Amebic perforation of the ileum in infancy

Jejunal amoebiasis with perforation and spread to mesenteric lymph node: Figure 1

“…Rarely it may produce transmural necrosis and perforation1 Involvement of jejunum is rare. Its presence in the small intestine leading to symptoms and further complications is rarely reported 2 – 4. Extra-intestinal amoebiasis commonly occurs due to vascular invasion 5.…”

“…The common site of infestation by this parasite in human digestive tract is the ileocaecal area 1. Involvement of the small intestine, especially the jejunum, is rare; there are only a few case reports 2 – 4. In most of the cases involvement of small intestine is seen with ileocaecal/colonic involvement.…”

“…Severity increases with increase in depth of invasion. Perforation is rarely reported with severe amoebic colitis 3 4. Factors leading to tissue invasion by virulent strains are poorly understood, and it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors (changes in intestinal flora and diet) may play a role in killing of host cells 1.…”