Amebic Liver Abscess

Amebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan transmitted via the fecal-oral route through the ingestion of cysts. Sir William Osler first diagnosed the disease in 1890. The infection can be asymptomatic or present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or extraintestinal complications, most commonly liver abscess. Men aged 18 to 50 are most commonly affected. Endemic regions include India, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America. Symptoms typically develop within 2 to 4 weeks, with fever and right upper quadrant pain; 10% to 35% also report gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, epidemiological context, imaging, and serologic testing. Optimal treatment includes metronidazole followed by a luminal agent such as paromomycin. Therapeutic aspiration or surgical intervention is rarely required.