Amoebic liver abscess in a 45-day-old baby: a case report

Abstract

Background: Liver abscess has been reported in children, but amoebic liver abscess is very rare in infants. This is a rare case report of an amoebic liver abscess in a 45-day-old baby. Case Presentation: A 45-day-old male baby was referred to the gastroenterology department with an 8-days history of fever and vomiting off and on. His feed intake was less than usual, but otherwise did not have any other systemic complaints. On examination, the liver was enlarged 3 cm below the coastal margin. Routine labs were conducted along with liver ultrasound and Computed tomography (CT scan) of the abdomen. Ultrasound revealed multiple liver abscesses. CT scan showed cystic lesions in the right lobe of the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was positive for amoebiasis. The baby was treated with antibiotics and discharged after 2 weeks. He was advised to take oral metronidazole for 4 weeks. After a month, he was reviewed in the follow-up clinic with complete recovery and normal ultrasound. Conclusion: Amoebiasis is endemic in developing countries [1]. It is the second most common cause of mortality after malaria [2]. It is common in adults but rare in small children [3]. Awareness about good hygiene and drinking clean boiled water should be emphasized.