Amoebiasis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Template:Amoebiasis (patient information)}} | |||
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Amoebiasis|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Amoebiasis|here]]''' | ||
{{ | {{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | ||
==Overview== | |||
== | |||
[[Amoebiasis]] is an [[infection]] of the [[intestines]] caused by the [[parasite]] [[Entamoeba histolytica]]. | [[Amoebiasis]] is an [[infection]] of the [[intestines]] caused by the [[parasite]] [[Entamoeba histolytica]]. | ||
==What | ==What are the symptoms of Amoebiasis?== | ||
Usually, the [[illness]] lasts about 2 weeks, but it can come back if [[treatment]] is not given. | Usually, the [[illness]] lasts about 2 weeks, but it can come back if [[treatment]] is not given. | ||
Mild symptoms:*[[Abdominal cramps]] | |||
Mild symptoms: | |||
*[[Abdominal cramps]] | |||
*[[Diarrhea]] | *[[Diarrhea]] | ||
**Passage of 3 - 8 semiformed [[stools]] per day | **Passage of 3 - 8 semiformed [[stools]] per day | ||
**Passage of soft [[stools]] with [[mucus]] and occasional [[blood]] | **Passage of soft [[stools]] with [[mucus]] and occasional [[blood]] | ||
*[[Fatigue]] | *[[Fatigue]] | ||
*[[Intestinal]] gas (excessive [[flatus]]) | *[[Intestinal]] gas (excessive [[flatus]]) | ||
| Line 28: | Line 19: | ||
*Unintentional [[weight loss]] | *Unintentional [[weight loss]] | ||
Severe symptoms: | Severe symptoms: | ||
*[[Abdominal tenderness]] | *[[Abdominal tenderness]] | ||
*Bloody [[stools]] | *Bloody [[stools]] | ||
**Passage of liquid [[stools]] with streaks of [[blood]] | **Passage of liquid [[stools]] with streaks of [[blood]] | ||
**Passage of 10 - 20 [[stools]] per day | **Passage of 10 - 20 [[stools]] per day | ||
*[[Fever]] | *[[Fever]] | ||
*[[Vomiting]] | *[[Vomiting]] | ||
Note: In 90% of people with [[amoebiasis]] there are no symptoms. | Note: In 90% of people with [[amoebiasis]] there are no symptoms. | ||
==What causes Amoebiasis?== | ==What causes Amoebiasis?== | ||
[[Entamoeba histolytica]] can live in the [[large intestine]] ([[colon]]) without causing [[disease]]. However, sometimes, it invades the [[colon]] wall, causing [[colitis]], [[acute]] [[dysentery]], or long-term ([[chronic]]) [[diarrhea]]. The [[infection]] can also spread through the [[blood]] to the [[liver]] and, rarely, to the [[lungs]], [[brain]] or other [[organs]]. | [[Entamoeba histolytica]] can live in the [[large intestine]] ([[colon]]) without causing [[disease]]. However, sometimes, it invades the [[colon]] wall, causing [[colitis]], [[acute]] [[dysentery]], or long-term ([[chronic]]) [[diarrhea]]. The [[infection]] can also spread through the [[blood]] to the [[liver]] and, rarely, to the [[lungs]], [[brain]] or other [[organs]]. | ||
This [[condition]] can be seen anywhere in the world, but it is most common in tropical areas with crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America, and India have significant [[health]] problems associated with this [[disease]]. | This [[condition]] can be seen anywhere in the world, but it is most common in tropical areas with crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America, and India have significant [[health]] problems associated with this [[disease]]. | ||
[[Entamoeba histolytica]] is spread through food or water contaminated with [[stools]]. This is common when human waste is used as fertilizer. It can also be spread from person to person -- particularly by contact with the [[mouth]] or [[rectal]] area of an infected person. | [[Entamoeba histolytica]] is spread through food or water contaminated with [[stools]]. This is common when human waste is used as fertilizer. It can also be spread from person to person -- particularly by contact with the [[mouth]] or [[rectal]] area of an infected person. | ||
[[Risk factors]] for severe [[amoebiasis]] include: | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
[[Risk factors]] for severe [[amoebiasis]] include: | |||
*[[Alcoholism]] | *[[Alcoholism]] | ||
*[[Cancer]] | *[[Cancer]] | ||
*[[Malnutrition]] | *[[Malnutrition]] | ||
*Old age | *Old age | ||
*[[Pregnancy]] | *[[Pregnancy]] | ||
*Recent travel to a tropical region | *Recent travel to a tropical region | ||
*Use of [[corticosteroid]] [[medication]] to suppress the [[immune system]] | *Use of [[corticosteroid]] [[medication]] to suppress the [[immune system]] | ||
In the United States, [[amoebiasis]] is most common among those who live in institutions and people who have [[anal intercourse]]. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
== | |||
Examination of the [[abdomen]] may show [[liver enlargement]] or [[tenderness]] in the [[abdomen]]. | Examination of the [[abdomen]] may show [[liver enlargement]] or [[tenderness]] in the [[abdomen]]. | ||
Tests include: | Tests include: | ||
*[[Blood test]] for [[amoebiasis]] ([[serology]]) | *[[Blood test]] for [[amoebiasis]] ([[serology]]) | ||
*Examination of the inside of the lower large [[bowel]] ([[sigmoidoscopy]]) | *Examination of the inside of the lower large [[bowel]] ([[sigmoidoscopy]]) | ||
*Microscope examination of 3 [[stool]] specimens several days apart | *Microscope examination of 3 [[stool]] specimens several days apart | ||
==When to seek | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call your [[health care provider]] if you have persistent [[diarrhea]]. | Call your [[health care provider]] if you have persistent [[diarrhea]]. | ||
==Prevention of Amoebiasis== | ==Prevention of Amoebiasis== | ||
When traveling in tropical countries where poor sanitation exists, drink purified or boiled water and do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit. [[Public health]] measures include [[water purification]], water [[chlorination]], and [[sewage treatment]] programs. | When traveling in tropical countries where poor sanitation exists, drink purified or boiled water and do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit. [[Public health]] measures include [[water purification]], water [[chlorination]], and [[sewage treatment]] programs. | ||
