LVI.—AMEBIASIS CUTIS (ENDAMEBA HISTOLYTICA)

Abstract

Ulceration of the skin said to be due to an ameba, in some cases identified as Endameba histolytica , has been reported from many parts of the world. Engman and Heithaus, 1 in 1919, gave the name amebiasis cutis to this condition. These reported cases fall into four groups with reference to their connection with other primary conditions: (1) those following the drainage of an amebic abscess of the liver (Heimburger) 2 ; (2) those following the drainage of a lesion of the appendix or other areas of the lower portion of the intestine (Cole and Heideman) 3 ; (3) those about the anus associated with amebic colitis (van Hoof), 4 and (4) those without any direct connection with the viscera. 1 In practically all of these cases, motile amebas were found in fresh preparations from lesions of the skin. In a few, the identification of the ameba has been