Amebic liver abscess with bronchopleural fistula caused by Entamoeba histolytica can mimic severe bacterial sepsis in a returning traveller. Rapid diagnosis via multiplex PCR on abscess fluid enabled targeted therapy within 24 hours, avoiding unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics. Intestinal amebiasis should be considered in patients with compatible symptoms and relevant exposure.
Schumacher et al. (Wed,) studied this question.