Amoebiasis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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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]]. | |||
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. | |||
[[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]]. | |||
==How do I know I have Amoebiasis?== | ==How do I know I have Amoebiasis?== | ||
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What is Amoebiasis?
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:
- Passage of 3 - 8 semiformed stools per day
- Fatigue
- Intestinal gas (excessive flatus)
- Rectal pain while having a bowel movement (tenesmus)
- Unintentional weight loss
Severe symptoms:
- Bloody stools
- Passage of 10 - 20 stools per day
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.
Risk factors for severe amoebiasis include:
- Old age
- 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.
How do I know I have Amoebiasis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Prevention of Amoebiasis
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Amoebiasis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Amoebiasis