Amoebiasis | Amebiasis | Amoebic Dysentery – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Complications, Preventions

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Published 2023-09-23
Amoebiasis | Amebiasis | Amoebic Dysentery – Symptoms, Causes, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications and Preventions

Amoebiasis, also referred to as amebiasis or amoebic dysentery, is a parasitic infection caused by a microscopic organism called Entamoeba histolytica. This parasite primarily affects the intestines and can lead to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, dysentery.

Here are some key points about amoebiasis:

Causes: Amoebiasis is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the cysts of the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. It is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Symptoms: The symptoms of amoebiasis can vary in severity. Common symptoms include diarrhea (which may contain blood or mucus), stomach cramps, nausea, and weight loss. In severe cases, the infection can lead to dysentery, which involves more intense abdominal pain and frequent, bloody diarrhea.

Diagnosis: To diagnose amoebiasis, a healthcare provider may perform stool tests to detect the presence of the parasite or its DNA in the stool. In some cases, imaging tests or colonoscopy may be necessary to evaluate the extent of intestinal damage.

Treatment: Amoebiasis is typically treated with medications, most commonly antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole or paromomycin. For severe cases, a combination of metronidazole or tinidazole with paromomycin or diloxanide furoate is often used. These drugs are effective in eliminating the parasite. In severe cases or complications, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention: The best way to prevent amoebiasis is to practice good hygiene and sanitation. This includes washing hands with soap and clean water before eating or preparing food, avoiding consumption of untreated water, and maintaining proper sanitation facilities. Travelers to high-risk areas should also take precautions.

Complications: If left untreated, amoebiasis can lead to serious complications such as liver abscesses, which may require drainage or surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing complications.

Transmission: Amoebiasis is not typically spread directly from person to person. Instead, it is transmitted through the ingestion of cysts shed in the feces of an infected individual.

It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have amoebiasis or experience symptoms consistent with the infection, especially if you have recently traveled to an area where amoebiasis is prevalent or if you have been in contact with someone who has the disease. Timely treatment can help prevent complications and aid in a full recovery.
#Amoebiasis #Amebiasis #AmoebicDysentery #ParasiticInfection #HealthInformation #InfectiousDisease #Healthcare #Symptomsofamebiasis #Preventionofamebiasis #Treatmentofamebiasis #MedicalEducation

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All Comments (11)
  • @ginarayos2008
    Very good information, am a vuctim of this parasite right now.very stressful
  • @promiseofapony
    Currently fighting reoccurring Entamoeba histolytica infection - I was infected in Bali 3 years ago My symptoms when it flares are very intense nausea and diarrhea that lasts months. It’s awful. I also have chronic fatigue but I have had that for 15 years I can test negative for months but it always comes back I am currently being treated with metronidazole followed by humatin. I’m on day 3 of 14 of meds I have treated it 3 times in 3 years now. I have also done herbs once - wormwood, papaya seeds and skins - but it keeps coming back and causes really bad GI symptoms. It’s honestly hijacked my life. Question: what can I do this round of treatment to actually clear it once and for all? What should I be doing while treating with Metro and humatin? What should I do after treatment? I admit - in the past - what time done treating I don’t necessarily stay on top of it. (Because I have assumed it’s gone ) Any and all advice is appreciated. I really need help Life is miserable with it, it has made me suicidal at times