Intestinal Amebiasis: A Concerning Cause of Acute Gastroenteritis

Among Hospitalized Lebanese Children

Abstract

Background:
Intestinal amebiasis is an important public health problem worldwide. More severe disease is
associated with young age, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristic nature of intestinal
amebiasis among pediatric population, and compare it with other causes of gastroenteritis.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective comparative study conducted at Makassed General Hospital between
January 2008 and December 2012, including all pediatric patients between birth and 15 years of
age, who presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

Results:
One thousand three hundred ninety-five patients were included in the study, and were divided
into four groups: Group I (Entameba histolytica group = 311 cases, 22.3%), group II (Rotavirus
group = 427 cases, 30.6%), group III (bacterial group = 107 cases, 7.7%), group IV (unidentified
group = 550 cases, 39.4%). Significant leukocytosis, neutrophilia and positive C-reactive protein
were found among more than 50% of admitted Entemaba histolytica cases with a picture of
severe invasive disease in young infants.