Metronidazole and Hepatic Abscess

Abstract

METRONIDAZOLE is a nitroheterocyclic compound with established efficacy in the treatment of trichomaniasis since 1959. Evaluation of metronidazole for use in the treatment of intestinal amebiasis followed its discovery, and the first successful trials were reported in 1966. Since then it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of all forms of amebiasis. Recently, its efficacy and low incidence of side effects compared to alternate drugs has led to its designation as the drug of choice for moderate to severe intestinal amebic disease and amebic hepatic abscess. In fact, recent literature has stressed the usefulness of a therapeutic trial of metronidazole in distinguishing between pyogenic and amebic liver abscess. We wish to report a falsepositive response as a caveat to its use in this regard. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 46-year-old butcher was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital forexamination. He had fever, chills, weight loss, diarrhea, and