Amebiasis
Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the large intestine. When the amoebas enter the mouth, These amoebas also may pass into the bloodstream and travel to the liver and infrequently, to the brain, where they form pockets of infection and these infection called is Amebiasis. There are two basic types of amebiasis: intestinal and extraintestinal disease. Amebiasis is contracted by swallowing the cyst stage of the parasite in contaminated food or water. It can also be spread by person-to-person contact. The cysts can survive in the environment in water and food and on surfaces and objects. The walls of the cysts are then broken open, releasing the trophozoites. These travel to the large intestine where they multiply, eventually forming new cysts that can be excreted in the stool. Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Entamoeba histolytica is an ameba, a type of single-celled animal that multiplies by simple division and moves around in the intestine, scavenging for small morsels of food and bacteria. People are infectious as long as the cysts are shed in the stool. The parasite produces cysts that are passed in the stool of infected persons. Because they are protected by their walls, the cysts can survive days to weeks in the external environment. Amebiasis occurs most frequently in areas where living conditions are crowded, with inadequate anitation. Gastrointestinal amebiasis is an inflammation of the colon caused by a parasite that enters the body through contaminated food or drinking water.
Causes of Amebiasis
The common Causes of Amebiasis
- Colitis.
- Acute dysentery.
- Long-term diarrhea.
- Spread through the blood to the liver.
- Rarely.
- Increased mucus production.
Symptoms of Amebiasis
The common Symptoms of Amebiasis
- Consisting of mild pain.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Bloody stools.
- Sweats.
- Fever.
- Rarely.
- Stomach pain.
- Intestinal gas.
- Weight loss.
- Discomfort in the area over the liver.
Treatment of Amebiasis
The common Treatment of Amebiasis
- Anti-parasitic drugs.
- Intravenous therapy.
- Drink only bottled or boiled water.
- Used for asymptomatic carriers.
- Needed by food handlers or children enrolled in day care.
- Good handwashing after changing diapers.
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