What is the recommended treatment for Entamoeba histolytica infection?

The recommended treatment for Entamoeba histolytica infection involves the use of oral metronidazole, often followed by a luminal agent such as iodoquinol or paromomycin. Metronidazole is effective at killing the cyst form of the protozoan, which is crucial since it can lead to amoebic dysentery or extraintestinal complications like liver abscesses. The addition of a luminal agent ensures complete eradication of any remaining parasites from the intestinal lumen, minimizing the risk of relapse.

While ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic effective against a range of bacterial infections, it is generally not a treatment for Entamoeba histolytica and would not be utilized in this context. Nonetheless, the combination of metronidazole with specific luminal agents is well-recognized and establishes oral metronidazole as part of the appropriate treatment regimen.

In contrast, intravenous ceftriaxone is typically used for serious bacterial infections and not indicated for a protozoan infection. Oral vancomycin serves primarily for Clostridium difficile infections and does not have efficacy against protozoa. Topical clindamycin is used for skin infections and is not effective for intestinal protozoal