Amoebiasis

The contagious infection which is often caused due to the amoeba called Entamoeba histolytica is termed as amoebiasis. This amoeba is commonly found in water or food that has been contaminated due to human faeces. Amoebiasis may develop if something which is contaminated due to E. histolytica is swallowed or eaten. The amoeba which enters into the human in such a manner then finds it way through the digestive system finally settling down in the large and small intestines.

The severe condition of amoebiasis is termed as amoebic dysentery. In very few cases, these amoebas spread to the other organs in our body through the blood, which can cause amoebic abscesses.

Amoebiasis is common in places where hygiene and sanitation are very poor.

Symptoms

Commonly the illness will develop within two to four weeks of infection, but there are chances that the time extends to even months or years. The symptoms may not be that severe and can be thought of as diarrhoea. Some of the symptoms include:

• diarrhoea,
• stomach pain,
• stomach cramps, and
• fever.

Amoebic dysentery, the severe form of amoebiasis has the following symptoms,

• diarrhoea containing mucus or blood
• stomach pain,
• appetite loss,
• weight loss,
• fever
• chills.

The most commonly affected organ is the liver and is known as hepatic amoebiasis. Symptoms of this condition are:

• pain in upper-right part of the abdomen,
• weakness
• fever
• abdomen swelling
• cough,
• nausea,
• jaundice,
• appetite loss
• weight loss
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Causes

The Entamoeba histolytica during its life cycle has two forms – the trophozoites and the cysts. The cysts enter human body and release the trophozoites which burrow into intestinal wall causing abscesses as well as ulcers. They then enter the blood and spread to other organs.

People who have this contagious disease must take care in disposing their faeces and must wash the hands with soap thoroughly after using toilet.

It is spread in places where the human faeces are used as fertilizers for plants. It can spread through contaminated water, food and on a one to one contact via unprotected anal or oral sex.

Treatment

Antibiotics like metronidazole, tinidazole and paromomycin are used for the treatment of amoebiasis. If diarrhoea and vomitting is present, intravenous antibiotics are preferred.

The amoebicide called diloxanide furoate is given after the administering of antibiotics to destroy the amoebas, if left in the intestines. .
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Hepatic amoebiasis may require the draining of the abscesses surgically, since they may not respond to the use of antibiotics. The medication should be continued till there is complete recovery.
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Prevention

The presence of sanitary conditions and hygiene prevents Amoebiasis. To prevent amoebiasis,

• One should wash his hands using hot water and soap after usage of toilet or changing the baby’s diaper.
• The bathrooms and toilets should be cleaned on a regular basis.
• DO not share the towels and cloths used for wiping the face.
• Avoid using toilets where there are no disinfectants or fresh water.
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