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What is amebiasis? Know everything about amebiasis

What is amebiasis? Know everything about amebiasis

Amebiasis ,also known as amebic dysentery is caused by any amoeba of Entameoba genus which mostly affects the intestines. It is called a parasitic infection of the intestines that affect the digestion and absorption capacity.

Many times, dysentery and diarrhea may be confused,but both are different medical conditions. See all about diarrhea here.

What is the causative organism of amebiasis or amebic dysentery? 

Amebiasis is caused by a parasite named entamoeba histolytica. 

·  Where is the parasite entameba histolytica found? 

       The parasite most commonly dwells in the large intestine somehow causing damage sometimes to the colon and spreading infection to the nearby alimentary structures.

·         The damage can cause the infection of colon (colitis), diarrhea leading to dehydration, acute dysentery. The parasite when enters the blood stream it may cause fatal damage to liver or nearby structures.

Area of occurrence:

Most common regions include the under developed countries struggling with sanitation problems and developing countries such as Africa, India some parts of south America, Mexico, etc.

It may be exhibited as mild, moderate or severe disease in intensity. Some people do not show any symptoms at all.

How does amebiasis spread from one person to another? 

Route of transmission:

Feco-oral route.  It means through direct contact of contaminated food, feces, drinking water, etc. 

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS:

It may take from few days to few weeks to develop and show the symptoms of amoebic dysentery. The common known signs and symptoms include:

·  Abdominal pain

·  Nausea /vomiting

·  Fatigue

·  Diarrhea

·  Blood stained stools

·  Weight loss

Severe rare Complications:

·  Peritonitis

·  Ulcerative colitis

·  Anemia (if prolonged gastro-intestinal bleeding occurs)

·  Lethargy due to weight loss

·  Liver abscess( when the infection is transmitted to the liver)

·  From liver if the infection gets transmitted to the pleural cavity or lungs it may cause perforation or severe complications.

What are the causes and risk factors for spread of amebiasis?

Causes of spread:       

Ameobiasis is a contagious disease spreading through contact with the fomites such as food, water, hands or soiled water supplies.

  • Lack of hygiene
  • Improper sanitation facilities
  • Defecation in open
  • Lack of hand hygiene
  • Touching Contaminated food items and then contact with mouth
  • Consumption of contaminated food and water.

How is amebiasis diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of amebiasis can be made based on the following:

· Assessment of the clinical signs and symptoms
· Colonoscopy to detect ulcers IF abdominal cramps are present
· Stool examination
· Serology tests

How to prevent amebiasis or amebic dysentery? 

Preventive measures:

  1. Strict maintenance of hand hygiene: wash hands as often as needed.
  2. Washing hands before eating meals and after toilet.
  3. Use of clean vessels for water storage.
  4. Provision of clean sanitary facilities.
  5. Boiling water and washing the raw food items properly before preparing food.
  6. Avoid open air defecation. 

What is the treatment of amebiasis or amebic dysentery?

·  Ameobiasis is treated by administering antibiotic medicines.

    Dehydration is treated by supplementary fluid therapy.

SEEK immediate medical attention:

·         If the diarrhea continues for long, it may cause severe dehydration. Dehydration refers to rapid loss of body fluids. In dehydration, the fluid loss is more than fluid intake and it can be seen by signs and symptoms such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, headache, less urine, dry skin, reduced skin turgor/elasticity, and drowsiness.

See your doctor immediately if you have: 

·         Severe abdominal pain with cramps,

·         Extreme fatigue and loss of appetite

·         Pain under the rib cage.


     Amebiasis can be prevented by proper sanitation and maintaining good personal hygiene. A simple practice of handwashing helps to prevent many infections.  Healthy diet and good lifestyle are also important factors that help our body to stay immune and risk-free from infections. 


Note: This blog post is for informational and educational purpose only. It is not a substitute to any medical advice, consultation or treatment. Please see your doctor in any case. 

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