Amebiasis

Amebiasis is an infection of the intestines caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

Causes

Entamoeba histolytica can live in the large intestine (colon) without causing damage to the intestine. In some cases, it invades the colon wall, causing colitis, acute dysentery, or long-term (chronic) diarrhea. The infection can also spread through the blood to the liver. In rare cases, it can spread to the lungs, brain, or other organs.

This condition occurs worldwide. It is most common in tropical areas that have crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America, and India have major health problems due to this disease.

Entamoeba histolytica is spread through food or water contaminated with stools. This contamination is common when human waste is used as fertilizer. It can also be spread from person to person, particularly by contact with the mouth or rectal area of an infected person.

Risk factors for severe amebiasis include:

• Alcoholism
• Cancer
• Malnutrition
• Older or younger age
• Pregnancy
• Recent travel to a tropical region
• Use of corticosteroid medication to suppress the immune system

In the United States, amebiasis is most common among those who live in institutions or people who have traveled to an area where amebiasis is common.

Symptoms

Most people with this infection do not have symptoms. If symptoms occur, they are seen 7 to 28 days after being exposed to the parasite.

Mild symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea: Passage of 3 to 8 semiformed stools per day, or passage of soft stools with mucus and occasional blood
• Fatigue
• Excessive gas
• Rectal pain while having a bowel movement (tenesmus)
• Unintentional weight loss

Severe symptoms may include:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Bloody stools, including passage of liquid stools with streaks of blood, passage of 10 to 20 stools per day
• Fever
• Vomiting

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. You will be asked about your medical history, especially if you have recently traveled overseas.

Examination of the abdomen may show liver enlargement or tenderness in the abdomen.

Tests that may be ordered include:

• Blood test for amebiasis
• Examination of the inside of the lower large bowel (sigmoidoscopy)
• Stool test
• Microscope examination of stool samples, usually with multiple samples over several days

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the infection is. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed.

If you are vomiting, you may need to receive medicines through a vein (intravenously) until you can take them by mouth. Medicines to stop diarrhea are usually not prescribed, because they can make the condition worse.

After antibiotic treatment, your stool will likely be rechecked to make sure the infection has been cleared.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Outcome is usually good with treatment. Usually, the illness lasts about 2 weeks, but it can come back if you do not get treated.

Possible Complications

• Liver abscess
• Medication side effects, including nausea
• Spread of the parasite through the blood to the liver, lungs, brain, or other organs

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have diarrhea that does not go away or gets worse.

Prevention

When traveling in countries where sanitation is poor, drink purified or boiled water. Do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000298.htm