesis, which inadvertently led to the cannulation of the liver abscess. This case underscores the significance of image-guided pericardiocentesis in minimizing procedural complications. This case also highlights the intricacies of addressing accidental visceral puncture during pericardiocentesis, specially involving the liver. It also underscores the need to consider the possibility of a ruptured amoebic liver abscess when anchovy sauce-like pus is drained from pericardial cavity, especially in high epidemiologically prevalent country like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is commonly seen in tropical countries and diagnosis of ALA relies mainly on non-specific serological and imaging techniques as well as PCR from pus. This study evaluated the potential of using cell free DNA (cfDNA) from serum and urine for diagnosing ALA. We prospectively evaluated quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of cf DNA in serum and urine sample in all liver abscess patients. The samples were collected from patients reporting to emergency ward of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India with symptoms suggestive of liver abscess. Real time PCR was done to detect cf DNA in serum and urine by targeting 99-bp unit of small subunit rRNA of Entamoeba histolytica and conventional PCR for pus. A total 113 samples (serum and urine) and 100 pus samples were analysed. A total of 62 ALA patients were confirmed; with maximum 57 patients detected by qPCR for cfDNA in the serum, 55 patients by PCR on pus aspirate and 50 ALA patients by qPCR for cfDNA in urine sample. Therefore, the sensitivity of qPCR for detection of cf DNA in serum was 91.94% and for urine was 80.65%. A total of 11.2% of ALA patients were diagnosed only through detection of E. histolytica cf DNA in their serum and urine. Detection of cfDNA from serum, urine of ALA has a potential role in future especially for developing countries as it is a rapid, sensitive and patient friendly diagnostic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver abscess is a common disease, however, it is a rare cause of venous thrombosis. The incidence of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess in developing countries is high, however, the occurrence of inferior vena cava thrombosis secondary to liver abscess is a very rare and life-threatening complication. Computed tomography (CT) scan is an ideal investigation tool for diagnosing the various complications associated with liver abscess. Here we describe 3 cases of liver abscess in patients who developed a rare vascular complication of inferior vena cava. Liver abscesses should be considered as a rare cause of IVC thrombosis in the correct clinical context. All the patients were managed with ultrasound-guided pigtail insertion and antimicrobial agents.

Amoebic liver abscess is one of the forms of invasive amoebiasis. With untimely treatment, this disease can be complicated by peritonitis, dissemination of the pathogen with the development of sepsis. This article presents a clinical case of amoebic liver abscess in patient V., 40 years old with the results of a biopsy examination of the surgical specimens

