Outbreak of amebiasis in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, 1998.

Rachel S Barwick Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Amra Uzicanin Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Susan Lareau Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Naile Malakmadze Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Paata Imnadze Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Merab Iosava Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Nana Ninashvili Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Marianna Wilson Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Allen W Hightower Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Stephanie Johnston Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Henry Bishop Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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William A Petri Jr Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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Dennis D Juranek Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zvd3@cdc.gov

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2002.67.623
Volume/Issue:
Volume 67: Issue 6
Page(s):
623–631
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In 1998, we investigated a suspected outbreak of amebic liver abscesses caused by Entamoeba histolytica in the Republic of Georgia, using a case-control study. A questionnaire was administered and blood samples were obtained from cases and controls for serologic diagnosis. Medical records showed that E. histolytica infections were rarely diagnosed before 1998. However, from July through September 1998, 177 cases of suspected amebiasis were identified. Of 52 persons who had diagnosed liver abscesses, 37 (71%) were confirmed serologically to have antibodies against E. histolytica, compared with 11 of 53 persons (20.8%) diagnosed with intestinal amebiasis. In addition, 9-14% of asymptomatic controls were seropositive. Logistic regression identified the fact that interruptions in the water supply, decreases in water pressure, and increased water consumption were significantly associated with infection. The data support the hypothesis that drinking water was the source of infection, either because of inadequate municipal water treatment or contamination of municipal water in the distribution system.

Published Online:
Dec 2002
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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