[Isolated pleural amebiasis: about one case in France].
BACKGROUND
Isolated pleural amebiasis is exceptional in the world and specially in France.


METHODS
We report a case of acute isolated pleural amebiasis in a 56 year old man who did not travelled in endemic countries for the 20 past years. Chocolate-colored pus from the pleural puncture suggested the diagnosis. Positive amebic serology and above all, trophozoites (Entamoeba histolytica) in the pleural liquid confirmed the diagnosis of pleural amebiasis. Drainage was required and metronidazole was introduced. Other antibiotics were necessary to treat bacterial co-infection, which is frequent. Of interest, a nurse developed an acute intestinal amebiasis probably infected by pleural pus, an indirect confirmation of diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This diagnosis should be suspected even in low endemic areas in case of infectious pleurisy resistant to traditional antimicrobial regimens.
Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Robert Picqué, Bordeaux, France. plmassoure@aol.com
P-L
PL
Massoure
E
E
Renoux
J-M
JM
Rigollaud
L
L
Gaundong
M-L
ML
Quinquenel
L
L
Hugard
D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*