Safer sex measures, such as the use of [[condoms]] and [[dental dams]] for [[oral]] or [[anal]] contact, may help prevent [[infection]]. | Safer sex measures, such as the use of [[condoms]] and [[dental dams]] for [[oral]] or [[anal]] contact, may help prevent [[infection]]. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
[[Oral]] [[antiparasitic]] [[medication]] is the standard [[treatment]] for [[amoebiasis]]. The choice of drug depends on the severity of the [[infection]]. Typically [[oral]] [[metronidazole]] is used for 10 days. | [[Oral]] [[antiparasitic]] [[medication]] is the standard [[treatment]] for [[amoebiasis]]. The choice of drug depends on the severity of the [[infection]]. Typically [[oral]] [[metronidazole]] is used for 10 days. | ||
If you are [[vomiting]], you may need [[treatment]] through a [[vein]] ([[intravenous]]) until you can tolerate [[medications]] by [[mouth]]. [[Antidiarrheal]] [[medications]] are usually not prescribed because they can make the [[condition]] worse. | If you are [[vomiting]], you may need [[treatment]] through a [[vein]] ([[intravenous]]) until you can tolerate [[medications]] by [[mouth]]. [[Antidiarrheal]] [[medications]] are usually not prescribed because they can make the [[condition]] worse. | ||
After [[treatment]], the [[stool]] should be rechecked to ensure that the [[infection]] has been cleared. | After [[treatment]], the [[stool]] should be rechecked to ensure that the [[infection]] has been cleared. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Amoebiasis== | ==Where to find medical care for Amoebiasis?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Amoebiasis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Amoebiasis] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Amoebiasis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Amoebiasis] | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
The outcome is usually good with [[treatment]]. | The outcome is usually good with [[treatment]]. | ||
==Possible | ==Possible complications== | ||
*[[Liver abscess]] | *[[Liver abscess]] | ||
*[[Medication]] [[side effects]], including [[nausea]] | *[[Medication]] [[side effects]], including [[nausea]] | ||
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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000298.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000298.htm | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Infectious disease patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Gastroenterology patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Overview complete]] | |||
[[Category:Template complete]] | |||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
Latest revision as of 13:07, 28 August 2012
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Amoebiasis |
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Amoebiasis On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Overview
Amoebiasis is an infection of the intestines caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
What are the symptoms of Amoebiasis?
Usually, the illness lasts about 2 weeks, but it can come back if treatment is not given. Mild symptoms:*Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Intestinal gas (excessive flatus)
- Rectal pain while having a bowel movement (tenesmus)
- Unintentional weight loss
Severe symptoms:
- Abdominal tenderness
- Bloody stools
- Fever
- Vomiting
Note: In 90% of people with amoebiasis there are no symptoms.
What causes Amoebiasis?
Entamoeba histolytica can live in the large intestine (colon) without causing disease. However, sometimes, it invades the colon wall, causing colitis, acute dysentery, or long-term (chronic) diarrhea. The infection can also spread through the blood to the liver and, rarely, to the lungs, brain or other organs. This condition can be seen anywhere in the world, but it is most common in tropical areas with crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America, and India have significant health problems associated with this disease. Entamoeba histolytica is spread through food or water contaminated with stools. This is common when human waste is used as fertilizer. It can also be spread from person to person -- particularly by contact with the mouth or rectal area of an infected person.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors for severe amoebiasis include:
- Alcoholism
- Cancer
- Malnutrition
- Old age
- Pregnancy
- Recent travel to a tropical region
- Use of corticosteroid medication to suppress the immune system
In the United States, amoebiasis is most common among those who live in institutions and people who have anal intercourse.
Diagnosis
Examination of the abdomen may show liver enlargement or tenderness in the abdomen. Tests include:
- Blood test for amoebiasis (serology)
- Examination of the inside of the lower large bowel (sigmoidoscopy)
- Microscope examination of 3 stool specimens several days apart
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have persistent diarrhea.
Prevention of Amoebiasis
When traveling in tropical countries where poor sanitation exists, drink purified or boiled water and do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Public health measures include water purification, water chlorination, and sewage treatment programs. Safer sex measures, such as the use of condoms and dental dams for oral or anal contact, may help prevent infection.
Treatment options
Oral antiparasitic medication is the standard treatment for amoebiasis. The choice of drug depends on the severity of the infection. Typically oral metronidazole is used for 10 days. If you are vomiting, you may need treatment through a vein (intravenous) until you can tolerate medications by mouth. Antidiarrheal medications are usually not prescribed because they can make the condition worse. After treatment, the stool should be rechecked to ensure that the infection has been cleared.
Where to find medical care for Amoebiasis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Amoebiasis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome is usually good with treatment.
Possible complications
- Liver abscess
- Medication side effects, including nausea
- Spread of the parasite through the blood to the liver, lungs, brain, or other organs