Amebiasis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Amoebiasis is an infection of the large intestine caused by a protozoan , or we can say is an intestinal disease caused by an unicelled organism very tiny in size to be seen by the unaided eye but large enough to be studied under a microscope. There are number of species of amoebae can exist as parasites inside the human intestines, but only one is known to result a disease called- E. histolytica. It is one of the waterborne diseases , generally contracted by consuming water or food polluted by amoebic cysts .Amoebiasis most commonly occurs in between young to middle-aged persons.

Amoebiasis can be travel from hand-to-mouth contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with stool from an infected person.The parasite can adulterate fruits and vegetables grown in areas where human feces is used as fertilizer.About1,000 cases are reported each year in New York State caused by Amebiasis.

Amebiasis is most generally existing in tropical and subtropical countries where standards of public hygiene and sanitation may be low. Amebiasis is occurred by protozoa, is common causes of diarrhea in travelers.The infection can also spread via the blood to the liver and rarely, to the lungs, brain or other organs.

The risk for happening amebiasis infection is greatest for those who reside in or visit rural areas, spend time in back country areas, or eat or drink in settings of poor sanitation.It occurs most generally by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Entamoeba histolytica live a life in two ways:

Trophozoite is an operative parasite.It may not be lived out side the body. Cyst is a inactive parasite.It may be lived out side the body.

Infection starts when cysts are inhaled. The cysts hatch, releasing trophozoites that multiply,leads to ulcers on the lining of the intestine, and cause diarrhea.Cyst's can be contaminated directly from person to person or indirectly through food or water.

When amoebas moved to the liver and result liver abscess, problems can include vomiting,fever, nausea,abdominal pain , weight loss and an enlarged liver .There may complaint of pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen that starts gradually, with frequent loose or watery bowel movements.

There may be possibility for a person to develop symptoms of an amoebic liver abscess without ever having had the diarrhea typical of infection.

Symptoms take generally few weeks to multiply and observable themselves .There may be some symptoms occurred with amebiasis which lead to fever, chills, and diarrhea that retains blood or mucus. This is known as dysentery , and can lead to disorders such as dehydration .

There are some related causes including diarrhea , vomiting , abdominal pain or discomfort and fever .

Infections that sometimes exist for years may be attended by vague gastrointestinal distress & dysentery with blood and mucus.

Amoebas generally occurs from contaminate food and water.So never eat uncooked foods without peeling them first. In high-risk areas, avoid food that can't be cooked or peeled.

By boiling the water for at least 5 to 10 minutes or by drinking bottled water. Because amoebas may also contaminate the outside skins of fresh fruits & vegetables

An anti microbial medication is one of the treatment that generally cure amebiasis. All children with E. histolytica in their fecal matters should be cured with oral antimicrobial medications .

Oral rehydration solution-ORS should be use to prevent dehydration.It is used to provide a substitute for lost body fluids, especially if the diarrhea has been going on for longer than 2 or 3 days.

In case of amebic dysentery:

Metronidazole should be use as a remedy by taking 800 mg three times in a day upto 5 days Tinidazole is also used as an alternative to metronidazole by using 2 gm once in a day up to 3 days . Diloxanide furoate is also effective when using 500 mg three times in a day up to 10 days.

In case amebic liver abscess:

Metronidazole should be use as a treatment when using 400 mg three times in a day upto 10 days. Tinidazole is also used as an alternative to metronidazole by using 2 gm once in a day up to 6 days. Diloxanide furoate is also effective when using 500 mg three times in a day for 10 days .

Careful selection of food and drink and attention to hygiene are recommended to ebb the risk of infection.