Amoebic liver abscess epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Amoebiasis is the second leading cause of death worldwide from parasitic disease.^[1][2][3]500 million people are infected with Entamoeba histolytica every year. 50 million individuals develop liver abscess and colitis and results in death in 40,000-100,000 individuals annually. Of all cases of amoebiasis, 3% to 9% of patients reported to have amoebic liver abscess. It most commonly occurs in 20 to 45 years age.

Incidence and Prevalence

• Amoebiasis is the second leading cause of death worldwide from parasitic disease.^[4][2][3][5]
• 500 million people are infected with Entamoeba histolytica every year.
• 50 million individuals develop liver abscess and colitis, and results in death in 40,000-100,000 individuals annually.
• Of all cases of amoebiasis, 3% to 9% of patients reported to have amoebic liver abscess.

Age

• Amoebic liver abscess most commonly occurs in 20 to 45 years age.

Gender

• Amoebic liver abscess is more common among men compared to women.^[6][7][8]

Developed and Developing Countries

• Entamoeba histolytica infection is more common in tropical and sub tropical areas.^[9]
• Infection rates are higher in temperate regions with poor sanitation.
• In the United States most cases of amoebiasis occur in immigrants from endemic areas and HIV infected patients.^[10]
• Amoebic liver abscess is the most common extra intestinal manifestation of Entamoeba histolytica infection. It is endemic in the following countries^[11]

• Mexico
• The Indian subcontinent
• Indonesia
• Sub saharan and tropical regions of Africa
• Parts of central and south America

• In developed countries, amoebiasis occurs usually in^[12]

• Homosexual men
• Immigrants
• Recent travel to endemic areas
• Institutionalized persons
• HIV positive individuals