Background: liver abscess as an inflammatory lesion predominantly caused by ALA and PLA, with ALA being more prevalent in India. It discusses the transmission of Entamoeba histolytica and emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual variants of ALA due to their association with complications. The section also mentions the occurrence of liver abscess in different lobes of the liver and the benign nature of ALA in the absence of poor prognostic markers. Figure 1 Description: A suggested algorithm for the management of liver abscess is presented in Figure 1, although specific details are not provided in the text. Methodology: The study is designed as a case report and conducted in the Department of OBGY at Rohilkhand Medical College And Hospital, Bareilly. Case Report: This section details a case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient presenting with fever, fatigue, and right upper quadrant pain. The patient's clinical examination, laboratory findings (including blood tests and ultrasound), and the development of tachycardia and tachypnea during hospitalization are described. The ultrasound findings suggest a liver abscess. The patient's subsequent treatment in the ICU and the birth of a healthy neonate are also reported. Figure 2 Description: An abdominal ultrasound image shows the calcified wall of the abscess in a 32-week pregnant woman, as depicted in Figure 2. Conclusion: The conclusion highlights the rarity but critical importance of considering liver abscess as a potential cause of sepsis or septic shock in pregnant patients. It recommends ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver abscess as an infectious space occupying lesion of the liver. Pyogenic and amoebic liver abscess is an infection that is emerging worldwide and that is associated with severe morbidity and considerable mortality. Aim: This study analyzes the predictive risk factors, clinical and socio-demographic features, complications and therapeutic management plan of liver abscesses patients. Methods: this prospective cross sectional study was carried out in the department of surgery, in a tertiary care hospital, central India. A total of 135 cases, between 18-75 years of age, irrespective of sex, getting admitted in our department, during the period of study, diagnosed as liver abscess were included in the study. All patients were thoroughly examined and all relevant investigations were done. All complications and outcomes were observed. Result: Majority of the cases were 45-60 years age group. Most of the participant was male. The complications of liver abscess were mainly developed in alcoholic male than female. 58.5% of abscess present in right lobe of liver. Duration of alcohol consumption, BMI and socio-economic status was not significantly associated with the complication, Most common clinical presentation were Fever, abdominal pain, tenderness and hepatomegaly. Raised total leukocyte count (>11000/comm), raised bilirubin (>2mg/dl) and increased liver enzymes were found in most of the cases. Most common complication was rupture of abscess in peritoneal and pleural cavity, peritonitis, Ascites and septic shock. Percutaneous aspiration combination with antibiotics has become the mainstay of treatment. Conclusion: The knowledge of predictive risk factors of liver abscess can allows early and appropriate treatment to avoid complications. Percutaneous drainage with appropriate antibiotics was associated with low rates of morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amoebiasis is parasitic infection occur due to protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica in human being. It commonly resides in large intestine but can invade to other organs Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA) is the most common complication of invasive amoebiasis. Aim and Objective: The present study was planned to determine the demographic profile and symptoms of liver abscess with Iron deficiency Anemia. Materials and Method: The present study was conducted on 50 confirmed liver abscess cases on the basis of radiological images, which were above 20 years of age were considered for the study. The estimations of the hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) by cell counter and ELISA method. Results: The study has shown that the value of mean and standard division serum ferritin (11.17 ± 2.57), serum Iron (42.45 ± 3.69), MCV (79.69 ± 21.57), and Hb (12.11 ±1.67) is significantly low as compared to serum TIBC (816 ± 155.19) in liver abscess patient. Conclusion: ALA presents itself through various non-specific symptoms and signs. Confirmation of the diagnosis is made possible with the help of radiological and microbiological attributes. Early diagnosis and prompt iron profile treatment may decline the overall mortality/morbidity associated with the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver abscess as an infectious space occupying lesion of the liver. Pyogenic and amoebic liver abscess is an infection that is emerging worldwide and that is associated with severe morbidity and considerable mortality. Aim: This study analyzes the predictive risk factors, clinical and socio-demographic features, complications and therapeutic management plan of liver abscesses patients. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of surgery, in a tertiary care hospital, central India. A total of 135 cases, between 18-75 years of age, irrespective of sex, getting admitted in our department, during the period of study, diagnosed as liver abscess were included in the study. All patients were thoroughly examined and all relevant investigations were done. All complications and outcomes were observed. Result: Majority of the cases were 45-60 years age group. Most of the participant was male. The complications of liver abscess were mainly developed in alcoholic male than female. 58.5% of abscess present in right lobe of liver. Duration of alcohol consumption, BMI and socio-economic status was not significantly associated with the complication, most common clinical presentation were Fever, abdominal pain, tenderness and hepatomegaly. Raised total leukocyte count (>11000/comm), raised bilirubin (>2mg/dl) and increased liver enzymes were found in most of the cases. Most common complication was rupture of abscess in peritoneal and pleural cavity, peritonitis, Ascites and septic shock. Percutaneous aspiration combination with antibiotics has become the mainstay of treatment. Conclusion: The knowledge of predictive risk factors of liver abscess can allows early and appropriate treatment to avoid complications. Percutaneous drainage with appropriate antibiotics was associated with low rates of morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebiasis is an infection caused by enteric protozoa, most commonly Entamoeba histolytica, and is globally considered a potentially severe and life-threatening condition. To understand the impact of the parasite genome on disease outcomes, it is important to study the genomes of infecting strains in areas with high disease prevalence. These studies aim to establish correlations between parasite genotypes and the clinical presentation of amoebiasis. We employ a strain typing approach that utilizes multiple loci, including SREHP and three polymorphic non-coding loci (tRNA-linked array N-K2 and loci 1-2 and 5-6), for high-resolution analysis. Distinct clinical phenotype isolates underwent amplification and sequencing of studied loci. The nucleotide sequences were analysed using Tandem Repeats Finder to detect short tandem repeats (STRs). These patterns were combined to assign a genotype, and the correlation between clinical phenotypes and repetitive patterns was statistically evaluated. This study found significant polymorphism in the size and number of PCR fragments at SREHP and 5-6 locus, while the 1-2 locus and NK2 locus showed variations in PCR product sizes. Out of 41 genotypes, two (I6 and I41) were significantly associated with their respective disease outcomes and were found in multiple isolates. We observed that I6 was linked with a symptomatic outcome, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.0183. Additionally, we found that I41 was associated with ALA disease outcome, with a p-value of 0.0089. Our study revealed new repeat units not previously reported, unveiling the genetic composition of E. histolytica strains in India, associated with distinct disease manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebic liver abscess is one frequently encountered intra-abdominal infection, caused by Entamoeba histolytica and has various abdominal and thoracic life-threatening complications. Herein, describe a case of a 30-year-old female, who suffered from multiple amoebic liver abscesses and presented with massive right-sided pleural effusion. She was managed with recommended antibiotics and pigtail catheter for liver abscess and an intercostal drainage tube for massive pleural effusion. However, postintercostal drainage, her chest X-ray demonstrated a right mediastinal shadow, which was confirmed as an intrathoracic extension of the hepatic liver abscess on computed tomography. An ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter was manipulated and placed at the site of thoracic communication. This led to clinical and radiological improvement, but unfortunately, she developed ventilator-acquired pneumonia and died due to her illness. The case represents an uncommon complication of amoebic liver abscess, which is rarely described and adds more knowledge on the thoracic complexities of this infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebic liver abscess is one frequently encountered intra-abdominal infection, caused by Entamoeba histolytica and has various abdominal and thoracic life-threatening complications. Herein, describe a case of a 30-year-old female, who suffered from multiple amoebic liver abscesses and presented with massive right-sided pleural effusion. She was managed with recommended antibiotics and pigtail catheter for liver abscess and an intercostal drainage tube for massive pleural effusion. However, postintercostal drainage, her chest X-ray demonstrated a right mediastinal shadow, which was confirmed as an intrathoracic extension of the hepatic liver abscess on computed tomography. An ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter was manipulated and placed at the site of thoracic communication. This led to clinical and radiological improvement, but unfortunately, she developed ventilator-acquired pneumonia and died due to her illness. The case represents an uncommon complication of amoebic liver abscess, which is rarely described and adds more knowledge on the thoracic complexities of this infectious disease.

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is a serious but readily treatable form of hepatic infection. It is a tropical disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Although most amoebiasis cases are asymptomatic, dysentery and invasive extraintestinal diseases can occur. ALA is the most common manifestation of invasive amoebiasis; however, other organs can also be involved, including the pleuropulmonary, cardiac, cerebral, renal, genitourinary, peritoneal, and cutaneous sites. In developed countries, amoebiasis primarily affects those who have traveled to or migrated from endemic regions, men who have sex with men, and immunosuppressed or institutionalized individuals. Here, we report a case of a patient with extraintestinal amoebic lesions complicated by chest rupture. A 22yearold male from India presented to the emergency department with a cough, fever, weight loss, hemoptysis, chest pain, and diarrhea. He was diagnosed with a liver abscess that ruptured into the chest with multiloculated pleural effusion.

