AMEBIASIS: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS DISTINCTIVE PRESENTATION IN THE CONTEXT OF JORDANIAN CASES

ABSTRACTAmebiasis is a serious health problem, particularly in economically disadvantaged countries. However, unresolved questions remain regarding the clinical symptoms and laboratory results of amebiasis in Jordan, a developing country. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and severity of amebiasis in a sizable population in the center of Jordan in relation to potential risk variables such as environment, age and sex of the patients, collecting data from the medical records of the patients treated at the Al-Hussein Hospital in Al-Salt city between 2020 and 2022. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, including fecal red blood cell and leukocyte counts, total and differential leukocyte counts by age, and other information were included in this report. This study showed that amebiasis is a common problem in Al-Salt city, accounting for 16.8% of all gastroenteritis cases. Amebiasis affects individuals of all sexes and ages. When comparing males of different ages to females of similar ages, both age and male sex showed an increased risk of amebiasis (P=0.014). Infants and toddlers accounted for more than one-quarter of the cases, with more than half of them diagnosed with watery diarrhea. Numerous patients of all age groups displayed age-related neutrophilic leukocytosis and atypical WBC counts. The findings of this study suggest that amebiasis is highly prevalent, affects a significant proportion of infants and toddlers, and causes severe clinical symptoms. This is the first study on Al-Salt city population with respect to multiple variables and demographic factors. These data are crucial for the decision-making of medical professionals. The epidemiology of amebiasis in Jordan must be determined, and preventive measures must be developed, especially for childcare at educational facilities.