Recurrent amebic liver abscesses over a 16-year period: a case report. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creemers-Schild, D.; Genderen, P.; Visser, L.; Hellemond, J.; Wismans, P.
• Is Part Of: BMC research notes. Volume 9:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Entamoeba histolytica -- Amebiasis -- Carrier state environment -- Immune response -- Relapse -- Treatment; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2275-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0500

Abstract

Abstract Background Amebic liver abscess is a rare disease in high-income countries. Recurrence of amebic liver abscess is even rarer with only a few previous reports. Here we present a patient who developed three subsequent amebic liver abscesses over a sixteen-year period. Case presentation A Caucasian male developed recurrent amebic liver abscesses, when aged 23, 27 and 39 years. Only on the first occasion did this coincide with a recent visit to the tropics. The patient received adequate treatment during each episode. Possible explanations are persistent asymptomatic carrier state, cysts passage in his family, re-infection or chance. Conclusion We describe the unusual case of a healthy male who developed recurrent amebic liver abscesses over a long period despite adequate treatment. Possible pathophysiological explanations are explored.