Outbreak of amebiasis in a family in The Netherlands

Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Oct;31(4):1101-4. doi: 10.1086/318153.

Abstract

Human-to-human transmission of Entamoeba histolytica is rare in industrialized countries. We describe an outbreak of amebiasis in a family in The Netherlands, demonstrating that even with Western standards of hygiene, persistent cyst passage may result in the transmission of E. histolytica to household contacts. If E. histolytica is isolated from a person living in an area of nonendemicity, it may be worthwhile to test all family members for cyst passage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / isolation & purification
  • Entamoebiasis / epidemiology*
  • Entamoebiasis / parasitology
  • Entamoebiasis / transmission
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Netherlands / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Metronidazole