A Dutchman from Mali with a perianal ulcer caused by cutaneous amoebiasis
Kroft, E.B.M.; Warris, A.; Jansen, L.E.; van Crevel, R.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 149(6): 308-311
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 15730040 Document Number: 587429
A 66-year-old Dutchman, living in Mali, presented with an extensive progressive perianal ulcer despite local and antibiotic treatment. Microscopic examination of the faeces revealed Entamoeba histolytica/dispar cysts and phagocytosing trophozoites were seen in fresh scrapings of the ulcer, a diagnostic feature of infection with E. histolytica. The diagnosis was cutaneous amoebiasis and the patient was effectively treated with metronidazole and local debridements. Primary cutaneous amoebiasis is a rare disease. Diagnosis and treatment are relatively simple but lack of familiarity with the disease may lead to misdiagnosis or diagnosis at a late stage of the infection.