Severe vaginal infection with Entamoeba histolytica in a woman who recently returned from Mexico: case report and review.

Abstract

Genital amebiasis is a rare complication of infection with Entamoeba histolytica, even in areas where the pathogen is endemic. We describe a patient who apparently contracted intestinal amebiasis on a trip to Mexico and who presented with ulcerative vulvovaginitis 2 months later. Her condition rapidly progressed to severe necrotizing vulvovaginitis that required a radical vulvectomy. Histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed the presence of E. histolytica trophozoites. The patient recovered after surgery and antiamebic therapy. We review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of genital amebiasis as well as therapy for this rare infection.