Amebiasis – Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Amebiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It can affect anyone, although it is more common in people who live in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions.

According to “CDC” Diagnosis can be difficult because other parasites can look very similar to E. histolytica when seen under a microscope. Infected people do not always become sick. If your doctor determines that you are infected and need treatment, medication is available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affiliated with U.S. Department of Health & Human Services protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

According to “CDC”Although anyone can have this disease, it is more common in people who live in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. In the United States, amebiasis is most common in:

People who have traveled to tropical places that have poor sanitary conditions

Immigrants from tropical countries that have poor sanitary conditions

People who live in institutions that have poor sanitary conditions

Men who have sex with men

Symptoms of Amebiasis

According to “CDC” Only about 10% to 20% of people who are infected with E. histolytica become sick from the infection. The symptoms are often quite mild and can include loose feces (poop), stomach pain, and stomach cramping. Amebic dysentery is a severe form of amebiasis associated with stomach pain, bloody stools (poop), and fever. Rarely, E. histolytica invades the liver and forms an abscess (a collection of pus). In a small number of instances, it has been shown to spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, but this is very uncommon.

Treatment of Amebiasis

According to “CDC”, Several antibiotics are available to treat amebiasis. Treatment must be prescribed by a physician. You will be treated with only one antibiotic if your E. histolytica infection has not made you sick. You probably will be treated with two antibiotics (first one and then the other) if your infection has made you sick.

(This news is not a medical consultation in any case. This is just a non-commercial report prepared for the purpose of awareness based on the study of the material available in the news. You can not make any decision based on this news story. Do not become a doctor yourself, consult a qualified doctor.)

CDC.gov (https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm) is your online source for credible health information and is the official Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC also guards against international disease transmission, with personnel stationed in more than 25 foreign countries.

What is Amebiasis : General Information