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Cutaneous amebiasis - Anogenital in
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Cutaneous amebiasis - Anogenital in

See also in: Overview
Contributors: Saami Khalifian MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Genital amebiasis is rare. Pathogenic forms of Entamoeba histolytica cause cutaneous amebiasis. It can be transmitted by having anal intercourse with an individual afflicted with amebic dysentery or via vaginal intercourse with a woman who has vulvovaginal amebiasis. It is possible to contract it as a consequence of enteric amebiasis. Patients with AIDS are at higher risk, and malnourished individuals are more likely to develop cutaneous complications. The incubation period ranges from a few days to several months but is most commonly 2-4 weeks. South America and Southeast Asia have the highest prevalence of amebiasis.

In general, cutaneous disease commonly presents as one or more painful ulcers that can become necrotic. Notably, ulcers tend to enlarge rapidly. If left untreated, progression is rapid and massive destruction of skin and subcutaneous tissues may ensue.

Codes

ICD10CM:
A06.7 – Cutaneous amebiasis

SNOMEDCT:
111910009 – Amebiasis

Look For

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

  • Chancroid presents as a deep, painful ulcer with undermined borders.
  • Genital herpes simplex presents as superficial groups of vesicles that rapidly become painful erosions or small ulcers.
  • In primary syphilis, ulcers are usually localized to the genitals or oral mucosa.
  • Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) presents as a painless, firm ulcer with an elevated border, possibly with adjacent scarring.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presents as a superficial painless, round ulcer with an elevated base.
Other diagnoses within the differential include:

Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:03/20/2017
Last Updated:03/20/2017
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Cutaneous amebiasis - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview
A medical illustration showing key findings of Cutaneous amebiasis : Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Fever, Skin ulcer, Heme+ stool
Clinical image of Cutaneous amebiasis - imageId=291077. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of deep ulcers with purulent bases and overlying crusting in areas developing near a surgical scar.'
A close-up of deep ulcers with purulent bases and overlying crusting in areas developing near a surgical scar.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.