Background: Amoebiasis is an intestinal and tissue parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Despite significant medical importance and worldwide dispersion, little is known about the epidemiology and distinct geographical distribution of various clinical forms of amoebiasis in the world. In this study, we present an amoebiasis case series referred to Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) from 2010 to 2022 followed by an overview of the released literature to explore diverse clinico-pathology of amoebiasis and to update the actual epidemiological situation of this parasitosis worldwide. Methods: The referred patients underwent a combination of clinical and parasitological examinations and imaging. The study was followed by an overview of released literature performed based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. Results: A total of 15 patients with amoebiasis were diagnosed with an average age of 48.5 years old at the occurrence time of infection. Men (78%) were the most affected patients. Most of the cases were reported following a trip to endemic regions, such as Mali, India, Nepal, Algeria, Cameroon or Congo. All of the processed patients exhibited a hepatic amoebiasis. Amoebic abscess was observed in all cases with an average size of 6.3 cm. Of these patients, seven cases (46.7%) benefited from drainage following a risk of rupture or superinfection of the abscess. A compilation of findings extracted from 390 scientific publications via seven major medical databases, allowed us to update the main epidemiological and clinical events that has led to the current worldwide expansion of amoebiasis. We presented a clinical and epidemiological overview of the amoebiasis accompanied with a worldwide illustrative map displaying the current distribution of known amoebiasis foci in each geographical ecozone of Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and Australia. Conclusions: Although Metropolitan France is not known as an endemic region of amoebiasis, amoebic liver abscess was the most frequent clinical form observed among our 15 patients processed. Most of infected patients had a history of travel to or lived-in endemic areas before arriving in France.

This manuscript is based on a recent study by Pillay et al that was published in recently. Liver abscesses can be caused by rare potentially life-threatening infections of either bacterial or parasitic origin. The incidence rate in Europe is lower than in developing countries, but it is a major complication with high morbidity, particularly in immunocompromised patients. They are most frequently caused by Enterobacterales infections, but hypervirulent Klebsiella strains are an emerging problem in Western countries. Amoebiasis has been a public health problem in Europe, primarily imported from other endemic foci. At the same time, this infection is becoming an emerging disease, as the number of infected patients who have not traveled to endemic areas is rising. Treatment options for hydatid liver cyst include chemotherapy, open or laparoscopic surgery, percutaneous treatment (percutaneous aspiration, re-aspiration and injection and its modification) and ''wait and watch'' strategy. Most hydatid liver cyst patients in Pillay et al 's study received surgical treatment, but several studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of percutaneous aspiration, re-aspiration and injection., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA), a common tropical infection, is caused by Entamoeba histolytica (EH). For decades, the first-line treatment for ALA has been metronidazole which has several drawbacks. The thioredoxin reductase enzyme in EH is essential for its anti-oxidative defence and survival during tissue invasion. Recently, the benzimidazole nucleus of proton pump inhibitors has been found to inhibit it quite effectively. An in vitro study found pantoprazole to be over 100 times more potent than metronidazole. We therefore conducted a randomised open-label pilot study, comparing adjunct pantoprazole with standard medical therapy in patients with uncomplicated ALA. We found this resulted in a shorter hospital stay and faster resolution of fever, abdominal pain, and leucocytosis, compared to standard therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm and hepato-fastric fistula are extremely rare clinical entities, which can be caused as complications of amoebic liver abscess. Herein, we report a 45- year old man, who presented with history of hematemesis since last 1 day, melena since last 3 days and fever since last 5 days. On physical examination, he was hemodynamically stable, pallor was noted. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness over the right-upper quadrant. Per-rectal examination showed evidences of melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed stomach communicating anteriorly with the abscess cavity from the surrounding, possibly from liver. There was no evidence of fresh bleed during the procedure. The abscess was drained and sent for microbiological evaluation. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a well defined saccular outpouching arising from common hepatic artery with surrounding ill-defined hypodensity around segment V and IVb of liver. Patient underwent transfemoral endovascular coil embolization. Post embolisation, DSA showed complete occlusion of pseudo-aneurysm. He was discharged on oral metronidazole and was doing well on 8-month follow-up with no episodes of rebleed.

Introduction: Amoebic liver abscess an inflammatory space- occupying lesion of the liver as a result of Entamoebahistolytica. There is paucity of data on clinical presentation of amoebic liver abscess in emergency department. Objectives:To study different types of clinical presentation and complications of Amoebic liver abscess to achieve early diagnosis and prevent complications. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of ultrasonographically and serologically confirmed cases of amoebic liver abscess was carried out. History and general physical examination with attention to the liver size was recorded. Complete blood counts, liver function tests, prothrombin time index and a partial thromboplastin time were noted. Data on blood cultures and pus culture was noted and statistically analysed using IBM® SPSS® 23.0, for Windows®, to bring out the results of the study. Results: The mean age of patients was 38.3 years .Fever, and pain abdomen was seen in 92%, and 86% respectively. Duration of symptoms less than 2 weeks was seen in 48% cases. Hepatomegaly was seen in 14% cases, a right sided pleural effusion in 13% cases and ascites in 5%. On ultrasound, a right lobe abscess was seen in 68%, a left lobe abscess in 10% and multiple abscesses in both the lobes in 18% cases. 64 cases required per-cutaneous pigtail catheter drainage and the mortality rate was 6.4%.Conclusion: In southern odisha, Amoebic liver abscess is a public health problem. As a preventable illness, this imposes a major burden on the healthcare system and considerable opportunity for improvement still exists to address this healthcare disparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebiasis is an intestinal and tissue parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Despite significant medical importance and worldwide dispersion, little is known about the epidemiology and distinct geographical distribution of various clinical forms of amoebiasis in the world. In this study, we present an amoebiasis case series referred to Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) from 2010 to 2022 followed by an overview of the released literature to explore diverse clinico-pathology of amoebiasis and to update the actual epidemiological situation of this parasitosis worldwide. The referred patients underwent a combination of clinical and parasitological examinations and imaging. The study was followed by an overview of released literature performed based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. A total of 15 patients with amoebiasis were diagnosed with an average age of 48.5 years old at the occurrence time of infection. Men (78%) were the most affected patients. Most of the cases were reported following a trip to endemic regions, such as Mali, India, Nepal, Algeria, Cameroon or Congo. All of the processed patients exhibited a hepatic amoebiasis. Amoebic abscess was observed in all cases with an average size of 6.3 cm. Of these patients, seven cases (46.7%) benefited from drainage following a risk of rupture or superinfection of the abscess. A compilation of findings extracted from 390 scientific publications via seven major medical databases, allowed us to update the main epidemiological and clinical events that has led to the current worldwide expansion of amoebiasis. We presented a clinical and epidemiological overview of the amoebiasis accompanied with a worldwide illustrative map displaying the current distribution of known amoebiasis foci in each geographical ecozone of Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and Australia. Although Metropolitan France is not known as an endemic region of amoebiasis, amoebic liver abscess was the most frequent clinical form observed among our 15 patients processed. Most of infected patients had a history of travel to or lived-in endemic areas before arriving in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which affects people living in low- and middle-income countries and has intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection with enteric parasites is limited, and E. histolytica coinfection has not been previously described. Here we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who, during hospitalisation, presented a clinical picture consistent with an amoebic liver abscess (ALA). Case presentation A 54-year-old man, admitted as a suspected case of COVID-19, presented to our hospital with dyspnoea, malaise, fever and hypoxaemia. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. After 7 days, he developed diarrhoea, choluria and dysentery. An abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion compatible with a liver abscess; stool examination revealed E. histolytica trophozoites, and additional serology for E. histolytica was positive. After 12 days of treatment with metronidazole, ceftazidime and nitazoxanide, the patient reported acute abdominal pain, and an ultrasound examination revealed free liquid in the abdominal cavity. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding 3000 mL of a thick fluid described as “anchovy paste”. Computed tomography scan revealed a second abscess. He ended up receiving 21 days of antibiotic treatment and was discharged with satisfactory improvement. Conclusion Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ALA and COVID-19 co-presenting. Based on their pathophysiological similarities, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and E. histolytica could change the patient’s clinical course; however, larger studies are needed to fully understand the interaction between these pathogens.

Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic liver abscess (ALA) in humans. The injury of target cells by E. histolytica includes processes controlled by the ubiquitin Ehub. Previously, we found immunodominance of Ehub glycan moieties using immunized rabbits. In this work, we analysed dominance of antibodies to the glycoprotein Ehub in the sera from 52 patients with ALA. Controls were sera from 20 healthy people living in endemic areas with a high seroprevalence of antibodies to amoebas, and 20 patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) to rule out the cross‐reaction of Ehub with autoantibodies induced by liver damage. Antigens were trophozoite extract, glycoprotein Ehub and the recombinant protein E. histolytica recombinant ubiquitin (rEhub). The sera from healthy volunteers and patients with AH do not have antibodies to glycoprotein Ehub. Surprisingly, only the antibodies from patients with ALA recognized the glycoprotein Ehub, and some sera gave a faint reaction with the recombinant protein, especially because evolutionarily, the ubiquitin is conserved between species. This is the first report demonstrating that antibodies to ubiquitin Ehub are induced exclusively in patients with invasive amoebiasis, and the antibody response is mainly to the glycoprotein, indicating glycans are immunodominant. Inhibitors of the Ehub glycans could be potential treatment for amoebiasis by selectively damaging trophozoites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There is a dearth of information on liver abscesses in the United Arab Emirates. Herein, we describe the clinical features of liver abscesses and determine their incidence rates and clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of adult patients with a primary diagnosis of liver abscess at a major hospital over a 7-year period. Results Amongst 45 patients, 82.2% (37/45) had a pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) and 17.8% (8/45) had amoebic liver abscesses (ALA). Overall, patients were young (median age 42 years, IQR 35–52), mostly males (77.8%, 35/45) from the Indian subcontinent (55.6%, 25/45), presented with fever (88.9%, 40/45) and abdominal pain (88.9%, 40/45), and had a solitary abscess on imaging (71.1% (32/45). Crude annual incidence rates were 35.9/100,000 hospital admissions (95% CI 26.2–48.0) and 5.9/100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 4.3–7.9). All ALA patients were from the Indian subcontinent (100%, 8/8). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen in PLA (43.2% [16/37], 95% CI 27.1–60.5%). The hospital stay was shorter in ALA (7.5 days, IQR 7–8.5) than in PLA (14 days, IQR 9–17). No deaths were recorded within 30 days of hospitalisation. Conclusions ALA was exclusively seen in migrants from the Indian subcontinent, suggesting importation. Further research to characterise K. pneumoniae isolates and assess potential risk factors is needed.

Objectives: Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is endemic to many areas of the world. This study sought to investigate the epidemiology, presentation, laboratory tests and imaging characteristics of ALA in Oman and ultimately determine whether it is native to Oman or originated abroad. Methods: This case series study was conducted at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, from January 2013 to December 2017 with patients older than 13 years and having a discharge diagnosis of ALA. Patient data were extracted from the Royal Hospital patient database. Results: 22 patients were included in the study--18 Omani patients and four expatriates. Only two Omanis had a history of traveling abroad. There were 15 male patients and seven were female with an average age of 45.2 years. The most common presentation was abdominal pain, which was seen in 17 patients. Fever was seen in 13 patients. Alanine transferase was found to be elevated in 13 patients. The majority of patients (90%) had no symptomatic infections prior to developing ALA. Conclusion: The data suggests that ALA is endemic to Oman, considering the high number of local patients and lack of travel abroad in this population. As the number of patients treated for ALA is rather small, it can be concluded that the occurrence of ALA is much lower in Oman than in other endemic areas. The majority of patients had no prior symptomatic infections; thus, a method of control involves screening to prevent amoebic spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Infection with Entamoeba histolytica and associated complications are relatively rare in developed countries. The overall low prevalence in the Western world as well as the possibly prolonged latency period between infection with the causing pathogen and onset of clinical symptoms may delay diagnosis of and adequate treatment for amoebiasis. Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of invasive amoebiasis. Pregnancy has been described as a risk factor for development of invasive amoebiasis and management of these patients is especially complex. Case presentation A 30-year-old Caucasian woman in early pregnancy presented to our emergency department with abdominal pain alongside elevated inflammatory markers and liver function tests. Travel history revealed multiple journeys to tropic and subtropic regions during the past decade and a prolonged episode of intermittently bloody diarrhea during a five month stay in Indonesia seven years prior to admission. Sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5 × 4 cm hepatic abscess. After ultrasound-guided transcutaneous liver drainage, both abscess fluids and blood cultures showed neither bacterial growth nor microscopic signs of parasitic disease. Serological testing confirmed an infection with Entamoeba histolytica, which was treated with metronidazole, followed by eradication therapy with paromomycin. Subsequent clinical, laboratory and imaging follow-up exams showed regression of the ALA. In addition, the pregnancy completed without complications and a healthy baby boy was born 7 months after termination of treatment. Conclusions This case of invasive amoebiasis in early pregnancy outside of endemic regions and several years after exposure demonstrates the importance of broad differential diagnostics in the context of liver abscesses. The complex interdisciplinary decisions regarding the choice of imaging techniques as well as interventional and antibiotic therapy in the context of pregnancy are discussed. Furthermore, we present possible explanations for pregnancy as a risk factor for an invasive course of amoebiasis.

