What is Amebiasis
Amebiasis is an infection caused by a parasite, and it starts in the large intestine. It can cause abdomen (abdominal) pain and diarrhea and lead to the formation of ulcers. The infection can spread through the blood to the liver, but this is rare.
Amebiasis can be spread from person to person (is contagious). It can spread to others through contaminated food, water, and stool (feces).
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. You can get this condition by:
- Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Putting your mouth on something that has the parasite on it.
- Touching something with the parasite on it and then touching your mouth.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in people who live or travel in areas where:
- There is poor sanitation.
- Human waste is used as fertilizer.
This condition is more likely to be severe in people who have a weak body-defense system (immune system).
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition usually start about 2–4 weeks after contact with the parasite. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea.
- Loose stools.
- Painful bowel movements.
- Constipation.
- Abdominal pain, cramps, or gas.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Sweats.
- Chills.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss.
- Blood and mucus in the stool.
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, or pain when the abdomen is pressed.
In some cases, there are no symptoms.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam and other tests. The tests may include:
- Stool tests.
- Blood tests.
- A colonoscopy. This is a test in which a flexible scope is inserted into the rectum.
- Imaging tests. These may include a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound.
How is this treated?
This condition is treated with antibiotic medicines and with medicines that kill the parasites (amebicides).
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
- Do notdrink alcohol.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
How is this prevented?
If you live or travel in an area where this condition is common, take these steps to prevent infection or reinfection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands after you use the bathroom.
- Drink only bottled or boiled water. Do not drink anything that has ice cubes in it.
- Do noteat raw food. This includes any fruits and vegetables that you have not peeled yourself.
- Do noteat salads.
- Do noteat or drink unpasteurized dairy products.
- Do not drink or eat food from street vendors.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
- Your symptoms come back after treatment.
- You develop new symptoms during or after treatment.
Get help right away if:
- You continue to have diarrhea with blood or mucus that does not go away.
- You have severe pain on the right side of your abdomen along with a fever.
Summary
- Amebiasis is an infection caused by a parasite, and it starts in the large intestine.
- Symptoms of this condition usually start about 2–4 weeks after contact with the parasite.
- This condition is treated with antibiotic medicines and with medicines that kill the parasites (amebicides).
