title: Amoebic versus pyogenic liver abscess.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the differences between the clinical presentation and complications of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess. To correlate the diagnostic significance of Entamoeba Indirect Haemagglutination test (E.IHA) in establishing the diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess.
  
  
  METHODS
  Open cohort observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Medicine (Medical Unit II) Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty two patients aged 13-70 years admitted in Medical Unit II and diagnosed to have liver abscess.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group A comprised of patients clinically diagnosed to have amoebic liver abscess and received Metronidazole 500mg iv x 8 hourly for atleast 10 days or more if patient developed complications. Group B comprised of patients diagnosed to have pyogenic abscess and received Cefotaxime 1g iv x 8 hourly for the same duration or more if complicated (antibiotic reviewed in accordance with culture and sensitivity report).
  
  
  METHODS
  Differences in the clinical presentation, complications and diagnostic parameters between the two groups of patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was not possible to differentiate between amoebic and pyogenic liver abscess on clinical grounds, routine investigations and imaging techniques. Aspiration of pus, especially if the abscess was multiple, was most helpful in differentiating the two types of abscesses. Serological test of E.IHA was highly specific and sensitive for amoebic liver abscess.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Majority of liver abscesses in Karachi are due to Entamoeba Histolytica. Pyogenic abscess though less frequent, must be excluded by pus aspiration and culture and sensitivity. E.IHA is a good rapid method of discriminating between the two types of abscesses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ahsan
authors.forename: M U
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Jehangir
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saleem
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shahid
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shaheer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anwer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002439:Cefotaxime / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000209:etiology; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D008101:Liver Abscess, Amebic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D002439:Cefotaxime