Q: Which of the following is usually not a dominant feature in amebiasis?

A) bloody stool
B) fecal leukocytes
C) Abdominal pain
D) Fever
E) Liver abscess


Answer: B

Amebiasis destroy leukocytes. In suspected cases, depending on clinical history,  the presence of bloody diarrhea in the absence of fecal leukocytes is suggestive of amebiasis. Though, this is not always true but guide towards the probable cause. Fecal leukocytes (and presence of their density) signifies an invasive pathogen, and usually very true for Salmonella or Shigella. 

Few or no leukocytes but many erythrocytes suggests amebiasis. 



Reference:

Pickering LK, DuPont HL, Olarte J, et al: Fecal leukocytes in enteric infections. Am J Clin Pathol 1977;68:562-565