What is amebiasis and how is it contracted?
Amoebiasis, amoebosis, amoebiasis or entamoebosis is a intestinal infection normally caused for a parasite microscopic, the ‘Entamoeba histolytica’, which can be contract to the consume contaminated food or water that contain the parasite in a latent state or cystic phase. When they hatch, they become an active parasite or trophozoite that multiplies, generally in the large intestine, producing ulcers. They can also spread to other organs such as the liver. Amebiasis can affect anyone and can be transmitted from person to person, although it is more common in tropical areas with poor sanitation.
Causes of intestinal infection due to amoebiasis
‘Entamoeba histolytica’
Amebiasis is usually caused by infection in the cyst phase of ‘Entamoeba histolytica’ which, upon reaching its trophozoite or active parasite phase, invades the wall of the colon and can cause chronic diarrhea. It can occur throughout the world, it lives in humans, but it is more common in tropical areas with insufficient sanitation systems. It can also be transmitted through asymptomatic carriers. Other amoebas that can cause amoebiasis are Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii.
The risk factors are:
– Consumption of contaminated water or food.
– From person to person by fecal-oral route.
– Anal sex.
Image of microscopic parasite ‘Entamoeba histolytica’ that causes amoebiasis, an intestinal infection that can cause chronic diarrhea
Symptoms of amoebiasis
Few symptoms
Typically, those who suffer from amoebiasis do not develop symptoms and if appearthey usually do between 7 and 28 days after contracting the parasite. The signs They usually are:
– Abdominal cramps.
– Excessive flatulence.
– Intermittent constipation and diarrhea. Up to eight times a day evacuation of semi-formed or soft stools with mucus and sometimes blood.
– Involuntary weight loss.
– Fatigue.
– Rectal pain during evacuation.
Worrying symptoms are:
– Bloody stools. Evacuation may be necessary up to 20 times a day.
– Abdominal sensitivity.
– Vomiting.
– Fever.
Amebiasis can be serious in people with alcoholism, cancer, malnutrition, advanced or early age, during pregnancy or due to the consumption of corticosteroids to inhibit the immune system.
Diagnosis of amoebiasis
stool sample
For the diagnosis, a physical examination and clinical interview will be performed, which will include questions about traveling abroad. Confirmatory testing will come through a blood test; stool sample, which may need to be done on more than one occasion; and the exploration of the interior part of the large intestine. If there is suspicion of accumulation of pus in the liver (abscess), a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be ordered.
Treatment and medication for amebiasis infection
Antibiotics
Treatment against ‘Entamoeba histolytica’ usually consists of antibiotics such as metronidazole and drinking fluids to avoid dehydration. Asymptomatic carriers may also receive treatment to eradicate the cysts. To confirm that the parasite has been eliminated, a new stool sample is necessary.
Infection with Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii does not require treatment.
Prevention of amoebiasis
Hygienic measures
Good hand hygiene should be maintained. Avoid eating raw foods, even salads and vegetables, if there is a case of amoebiasis or if you are in areas where this infection is common. Do not consume water or ice that may be contaminated. Boil water, use a filter of one micron or less, or use an iodine or chlorine solution.
Diseases due to intestinal infections
What is cryptosporidiosis? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease
What is balantidiasis? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease
What is diverticulitis? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease
#Amebiasis #intestinal #infection
