About Amoebiasis
Amoebiasis is being caused by a protozoan parasite of the large intestine of the human body whose name is Entamoeba histolytica. It is also known as amoebic dysentery. Amoebiasis lives in the large intestine of the human body and they are cosmopolitan. It produces eggs or cysts, which passes out in the body with the stool. The result of amoebiasis is diarrhea and colitis. Amoebiasis is the infection which is caused by one of the microorganisms which transmits through contaminated food or contaminated water.
Causes of Amoebiasis
Amoebiasis can be caused by living in areas which have poor sanitary conditions.
The food and water which is being contaminated by feces of infected people and if we ingest then it can cause Amoebiasis.
Amoebiasis can also be caused if you swallow the cysts of the parasite and can also be occurred by the oral – anal sexual contact with the person who is always infected.
Symptoms of Amoebiasis
Sometimes people may show zero symptoms of this disease. Generally when a person is infected with this disease, he can face mild symptoms to severe symptoms. Those symptoms can be chills, fever, weight loss, discomfort in abdomen and diarrhoea which can include the blood or mucus with then constipation.
Who is at Risk from Amoebiasis
If someone has traveled to tropical locations which have poor sanitation, they could be at risk for amoebiasis disease. Immigrants from tropical countries which have poor sanitary conditions are also at risk. People who are living in places or institutions having bad sanitary conditions just like prisons, are at the risk for this disease.
People whose immune system is not good and strong along with having other health conditions are at a risk of this disease.
How is this Disease Diagnosed
It can be diagnosed by a doctor who suspects this disease by asking the patient about the recent health conditions and travel history. Doctors can test you about the presence of E. Histolytica. For finding out the presence of cysts, a doctor may ask you to give stool samples for many days. Lab tests can also be taken for finding out the functioning of the liver and for determining if it has damaged your liver or not. Sometimes, the parasites spreads outside the intestine of human body which results in not showing up in the stool. So this is the reason, doctors also advised me to go for an ultrasound.
Treatments Available for Amoebiasis
The cases of amoebiasis which are not complicated are generally being treated by a 10 day course of metronidazole which are being taken as a capsule. Doctors also sometimes prescribe medication for controlling the nausea if the patient needs it. The cases which are complicated and have a tendency to damage the infected organs, may need surgeries.
Prevention of Amoebiasis
Proper sanitation is the main thing to consider for preventing Amoebiasis. A lot of things you need to
consider while travelling to the places where the infection is very common. The regime which needs to
look after are –
Wash your food and vegetables very carefully and properly before eating.
You should avoid eating vegetables and fruits which are not washed and peeled off properly.
You should drink the water after boiling it
Avoid eating street foods.
Avoid eating dairy products which are not pasteurised.
FAQs on Amoebiasis
1. What is amoebiasis?
Amoebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery, is an infection of the large intestine caused by a microscopic, single-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. It is commonly spread through contaminated food or water.
2. What are the common signs and symptoms of amoebiasis?
The symptoms of amoebiasis can vary but often include:
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Loose stools or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood and mucus
- Fatigue and unintended weight loss
- Excessive gas or flatulence
In some cases, the infection can be mild or show no symptoms at all.
3. How does a person get infected with amoebiasis?
A person gets infected by ingesting the dormant cyst form of the parasite. This typically happens through the fecal-oral route, such as consuming food or drinking water that has been contaminated with faeces from an infected person.
4. How can we prevent the spread of amoebiasis?
Prevention focuses on maintaining good hygiene and sanitation. Key steps include:
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
- Drinking boiled, filtered, or purified water.
- Washing fruits and vegetables carefully before consumption.
- Ensuring the proper and safe disposal of sewage.
5. What is the main difference between amoebic dysentery and bacillary dysentery?
The primary difference is the cause. Amoebic dysentery is caused by a protozoan parasite (Entamoeba histolytica), while bacillary dysentery is caused by bacteria, most commonly from the genus Shigella. Although symptoms can be similar, the treatment for each is different because one requires anti-parasitic drugs and the other requires antibiotics.
6. Why is proper sanitation so important in controlling amoebiasis outbreaks?
Proper sanitation is critical because the parasite E. histolytica is transmitted when its cysts, passed in an infected person's stool, contaminate water or food supplies. Without effective sewage treatment and clean water systems, these cysts can easily spread throughout a community, leading to widespread infection.
7. Can a person have amoebiasis without showing any symptoms?
Yes, it is very common. Many people infected with Entamoeba histolytica are asymptomatic carriers. This means the parasite lives in their gut and they pass cysts in their stool, but they do not feel sick. These individuals can unknowingly spread the infection to others, which is why hygiene is so important.
8. What are the two key stages in the life cycle of the parasite that causes amoebiasis?
The life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica involves two main stages:
- The Trophozoite stage: This is the active, mobile, and feeding form that lives in the large intestine and is responsible for causing the disease symptoms.
- The Cyst stage: This is the dormant, non-motile, and infective form. It is environmentally resistant and is responsible for transmitting the infection from one person to another.
