Amebiasis is a parasitic infection that causes digestive problems such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps. This condition is common in areas with poor sanitation. If not treated properly, parasitic infections can lead to complications that may cause death.

What is amebiasis?

Amebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery, is a gastrointestinal disease caused by a parasitic infection. This disease, caused by the parasite E. histolytica, affects both children and adults. Amebiasis is often found in tropical regions with poor sanitation, such as areas lacking clean water and proper waste disposal facilities.

Amebiasis is a contagious disease. You can contract it after being exposed to the E. histolytica parasite through:

• Touching feces or other surfaces contaminated with parasite eggs and then putting your hands in your mouth.
• Eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
• Engaging in anal sex.
• Traveling or living in areas with poor sanitation.

Causes of amebiasis

Amebiasis is caused by the parasite E. histolytica, an organism that lives off of its host or another organism. The parasite lays eggs that develop into mature cysts within the host. If you are infected with this parasite, the cysts will exit your body through feces. Anyone who comes into direct contact with your feces can contract the infection.

Symptoms of amebiasis

Most people with amebiasis do not show symptoms, especially when first infected. If symptoms do appear, they typically do so 1-4 weeks after the parasitic cysts develop in the digestive tract. At this stage, the symptoms are usually mild and may include:

• Watery stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea

Although many people do not exhibit symptoms, amebiasis can cause bloody diarrhea, colon inflammation, and tissue damage in some individuals. These individuals can then spread the disease by releasing new cysts into the environment through infected feces.

In rare complications, the parasite can penetrate the intestinal wall, enter the bloodstream, and migrate to various internal organs. The parasite can infect the liver, heart, lungs, and even the brain. Infections in internal organs can cause severe symptoms such as:

• Abscess (pus accumulation)
• Severe infection
• Death

Treatment and prevention of amebiasis

Amebiasis caused by the E. histolytica parasite needs to be treated even if there are no symptoms. However, if amebiasis is caused by other types of amoeba, it usually does not require special treatment.

Treatment options include:

• Administration of anti-amebic drugs
• Medication to reduce nausea
• Antibiotics
• Surgery, if there is perforation (leakage) in the tissue

Amebiasis can be prevented through proper sanitation and good personal hygiene practices. Key hygiene practices to implement include:

• Wash your hands with running water and soap before preparing food.
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Only consume fully cooked food and drinks.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet.

Amebiasis is a disease that is common in areas with poor sanitation. If you experience digestive problems after consuming certain foods or drinks, it is advisable to consult a doctor

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!