Amebic dysentery

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica infection in the gastrointestinal tract causes intestinal amebiasis, which is characterized by diarrhea and massive bleeding, leading to cardiovascular instability. A 15-year-old boy presented to our hospital with a complaint of bloody diarrhea. His medical history was significant for hematochezia and frequent blood transfusions. Physical examination revealed signs of hypovolemic shock without fever. Additionally, laboratory examination revealed anemia, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and elevated of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Stool analysis revealed the presence of E. histolytica cysts and erytrocytes-containing trophozoites (erythrophagocytosis); he also had increased leukocyte and erythrocyte counts. Moreover, colonoscopy demonstrated an erosion and ulcer along the distal and proximal colon mucosae. The patient was diagnosed with amebic dysentery and was treated with metronidazole for 10 days. His condition improved after the treatment. In conclusion, the diagnosis was successfully established based on the finding of erythrophagocytosis as an indicator of E. histolytica infection.