Abstract
There are few case reports about recurrence of amebic colitis in Japan. We reportedacase of 60-year-old man with a recurrent amebic colitis six years after amebic proctitis.In April 1989, he complained of diarrhea and occasional bloody stool. we treated him withmetronidazole for amebic proctitis proven by rectal biopsy. In June 1996, he was referredto our clinic because of intractable colitis unresponsive to sulfasalazine, predonizolone andanti-mycobacterial agents. We reviewed his medical record, colonoscopic pictures, andbiopsy specimen, and we diagnosed as amebic colitis. He tuxned out to be homosexualthrough an interview to his wife, therfare the cause of the recurrence may he re-infectionrather than inadequate dosage of metronidazole. Increasing amebiasis among hornosex-uals has been reported in Japan as in Western countries. We should warn the patientsagainst re-irlfection and advice thern to receive follow-up examination.
