Genital amebiasis: historical perspective of an unusual disease presentation

Genital infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analyses

“…Also in cases of amebic infection, motile cells can be found by microscopy, which makes it difficult to distinguish between these protozoa by microscopy alone. For this reason, 95% of the reported cases of amebic infection of the female genitals are diagnosed cytologically from the stained smears …”

“…Although E. gingivalis, a non-pathogenic ameba, is found in approximately 1% of individuals using an intrauterine contraceptive device, 5 the genital infection with E. histolytica, a pathogenic ameba, has been reported to be uncommon even in endemic areas, 6 with only 126 cases reported since 1924 identified in a MEDLINE published work search. 7 This report describes a case of vaginitis caused by E. histolytica in a postmenopausal Japanese woman without previous history of traveling outside Japan. Amebic infection was suspected by cervical cytology and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).…”

Amoebic ulcer of the male genitala: A rare case report

“…The best differentiating feature between penile cancer and amoebic ulcer appears to be the absence of pain in patients with cancer. [4] Amoebic ulcers are serpiginous, with distinct raised, thickened, often undermined edges and erythematous rim, hemopurulent exudates, and necrotic slough. Pain is intense and regional adenitis is usual.…”

Genital manifestations of tropical diseases

“…In a review of 148 case reports of genital amoebiasis confirmed by observation of E histoloytica published between 1924 and 1997, Antony and Lopez-Po noted that 85% of reports were of genital infection in females, including infants. 40 Female genital amoebiasis is characterised by a foul, bloody vaginal discharge. In one third abdominal pain was reported and 8.1% had genital ulceration, often mimicking carcinoma of cervix, although in some cases amoebiasis and carcinoma have been found together.…”