- Dr. Ezemba, Chinyere C.1, Etikudike, Victor O.1, Osuala Oluchi J. EZEMBA, A.S.2, Mmaduekwe, J.A.1, Udoye, I. W.1, Ezemba, P.I.3, Eseigbu, A.C.1 Chimuanya, I.4 and Obiasogu, P.S.1
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1Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. 2Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Madonna University Elele Rivers State Nigeria. 3Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. 4Department of Biochemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State.
Introduction: Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive enteric protozoan. Infection
typically begins with the ingestion of mature, quadrinucleated cysts found in
fecally contaminated food or water. Entamoeba hystolytica invasion can result
to the metastasis of the Liver and other organs. This condition is the result
of the migration of the trophozoites hematologically through the portal vein to
some distant organs. Adherence to the colonic mucus layer and colonization is
through the Gal/GalNAc lectin, which targets galactose and N-acetyl-D-
galactosamine residues found on D-linked sugar side chains of mucins. Mammals
that do not possess N-acetyl-D-galactosamine or N-terminal galactose are
resistant to trophozoite adherence, providing some degree of immunity against
invasive disease.
Materials and
Methods: Here is a case of a report of a 47-year old
female, with the complaint of abdominal pain at the right upper quadrant with
jaundice and a weight loss of about 12kg within a period of 1-month. For
the purpose of the Abdomen/Pelvis Computer Tomographic (CT) scan, the
contiguous 5mm axial helical image slices of the tissues of the lower chest,
abdomen and pelvis were obtained from the level of the main pulmonary arteries
to the level of the lesser femoral trochanters before and after bolus
intravenous injection of 100mls of Ultravist 370. Multiplanar reconstructed
images as well as source images viewed in various window settings were employed
in analysis. This CT-Scan was carried out by Prof. S. O. Mgbor, and Dr. Onuh,
A. C. of Hands Clinics, (Computer Tomography department).
Results: the 47 years old Patient was diagnosed of Amoebic Liver disease: a
disease caused by the invasion of Entamoeba hystolytica, this attests that E.
hystolytica is capable of causing liver metastases. This infection on the liver
was a result of the trophozoites adhering to the colonic epithelium and spread
hematologically from the liver to other distant organs.
Conclusion:
This case report reveals the detrimental effect of Entamoeba hystolytica
invasion on viscera organs particularly the liver, which resulted to organs
metastases. Furthermore, Entamoeba histolytica invasion when not detected on
time could be fatal as reviewed in the case study, as the said patient
eventually died as a result of ruptured liver due to fatal nature of the
invasion.
Keywords: Entamoeba histolytica, organs metastases, secondary invasion
