Suggest Treatment For Entamoeba Histolytica Infection

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, we are currently living in central XXXXXXX and we have a 2.5 year old diagnosed with Entamoeba histolytica infection, going on and off for a year now. We were prescribed a treatment of Secnidazole (5-Days) followed by Diloxandide Furoate (10-Days). The whole family was on the same treatment, now we have the same symptoms once again, now with the addition of an itchy raised rash on our child's heal and palm that seems to intensify at night. What would be a recommended treatment for this? Thanks, any help is always much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Recurrent intestinal amebiasis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

It seems that your family members are getting repeated attacks of infection with Entamoeba histolytica (intestinal amebiasis ).
At least three fresh stool specimens should be subjected to examiantion for hematophagous trophozoites of E. histolytica and cyst.

Since you have already taken previously secindazole and diloxanide but the infection recurred,other longer-acting imidazole compound such as tinidazole should be taken along with luminal amebicidal drug either iodoquinol or paromomycin .

Itchy raised rash on your child's heal and palm that seems to intensify at night does not appear to be caused by Entamoeba histolytica.
Kindly consult a dermatologist.

Drink cleaner water.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj