Amebiasis
- Health
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- 10 minutes read
What is Amebiasis?
Amebiasis is an infection caused by a parasite. The parasite belongs to the protozoan family Entamoeba histolytica. It infects the intestines. Symptoms associated with this infection include abdominal cramping, loose stool, and abdominal pain. Not everyone with amebiasis experiences significant symptoms.
Who is at risk for Amebiasis?
Amebiasis is prevalent in tropical nations with poor sanitation. It is very common in the Subcontinent of India, parts of Africa, and parts of South and Central America. It is very rare in the United States.
The factors that constitute a high risk for amebiasis include:
- Immigrants from tropical countries with poor sanitation
- Traveling to tropical countries with high unsanitary conditions
- People who reside in areas that are not healthy or hygienic such as prisons.
- Homosexuality
- A compromised immune system and other health conditions
Causes of amebiasis
The disease is caused by E. histolytica, a protozoan that gets into the human body when the concerned person ingests cysts via water or food. The protozoan can also enter the body directly when you get in contact with fecal matter.
The cysts have the ability to survive for months in an inactive state in the soil or environment where they are deposited in feces. The cysts are microscopic and are present in fertilizer, soil, or water that has been polluted with infected feces. The cysts may be transmitted by food handlers while in the process of preparing or handling the food. Transmission can also take place during anal sex, colonic irrigation, or oral-anal sex. The cysts lodge in the gastrointestinal tract upon getting into the body. Once they get into the body, they release a
Symptoms of amebiasis
Symptoms appear 1-4 weeks after contact with cysts. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has it that only 20 percent of amebiasis patients fall ill from the infection. Symptoms occurring at this stage are usually not serious and include abdominal cramping and loose stools.
The trophozoites after reaching the intestinal walls, get into the general circulation from where they travel to the internal organs. They can then have access to the heart, lungs, brain, liver, and other vital organs. Once they invade an internal organ, they have the potential to cause:
- Infections
- Abscesses
- Severe illness and
- Death
If the lining of your intestine is attacked by the parasite, it results in amebic dysentery. An amebic dysentery is a bad form of amebiasis. It involves severe stomach cramping and frequent bloody and watery stools. The parasite frequently invades the liver. Symptoms of amebic liver disease include abdominal tenderness and fever.
Diagnosis of amebiasis
The doctor will first inquire about your recent travel and health history. You may be tested for E.
After the parasite leaves the intestine, they may no longer show up in the stool. Your doctor may order a CT scan or an ultrasound to check for lesions in your liver. If the lesions are seen, then a needle aspiration will be done to see whether or not the liver has any abscesses. The presence of abscesses indicates the severity of the infection. Finally, there may be the need for a colonoscopy to check for the presence of the parasite in your colon (the large intestine).
Treatment for amebiasis
At the initial stage (the uncomplicated stage), treatment usually consists of a 10-day course of metronidazole, also known as
What is the prognosis for people with amebiasis?
The condition is very responsive to treatment and usually clears up in two weeks. Prognosis is also good in serious conditions provided the patient gets the appropriate medical treatment. If the condition is not treated, then it can be fatal.
Preventing amebiasis
The best way to prevent amebiasis is to sanitize your environment. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, and before touching food.
If you are traveling to locations where the infection is common, then be sure to do the following:
- Wash all foods properly before eating
- Stick to soft drinks and bottled water
- Boil your water or treat it with iodine before drinking
- Avoid fountain drinks or ice cubes
- Avoid cheese, milk or any other unpasteurized dairy product
- Do not eat food sold by vendors.
Tonika Bruce, also known as The Network Nurse, is a multi-talented individual with a career spanning over 20 years. She’s a Registered Nurse, speaker, author, and advocate for change, excelling in business building and team development. Tonika holds two Master’s degrees in Nursing and Business Administration, (MSN & MBA) and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership.
Her expertise extends to various fields such as nursing, entrepreneurship, business, basketball coaching, and executive leadership. She is a published author of “Relentless Pursuit: Proven Tips for Unlocking Your Potentials, Limitless Success and Post COVID Syndrome: A Guide to Repositioning the Nursing Profession for A Post COVID Era”. Currently, Tonika is working on Thrudemic, an anthology examining the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on medical professionals and patients.