Amoebic liver abscess in Wessex--a retrospective survey of 24 cases.

The clinical features and response to treatment of 24 patients with amoebic liver abscess in Wessex are presented. Two patients died before adequate treatment could be instituted, but 6 of the remaining 22 patients (27%) did not respond to single courses of conventional anti-amoebic therapy. Possible reasons for this high failure rate are discussed. It is concluded that although Metronidazole is a highly effective anti-amoebicide, there remains a place for other drugs such as Emetine. The importance of early diagnosis of Amoebic Liver Abscess is emphasised.