Intestinal amebiasis in a group of patients with ulcerative colitis: influence on clinical course of the disease.

INTRODUCTION Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common disease with a chronic and relapsing presentation requiring regular clinical follow up. Epidemiological and microbiologic studies suggest that enteropathogenic microorganisms play a substantial role in the clinical presentation and extent of inflammatory bowel disease. GOAL To evaluate the presence of intestinal infections by Entamoeba hystolitica in patients with ulcerative colitis, their impact on clinical outcome, and to identify associated risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 31 patients hospitalized on Gastroenterohepatology Department with patohystologically proved ulcerative colitis were studied. Fresh feces samples taken from 20 patients were examined immediately using Eosin and Lugol-staining methods and analyzing the presence of vegetative and MIFC (Meriolat and Iod staining). RESULTS A total of 16 female and 15 male hospitalized UC patients were analysed in a period of two years (2010-2011). The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years. We analyzed relation of amoeba infection with localization of ulcerative colitis. Our results indicate that amoeba infection is related to extent of disease (they were mostly present in pancolitis). Presence of amoeba is not related to age nor gender. Furthermore, presence of amoeba was not associated with more severe clinical course of disease. Similarly, higher value of serum marker of inflammation was not associated with amoeba infection. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Amoeba infections in UC patients treated at Gastroenterohepatology Department was not related to the grade of disease activity, and other clinical variables such as gender, age and parameters of inflammation. These microorganisms could be a contributing cause of extended localization of disease.