Background: Hepatic abscesses represent infections of the liver parenchyma from bacteria, fungi, and parasitic organisms. Trends in both abscess microbiology and management of abscesses (infective collections) have changed over the past decade. There is a paucity of published data regarding the clinicopathological features of liver abscesses in sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income and middle-income countries., Aim: To evaluate the clinical presentations of liver abscesses and hydatid liver disease at two South African tertiary-level hospitals., Methods: Information accessed from electronic discharge summaries of patients from two South African referral hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa from January 2016 to December 2020 were reviewed and analyzed. All patients older than 13 years presenting with infective liver collections (pyogenic, amoebic) and hydatid disease were included. Clinical findings and laboratory, microbiology, and radiology results and outcomes were collated and analyzed., Results: In total, 222 patients were included. There were 123 males (55.41%) and 99 females (44.59%), with a median age of 48 years. Comorbidities included HIV (24.23%), hypertension (20.57%), and diabetes mellitus (16.83%). The majority (74.77%) of abscesses were pyogenic, while amoebic and hydatid abscesses represented 16.22% and 9.01%, respectively. The predominant etiology of the pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) was biliary-related disease. WBC and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the pyogenic group ( P < 0.0002 and P < 0.007, respectively) when compared to the amoebic and hydatid groups. In patients with PLAs, organisms were cultured on blood in 17.58% and abscess fluid in 56.60%. Klebsiella , Escherichia coli and Streptococci were the most cultured organisms. Sixteen percent of the cultures were polymicrobial. In the overall group, 76.00% ( n = 169) of patients requiring drainage had a percutaneous transhepatic catheter drain placed, while 8.76% ( n = 19) had open surgery. The median length of hospital stay was 13 days. The mortality rate was 3.02%., Conclusion: In this study, the most common type of liver abscess was PLAs of biliary origin in middle-aged males. The microbiology was similar to those described in Asian populations, and non-surgical management via percutaneous drainage was sufficient in the majority of cases with acceptable morbidity and mortality., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: There are no conflicts of interest to report., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose Hepatic abscesses remain a significant clinical challenge due to high morbidity and mortality. This research aims to examine the etiological spectrum, management approaches, clinical features, and results in hepatic abscesses in a tertiary care facility in northern India, emphasizing the distinctions among pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) and amoebic liver abscesses (ALAs). Methods This retrospective study was done at GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, analyzing 725 patients with hepatic abscesses over a 10-year period. Patients were included based on confirmed diagnoses of ALAs or PLAs through clinical, serological, and microbiological evidence. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, laboratory results, and management approaches were extracted from hospital records. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was employed for statistical analysis, and continuous variables were displayed accordingly as means or medians and categorical variables as frequencies. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on abscess characteristics, including size, location, and etiology. Results Of the 725 patients analyzed, the mean age was 42.7 ± 15.8 years, with men comprising 85.93% of the cohort. ALAs accounted for 82.3% of cases, while PLAs comprised 12%. PLA cases frequently involved Gram-negative pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with 64% of PLA patients exhibiting positive pus or blood cultures. Common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (87%) and fever (84.5%). Significant comorbidities included alcoholism (43.6%) and diabetes mellitus (34.2%). Right lobe involvement was predominant (75.9%), and multiple abscesses were noted in 47.5% of patients. Complications included pleural effusion (53.9%), abscess rupture (16.3%), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (25.7%). Management strategies comprised antibiotics, percutaneous catheter drainage (74.8%), and needle aspiration (43.4%), with conservative treatment being effective in smaller abscesses. Mortality rates were low, at 1.6% for ALAs and 1.5% for PLAs. Hospital stays were shorter for PLA cases (median: five days) compared to ALAs (median: 7.3 days). Conclusion This study underscores the predominance of ALAs in endemic regions like India and highlights the significant role of Gram-negative bacteria in PLAs. Tailored management strategies, including percutaneous interventions and early antibiotic therapy, were associated with favorable outcomes and low mortality. However, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in PLAs warrants robust antimicrobial stewardship. Public health measures focused on sanitation and clean water are critical to reducing the prevalence of ALAs., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Gupta et al.)

Introduction Liver abscesses are one of the most concerning healthcare issues in Western countries, with a prevalence rate of three per 100,000. Although with the improvement in the socio-economic status and the health care system, its incidence has decreased in developed nations, pyogenic and amoebic liver abscesses are still high in resource-poor countries. Low socioeconomic conditions, improper hygiene, lack of awareness, and often a delay in diagnosis can lead to fatal complications and high mortality. Methods This prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC) from 1st January 2019 to 31st August 2020 after obtaining approval from the Institute Ethical Committee (IRB no: EC-CNMC/2019/238/1). Patients over 10 years old with clinical and radiological features of liver abscesses were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and treatment parameters were analyzed. Clinical and biochemical data were also compared statistically between ruptured and unruptured cases. Results Sixty patients with liver abscesses were included in the study. A pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) and amoebic liver abscess (ALA) were 28 and 32 cases, respectively. Most patients were between 21 and 40 years of age (53.3%, n=60), with male predominance (76.7%, n=60). The most common symptom was fever in both PLA (89.2%, n=28) and ALA (65.6%, n=32). Most abscesses were 5-10 cm in size (56.6%, n=60). Clinical parameters like pedal edema, ascites, respiratory distress, intercostal tenderness, and peritonitis were associated with ruptured abscesses. Biochemical parameters like low albumin raised total leucocyte count (TLC), increased prothrombin time, and large size of the abscess were predictors of ruptured abscess (p<0.001). Image-guided aspiration was performed in 14 patients (23.3%, n=60), and CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage was done in 30 cases (50%, n=60). The most common organism isolated was E. coli . The ruptured abscess was diagnosed in six patients (10%, n=60). All ruptured abscesses required laparotomy and open surgical drainage. After three months of follow-up, a complete resolution of abscess cavities were seen in 38 patients (63.3%, n=60). Mortality in our study was 5 (8.3%, n=60). Conclusion Although modern diagnostic tools can efficiently diagnose liver abscesses, the identification of clinical features still has its place. Percutaneous catheter drainage is most commonly performed as a minimally invasive procedure without significant morbidity. Clinical suspicion of a ruptured liver abscess should be dealt without a delay. Improved hygiene and awareness can reduce its incidence, but early identification of clinical features, prompt diagnosis, and treatment can reduce mortality and morbidity., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata issued approval EC-CNMC/2019/238/1. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Jana et al.)

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan-pathogen-causing amoebic liver abscess (ALA). After amoeba establishment in the liver, it causes abundant infiltrate of neutrophils. Liver tissue damage by neutrophils results in part from anti-amoebic oxidative intermediates, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), derived from the myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme. Ascorbic acid (ASC) is an antioxidant that acts as a scavenger for ROS and NOS-derived free radicals. No previous information regarding the effect of ASC concerning the participation of MPO in an experimental model of ALA in hamsters has been reported. Thus, the aim of the present work was to analyze the effect of ASC on acute ALA development and to measure the activity and gene expression of the MPO enzyme. Hamsters were treated with ASC (800 mg/kg) and then intrahepatically inoculated with E. histolytica trophozoites. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 12 h post-inoculation (p.i.), and liver samples were collected. The percentage of lesions, amoeba in situ count, MPO activity, and mpo gene expression were ascertained. Compared to ALA hamsters without ASC treatment as the control group (CT), the ALA group treated with ASC had a significant decrease in liver lesions (all p.i. hours) and viable amoeba count (12 h p.i.) and an increase in MPO activity (12 h p.i.) and mpo gene expression (6 h/12 h p.i.). These data suggest that ASC ameliorated liver damage caused by oxidizing products via modulation of mpo expression and activity.

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan-pathogen-causing amoebic liver abscess (ALA). After amoeba establishment in the liver, it causes abundant infiltrate of neutrophils. Liver tissue damage by neutrophils results in part from anti-amoebic oxidative intermediates, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), derived from the myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme. Ascorbic acid (ASC) is an antioxidant that acts as a scavenger for ROS and NOS-derived free radicals. No previous information regarding the effect of ASC concerning the participation of MPO in an experimental model of ALA in hamsters has been reported. Thus, the aim of the present work was to analyze the effect of ASC on acute ALA development and to measure the activity and gene expression of the MPO enzyme. Hamsters were treated with ASC (800 mg/kg) and then intrahepatically inoculated with E. histolytica trophozoites. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 12 h post-inoculation (p.i.), and liver samples were collected. The percentage of lesions, amoeba in situ count, MPO activity, and mpo gene expression were ascertained. Compared to ALA hamsters without ASC treatment as the control group (CT), the ALA group treated with ASC had a significant decrease in liver lesions (all p.i. hours) and viable amoeba count (12 h p.i.) and an increase in MPO activity (12 h p.i.) and mpo gene expression (6 h/12 h p.i.). These data suggest that ASC ameliorated liver damage caused by oxidizing products via modulation of mpo expression and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Amebic liver abscess (ALA) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients of the developing world. Even though medical management is the primary modality of treatment, 15% of the cases are refractory and require intervention for drainage. Pigtail catheterization is inefficient and results in a long duration of hospital stay. So, we conducted a prospective observational study to determine the efficacy and safety of drainage of large ALA using a wide bore 24 French (Fr) drain compared with a conventionally used 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Materials and Methods A single center prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 5 years and data of 122 patients was collected. After starting empirical medical therapy, patients underwent drainage of ALA with either a 10 French pigtail or a 24 Fr drain. The primary outcome variables were resolution of clinical symptoms such as fever and pain in abdomen, length of hospital stay, and resolution of abscess on imaging at day 3. Secondary outcome was complications related to the procedures. Results Data of 122 patients was collected. Males constituted a vast majority (96%) of the study population and the fifth decade was the most common age group involved. Alcoholics had a higher chance of developing a large ALA. Sixty-eight patients underwent drainage of the ALA using a 24 Fr drain which resulted in faster resolution of symptoms (2.4 vs. 5.1 days, p-value 0.033), a shorter duration of catheter in situ (6.4 vs. 13.2, p-value 0.011), and a faster drainage of ALA (residual volume at day 3; 177 vs. 212 mL, p-value 0.021). Twenty-eight patients had a biliary communication of which 26 required therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion In patients with a large ALA, placement of a wide bore 24 Fr catheter hastens recovery of the patients when compared with drainage with a standard 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Placement of a biliary stent serves as a useful adjunct for their management and it may obliviate the need for a major biliary diversion surgery.

Abstract Amoebic liver abscess is common in children in developing countries due to lack of hygiene and sanitary conditions. Inferior vena cava thrombosis is a rare complication of this disease, with only a few cases reported in the literature, where this thrombus led to pulmonary thromboembolism. We report the case of a 7‐year‐old child with amoebic liver abscess who developed pulmonary thromboembolism and was promptly diagnosed and managed.

