Genital amebiasis

Abstract

Five cases of amebiasis of the genital tract involving the cervix, vulva and penis are described. All presented as an ulcerating mass and were clinically suspected to have a tumor. In two cases the amebiasis co-existed with a carcinoma, an association which is extremely rare. The spouse of a patient with penile amebiasis was found to have amebiasis of the cervix suggesting a sexually transmitted mode of infection. The need for histopathological confirmation of all suspected genital malignancies is emphasised due to the striking resemblance of genital amebiasis to a carcinoma. The co-existence of amebiasis with carcinoma is of interest and suggests a possible etiological relationship.