(Amebiasis)
Definition
Definition
Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal illness.
Causes
Causes
Amoebic dysentery is caused by a specific parasite. You may develop amoebic dysentery if you:
- Put something in your mouth that has touched the stool of an infected person.
- Swallow water or food that has been contaminated with the parasite.
- Touch cysts (eggs) from contaminated surfaces and bring them to your mouth
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of amoebic dysentery include:
- Living in or traveling to developing countries, places that have poor sanitary conditions, or tropical or subtropical areas
- Living in institutions with poor sanitary conditions
- Household contact with infected person
- Having anal sexual intercourse
Symptoms
Symptoms
Most people with the parasite do not have symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Loose /watery stools or constipation
- Bloody stools
- Constant feeling you need to move your bowels
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Pain on your right, upper side (if you have the parasite in your liver)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor will need tests of your bodily fluids and waste products. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Stool samples
Images may need to be taken of your bodily structures, especially your liver. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Medications
Several antibiotics are available to treat amoebic dysentery or liver infection. Probiotics may also be helpful to reduce the symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chances amoebic dysentery, take the following steps when traveling to a country that has poor sanitary conditions:
- Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute
- Do not eat fresh fruit or vegetables that you do not peel yourself
- Do not eat or drink unpasteurized milk, cheese, or dairy products
- Do not eat or drink anything sold by street vendors
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
- People carrying the parasite may need to be treated to avoid spreading it to others.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/amebiasis/fact_sheet.htm
Updated October 2011. Accessed August 7, 2013.
Amebiasis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 31, 2013. Accessed June 16, 2014.
Parasites–amebiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/amebiasis/index.html
Updated November 2, 2010. Accessed August 7, 2013.
Last Updated: 6/16/2014