Amebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery)
Description
Amebiasis, or amoebic dysentery, is a disease caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Each year, amebiasis infections affect 40-55 million people and cause 100,000 deaths worldwide. Although amebiasis can occur anywhere, it is most common in the developing world due to poor sanitation and increasing fecal contamination of water supplies. The main cause of illness is consuming water or food that has been contaminated with feces that contain Entamoeba histolytica cysts. As a result, when visiting an endemic area, travelers to developing nations have an increased risk of acquiring amebiasis. Immunocompromised people are also in danger. Amebic colitis and amebic liver abscess are two serious infections that can result from amebiasis, which can also be asymptomatic.
Symptoms
Most asymptomatic patients expel cysts for a short period of time before recovering from the illness within 12 months of the infection.
Only 10% to 20% of those who acquire Entamoeba histolytica get sick as a result of the infection. Those who do get sick often show symptoms within two to four weeks, though it might occasionally take longer.
The signs can include watery diarrhea, stomachache, and stomach cramping, though they are frequently mild. A severe form of amebiasis called amebic dysentery is characterized by fever, bloody diarrhea, and stomach pain. Entamoeba histolytica rarely infects the liver and causes an abscess (a collection of pus). It has been shown to spread to the brain or the lungs in a very tiny percentage of cases, but this is uncommon.
If you have one of these symptoms and recently traveled to a poor-sanitized place, visit your General practice doctor (general practitioner) for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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View MoreCauses
Amebiasis is brought on by the parasite E. histolytica. A parasite is an organism that lives inside or on its host. The host is the source of food for the parasite. When a parasite produces eggs, the eggs mature inside the host to form cysts.
Cysts leave your body through your stool if you have this parasite. Then, everyone who becomes in contact with even a small amount of your contaminated stool can get sick.
Diagnostics
- A stool sample is examined under a microscope by a medical professional. Not all stool samples contain the parasite that causes amebiasis. There may be a need for additional samples from you.
- A blood sample may be needed for blood tests and to look for antibodies.
- Your healthcare professional might advise the following if you experience severe symptoms that show the infection has entered your bloodstream:
- Liver function tests
- Colonoscopy
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Amebiasis can be treated with a variety of antibiotics (for example : metronidazole, tinidazole). A doctor must write the prescription for the treatment. In mild cases, you will only need one drug. In severe cases, you will be treated with two antibiotics.
How to reduce the risk of amebiasis infection
- Avoid fresh fruit or vegetables that you did not peel yourself.
- Avoid dairy products that may not have been pasteurized.
- Avoid food or drinks sold by street vendors.
- Avoid bottled water with a broken seal.
