Entamoeba histolytica infection in men who have sex with men.
Entamoeba histolytica infection (amoebiasis) is the second leading cause of death from parasitic diseases. Epidemiological studies from developed countries have reported an increasing prevalence of amoebiasis and of invasive infections, such as amoebic colitis, among men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in oral-anal sex. Although most infections with E histolytica are asymptomatic, clinical manifestations of invasive amoebiasis mainly include amoebic colitis and amoebic liver abscess, which are associated with substantial morbidity and medical cost. Laboratory diagnosis of amoebiasis should be based on detection of E histolytica by use of tests with high sensitivity and specificity, such as specific amoebic-antigen or PCR-based assays. Microscopy used in routine clinical laboratories is not sensitive or specific enough for detection of E histolytica. Metronidazole or tinidazole remains the mainstay of treatment for invasive amoebiasis, followed by treatment with luminal agents to prevent relapse and transmission of E histolytica to sexual partners or close contacts.
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. hcc0401@ntu.edu.tw
Chien-Ching
CC
Hung
Sui-Yuan
SY
Chang
Dar-Der
DD
Ji
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004404:Dysentery, Amebic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008101:Liver Abscess, Amebic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014011:Tinidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D014011:Tinidazole; D008795:Metronidazole