Non pathogenic Intestinal Amebae Infection

What is Non pathogenic Intestinal Amebae Infection

Non pathogenic intestinal amebae are single-celled organisms that can live in your intestine without causing illness, even if you have a weak body defense (immune) system.

These amebae are part of the Entamoeba species. These organisms are also called protozoa.

What are some common nonpathogenic amebae?

Species of nonpathogenic amebae include:

  • Entamoeba coli.
  • Entamoeba hartmanni.
  • Entamoeba polecki.
  • Entamoeba dispar.

Where do these parasites live in the body?

All amebae of this type live inside your large intestine (colon). Your colon is at the end of your digestive system. That is where water is absorbed and stool is formed. Nonpathogenic amebae can live in your colon for years.

How does infection with these parasites happen?

These amebae are shed in an infected person’s stool. If amebae get into the soil or water, they can contaminate food grown in the soil. This often happens in areas where human waste is used as a fertilizer. The organisms can then get into your digestive system when you eat food or drink water contaminated with parasites.

People who are shedding amebae in their stool can also pass the amebae to others if they do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom and then handle food eaten by others.

Do I need to seek care if I think I might be infected with these parasites?

Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae do not cause any signs or symptoms. If you have symptoms, it means something else is causing your illness.

Contact your health care provider if you are not feeling well, or if you have symptoms or signs of another intestinal infection. These symptoms can include:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal cramps or pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Blood in your stool.
  • Fever.

How is this infection diagnosed?

Your health care provider can diagnose this type of infection by examining a stool sample under a microscope.

Is any treatment required if I do have this type of infection?

Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae infections do not need to be treated.

How long can this type of infection last?

Infection from these parasites can last for weeks or years.

Summary

  • Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae are single-celled organisms that can live in your intestine without causing illness.
  • All amebae of this type live inside your large intestine (colon) and can live there for weeks or years.
  • Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae do not cause any signs or symptoms.
  • Nonpathogenic intestinal amebae infections do not need to be treated.
  • Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms or signs of another intestinal infection. These symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps or pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in your stool.
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