Background: Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which affects people living in low- and middle-income countries and has intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection with enteric parasites is limited, and E. histolytica coinfection has not been previously described. Here we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who, during hospitalisation, presented a clinical picture consistent with an amoebic liver abscess (ALA).Case Presentation: A 54-year-old man, admitted as a suspected case of COVID-19, presented to our hospital with dyspnoea, malaise, fever and hypoxaemia. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. After 7 days, he developed diarrhoea, choluria and dysentery. An abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion compatible with a liver abscess; stool examination revealed E. histolytica trophozoites, and additional serology for E. histolytica was positive. After 12 days of treatment with metronidazole, ceftazidime and nitazoxanide, the patient reported acute abdominal pain, and an ultrasound examination revealed free liquid in the abdominal cavity. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding 3000 mL of a thick fluid described as "anchovy paste". Computed tomography scan revealed a second abscess. He ended up receiving 21 days of antibiotic treatment and was discharged with satisfactory improvement.Conclusion: Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ALA and COVID-19 co-presenting. Based on their pathophysiological similarities, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and E. histolytica could change the patient's clinical course; however, larger studies are needed to fully understand the interaction between these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liver abscess is a limited, often encysted, purulent inflammation with parenchymal necrosis that is a life-threatening complication of bacterial, fungal, protozoal and worm infections. Liver abscesses can be single or multiple; most of them are located in the right liver lobe. The pathogenic factor responsible for the development of abscesses can be identified by collecting the lesion's contents or the cultures of blood, bile, sometimes urine or stool samples. Diagnosis is established by serological, imaging and microscopic tests. The treatment regimen is determined mainly by the etiological factor and the size of the lesion and includes conservative treatment and mainly percutaneous procedures. The article briefly presents the epidemiology, clinical picture and the current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of liver abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definitive diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess is challenging owing to the unavailability of sensitive commercial point-of-care molecular tests. The primary aim of our prospective diagnostic study was to compare available laboratory methods for the diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica in clinical samples with loop-mediated isothermal amplification. We compared deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis methods, namely, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using pus, stool and blood samples from 200 patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification had significantly higher sensitivity (88%) as compared to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (64%) and excellent specificity (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. E. histolytica is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of E. histolytica have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the Entamoeba species. As a preventable illness, E. histolytica complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of E. histolytica-induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK.

Background and Aim Although the mortality rate has declined in recent years, amoebic liver abscesses (ALAs) still carry a substantial risk of morbidity. Studies regarding the indicators of severity, complication, or prognosis of ALA are limited in number and heterogeneous in methodology and results. Methods Clinicodemographic profile, therapeutic modalities, and outcomes of indoor ALA patients admitted between January 2016 and October 2017 were analyzed. An analysis of possible prognostic factors associated with complications and interventional therapy in patients with ALA was performed retrospectively. Results Data of 198 patients with ALA (mean age: 45 ± 12.1; M:F ratio: 193:5) were analyzed. The volume of abscess (503.1 ± 391.2: 300.2 ± 305.8 mL), elevated liver enzymes, and duration of hospital stay (11.98 ± 5.75): 10.23 ± 4.1 days) were significantly (P

Abstract Background We describe the clinical features of a cohort of patients with liver abscesses and investigate relationships between clinical, radiological and microbiological findings and mortality. Methods Retrospective review of pyogenic (PLA) or amoebic liver abscesses (ALA) diagnosed and treated at a major infectious diseases department in London over 9 years. Results One hundred forty-one patient records were identified; 132 (93.6%) had PLA and 9 (6.4%) ALA. No organism was identified in 38.6% (51/132); a single bacterial species was isolated in 47.0% (62/132) of PLA, ≥ 2 in 14.4% (19/132). There was weak evidence of variation in abscess size by type of microorganism, with streptococcal PLA typically larger (p = 0.03 for Streptococcus milleri group, p = 0.05 for non-milleri streptococci). Patients with ALA were younger (median 41, IQR 37–51 years) than those with PLA (median 68, IQR 50.5–78 years) (p = 0.003) and all were male (9/9, 100%, (p = 0.03)), with a history of recent travel in the majority (6/9, 66.7% (p = 0.003)). C-reactive protein was higher in ALA than in PLA (p = 0.06). In the entire cohort, loculation (HR = 2.51 (95% CI 1.00–6.32), p = 0.04) and baseline ALP (HR = 4.78 (95% CI 1.19–19.2) per log10 increase, p = 0.03) were associated with mortality. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) analysis was used in a subset of culture-negative cases and increased the diagnostic yield by 13%. Conclusions Clinical or radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA, or help identify the bacterial cause of PLA. However, ALA is more common in young, male patients with a history of travel. 16S rRNA analysis of abscess fluid has a role in improving microbiological diagnosis in culture-negative cases.

Introduction: India has second highest incidence of liver abscess worldwide. Image guided drainage methods are increasingly used to treat liver abscesses with fairly high success rates and with low cost and patient preference. But to choose a preferred one among these two methods of Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) and Percutaneous Needle Aspiration (PNA) still is a dilemma. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and outcome of PCD and PNA in treatment of liver abscess. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 150 liver abscess patients in Shyam Shah Medical College in Vindhya region Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, from June 2019 to May 2020. They were divided into two groups PNA (n=75) and PCD (n=75) by simple randomisation. Patient outcome was on the basis of duration to attain clinical relief (assessed subjectively), duration of hospital stay and days required for reduction in cavity size below 50%, death, and success rates were assessed in terms of number of attempts for adequate pus drainage. Chi-square test, nonpaired Student’s t-test and ANOVA tests were used. Results: In this study mean age was 40.57 years with 92.67% males. Most common lobe to involved was right lobe (87.3%). E.coli was the most common organism. All patients in PCD group were successfully treated in a single attempt. PNA group had a success rate of 84%. Mean number of days of clinical improvement were less for PCD (mean was 5.27 days) than PNA group (mean was 7.49 days) p-value=0.002. Mean days required for reduction in cavity size to less than 50% was lower in PCD (mean was 7.20 days) than PNA group (mean was 8.75 days) p-value=0.01. Total duration of hospital stay was higher in PNA (mean was 11.59 days) than in PCD group (mean was 9.28 days) p-value=0.03. All multiloculated cavities in PNA group were failures. Conclusion: PCD method was found to be more efficacious than needle aspiration method in this study

