Nutritional factors in the aetiopathogenesis of amoebic liver abscess in man

Abstract

AbstractThirty‐seven patients with amoebic liver abscess and 20 controls were studied for their nutritional status. Their dietary history suggested deficient intake of total calories, protein, fat, Vitamin A and β carotene. No significant difference was observed in the levels of iron intake in patients and controls.Biochemical parameters suggested a hypoproteinemic state associated with low levels of cholesterol, VLDLc, HDLc, Vitamin A, β carotene, iron and TIBC in the patients in comparison to controls. The protein electrophoresis pattern showed an increase in α1, α2, and γ fractions in patients compared with controls, whereas the albumin fraction was reduced.On the basis of these findings and previously published experimental studies, it is suggested that amoebic liver abscess in human subjects is associated with undernutrition due to a poorly balanced diet. Thus, undernutrition may facilitate invasive amoebiasis in man.