AMEBIC PERFORATION OF THE INTESTINE IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Seven cases of amebic perforation of the large intestine in children are presented. Among the noteworthy features are (a) a misleading symptomatology, (b) the relative ineffectiveness of oxytetracycline, the hydroxyquinoline group of drugs, and emetine as amebicidal agents, and (c) the failure of surgical treatment. Attention is also drawn to the association of whipworm infestation, with a suggestion that this may possibly be aiding the amebic invasion of the large gut. Neither an operative nor a conservative regimen has met with any success at our hands in saving a single life so far.