Introduction: India has second highest incidence of liver abscess worldwide. Image guided drainage methods are increasingly used to treat liver abscesses with fairly high success rates and with low cost and patient preference. But the preferred one to choose among these two methods of Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) and Percutaneous Needle Aspiration (PNA) still places a dilemma. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and outcome of PCD and PNA in treatment of liver abscess. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 150 liver abscess patients in Shyam Shah Medical College in Vindhya region Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, from June 2019 to May 2020. They were divided into two groups for PNA (n=75) and PCD (n=75) by simple randomisation. Patient outcome was on the basis of duration to attain clinical relief (assessed subjectively), duration of hospital stay and days required for reduction in cavity size below 50%, death, and success rates were assessed in terms of number of attempts for adequate pus drainage. Chisquare test, non-paired Student's t-test and ANOVA tests were used. Results: In this study mean age was 40.57 years with 92.67% males. Most common lobe to involved was right lobe (87.3%). E.coli was the most common organism. All patients in PCD group were successful in single attempt. PNA group had a success rate of 84%. Mean number of days of clinical improvement were less for PCD (mean was 5.27 days) than PNA group (mean was 7.49 days) p-value=0.002. Mean days required for reduction in cavity size to less than 50% was lower in PCD (mean was 7.20 days) than PNA group (mean was 8.75 days) p-value=0.01. Total duration of hospital stay was higher in PNA (mean was 11.59 days) than in PCD group (mean was 9.28 days) p-value=0.03. All multiloculated cavities in PNA group were failures. Conclusion: PCD method was found to be more efficacious than needle aspiration method in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with amoebic liver abscess (ALA) may require percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD). Once the PCD output is substantially reduced or has ceased along with clinical recovery, residual collections on radiological evaluation may concern the treating physicians. The prevalence and significance of such collections is unknown, and the subsequent approach how to tackle them is unclear. Methods: Consecutive patients with one or more uncomplicated ALAs requiring drainage were prospectively enrolled from 3 hospitals and managed based on a standard approach. Catheter removal was attempted after the patients fulfilled all 4 of the following criteria: disappearance of abdominal pain, absence of fever for at least 48 h, an improving trend of TLC (documented on 2 consecutive reports), and catheter drain output of < 10 ml/day for at least 2 consecutive days. Results: A total of 110 patients (mean age 46.6 ± 10.5 years, 93.6% males, 89.1% alcoholics) underwent PCD placement; 69 patients (69/110; 62.7%) met all 4 criteria within 5 days of PCD placement (optimal response) and had an uncomplicated course. Patients with suboptimal responses (41/110; 37.3%) were evaluated for local and systemic complications; the appearance of fresh collections (5/110; 4.5%), abscess rupture (2/110; 1.8%), bile leakage (3/110; 2.7%), cholangitis (2/110; 1.8%), thrombophlebitis (2/110; 1.8%) and hospital-acquired infections (2/110; 1.8%) were diagnosed and treated accordingly. Ultimately, PCD removal (based on the fulfilment of all 4 criteria) was universally successful after a median of 5 days (IQR, 4–9 days). None of the patients had symptom recurrence after PCD removal, although residual collections were still seen in 97.3% of patients at the time of PCD removal and in 92.1% and 84.9% of patients available for follow-up at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our clinical protocol, PCD removal in ALA can be successfully expedited even in the presence of residual collections. An inability to fulfill all 4 criteria within 5 days of PCD placement warrants further evaluations for local and systemic complications that require additional therapeutic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA) is a most common extraintestinal manifestation of amoebiasis which is most commonly present with high grade fever with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Here we present a case of 32 year male patient newly diagnosed as People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) with ALA. Patient was treated with Metronidazole (500 mg 8 hourly) and therapeutic drainage.

Infections are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients; respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal infections are the most common. Gastrointestinal manifestations are usually associated with cytomegalovirus. Although opportunistic infections are common in solid organ transplant recipients in view of the immunosuppressed state, amoebic liver abscess is uncommon in renal transplant recipients and has not been reported in literature, to the best of our knowledge. We describe a patient with an amoebic liver abscess 3 months after renal transplantation surgery.

Liver abscess is a condition that is seen by surgeons all over the world. The patients present to the surgical department with features of right hypocondrial pain, fever and jaundice. Investigations such as ultrasound of the abdomen and CT scan of the abdomen are extremely useful in diagnosing a case of liver abscess. The two main causes of liver abscess are amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess. Occasionally a liver abscess may also occur due to fungal infection. Treatment modalities include the use of drugs such as metronidazole for amoebic liver abscess, as well as needle aspiration and pigtail catheter drainage when required. This was a prospective study was carried out from August 2015 to July 2018, for a period of three years. The study was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India. Investigations such as complete blood count (CBC), chest x-ray, x-ray abdomen, ultrasound of the abdomen and CECT of the abdomen were done. A total of 57 patients were studied and the results obtained were analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection with Entamoeba histolytica and associated complications are relatively rare in developed countries. The overall low prevalence in the Western world as well as the possibly prolonged latency period between infection with the causing pathogen and onset of clinical symptoms may delay diagnosis of and adequate treatment for amoebiasis. Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of invasive amoebiasis. Pregnancy has been described as a risk factor for development of invasive amoebiasis and management of these patients is especially complex.Case Presentation: A 30-year-old Caucasian woman in early pregnancy presented to our emergency department with abdominal pain alongside elevated inflammatory markers and liver function tests. Travel history revealed multiple journeys to tropic and subtropic regions during the past decade and a prolonged episode of intermittently bloody diarrhea during a five month stay in Indonesia seven years prior to admission. Sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5 × 4 cm hepatic abscess. After ultrasound-guided transcutaneous liver drainage, both abscess fluids and blood cultures showed neither bacterial growth nor microscopic signs of parasitic disease. Serological testing confirmed an infection with Entamoeba histolytica, which was treated with metronidazole, followed by eradication therapy with paromomycin. Subsequent clinical, laboratory and imaging follow-up exams showed regression of the ALA. In addition, the pregnancy completed without complications and a healthy baby boy was born 7 months after termination of treatment.Conclusions: This case of invasive amoebiasis in early pregnancy outside of endemic regions and several years after exposure demonstrates the importance of broad differential diagnostics in the context of liver abscesses. The complex interdisciplinary decisions regarding the choice of imaging techniques as well as interventional and antibiotic therapy in the context of pregnancy are discussed. Furthermore, we present possible explanations for pregnancy as a risk factor for an invasive course of amoebiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]