Amoebiasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Amoebiasis: What is it?

 Amoebiasis is an infection of intestines due to microorganisms. In this condition, intestine walls get inflamed due to action of a parasitic microorganism, called Entamoeba histolytica. This microorganism enters the patient’s body system through contaminated food and water. This condition is mostly seen in people living in unhygienic conditions like in areas with poor sanitation.

The person looks healthy apparently but in realty, is infected from this parasite. This parasite may live in intestine for long time without causing any symptoms for a long time and then suddenly can show sever symptoms.

 Amoebiasis is defined as the chronic and acute inflammation of intestine caused by parasitic amoeba Entamebahistolitica. This disorder is identified by bloody stools, water diarrhea and feverish conditions.

There are two classes of amoeba. The immobile form of amoeba is infective cyst or capsule form. This form is capable of living outside the human body but can not move. Other form is trophozite which is the mobile form but can not live once outside the human body.

Causes of Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis is caused by infection of Entamoeba histolytica. Person gets infected when he eats some food or water, contaminated by faeces which contains parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. Food gets contaminated when an infected person touches it with unwashed hands, especially raw vegetables and fruits.

Entamoeba histolytica parasites are passed in faeces of persons infected with it. This kind of infection spreads when the stool is not disposed off in proper hygienic way or infected people do not wash their hands properly after passing stool. These contaminated hands can spread parasites to the foods or surfaces they touch. While changing the nappies of an infant, hands can get contaminated.

Amoebiasis can spread to other internal organs like liver, brain or other vital organs through blood stream.

Symptoms of Amoebiasis :

 The symptoms of Amoebiasis are like any other abdominal infection. There are severe abdominal cramps, water stool discharge, nauseating feeling, and feverish feeling. There may be some other symptoms like flatulence, loss of appetite and bloated feeling. There may be blood or mucus in stools.

In some sever cases; this infection can lead to irritable bowel disease, referred as IBS. First appearance of symptoms of amoebiasis occurs after few days or few weeks of its entry in the body. It takes usually 2 to 4 weeks.

Diagnosis of Amoebiasis :

 First step for diagnosis of Amoebiasis is examination and analysis of symptoms. A stool examination can be advised.

In sever cases; doctor has to advice sigmoidoscopy, for examining lower part of colon, with the help of special tool.

Treatment for Amoebiasis

 Amoebiasis is treated by medications prescribed by doctor; if you see such symptoms, immediately consult the doctor. Doctor may prescribe one or more than of the following medicines.

 metronidazole,

diloxanide furoate,

dehydroemetine,

emetine,

paromomycin

 All the medicines are to be taken for prescribed period and if medication is stopped before parasite is completely eliminated from the body and infection may return back. Besides that, medication for treating symptoms like diarrhea and nausea are also prescribed.

Diarrhea symptoms may take 3 to 14 days to get completely treated. Hospitalization is not required unless patient does not respond to any treatment and body gets dehydrated due to excessive water stool discharge.

Care To be taken At home:

Besides taking medicines, you should drink only clear liquids like water, juice, tea electrolyte solutions. Keep drinking liquids to prevent dehydration due to constant loose motions and vomiting. Do not eat any solid food; it can create cramps. You can eat semi solid foods which are easily digestible.

Prevention of Amoebiasis :

First and basic prevention for Amoebiasis is keeping good and effective personal hygiene and sanitary conditions. Take care that the drinking water is clean, safe and free from any microorganism. You can filter the water or can boil it. For killing parasites, just chlorination is not effective.

Always make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and warm water after going to the toilet. And also wash your hands before eating any food or preparing food.

Store food properly; prevent it from coming in touch with flies, mosquitoes and any kind of contamination. Do not eat cut or peeled fruits or vegetables, sold by street vendors. While travelling keep your drinking water with yourself or buy only bottled water.