Amebiasis is a parasitic infection from a protozoan known as Entamoeba histolytica. This infection can occur in the digestive tract and cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Amebiasis can occur in anyone but is more common in people who live in areas with poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
Entamoeba histolytica is usually spread through water or food contaminated with human feces containing the parasite. An infected person can also transmit it to others through contact with contaminated human feces or through sexual intercourse. To learn more, you can read the article on how Amebiasis is transmitted.
Symptoms of Amebiasis
Symptoms of amebiasis can vary from mild to severe depending on the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms of amebiasis include:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom that often occurs in people with amebiasis. Diarrhea in amebiasis usually lasts for several days to several weeks and can be accompanied by abdominal cramps.
Stomach ache
Abdominal pain can occur in people with amebiasis because the parasitic infection damages the walls of the large intestine or other organs around the stomach.
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Loss of appetite and weight loss may occur in more severe cases of infection. People with amebiasis who experience sudden and significant weight loss should seek medical attention immediately.
Fever
Fever is a common symptom of parasitic infections, including amebiasis. People with amebiasis may experience fever for varying lengths of time, depending on the severity of the infection.
Liver swelling
Entamoeba histolytica parasite infection can cause liver swelling in a small number of people. Liver swelling can occur in more severe cases of infection and requires appropriate medical care.
Swelling of the colon
In some cases of amebiasis, especially in more severe cases, the parasite can cause swelling in the large intestine.
Risk Factors for Amebiasis
There are several factors that can influence the risk of developing amebiasis, including:
- Lack of sanitation and environmental cleanliness
Poor environmental hygiene and sanitation can worsen the conditions that allow the parasite to thrive and spread. Therefore, areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water are often infected more often than cleaner areas.
- Contact with infected human feces
The Entamoeba histolytica parasite can be found in the feces of infected people. If a person does not wash their hands properly after defecating, they can spread the parasite through contact with other objects or food.
- Weak immune system
A weakened immune system can make a person more susceptible to infection by Entamoeba histolytica. People with conditions that compromise the immune system, such as HIV infection or use of medications that suppress the immune system, are at greater risk of developing amebiasis.
- Travel to endemic areas
Traveling to areas where amebiasis is endemic can increase your risk of contracting the disease. Some areas with a high risk for amebiasis include Africa, South America, Mexico, and some countries in Asia.
Diagnosis of Amebiasis
It is important to note that diagnosing amebiasis is often difficult, as the Entamoeba histolytica parasite can mimic the symptoms of other diseases, such as bacterial or viral infections. Your doctor may need to perform several tests and examinations to properly diagnose amebiasis, including:
- Stool examination to find the presence or absence of parasites.
- Blood tests to detect the presence or absence of infection in the blood and the risk of anemia and liver function.
- Ultrasound or CT scan to detect inflammation or abscesses in the liver or other organs.
- Colonoscopy examination to determine whether or not there are health problems in the colon and large intestine.
- Needle biopsy to determine the location of the parasite by taking samples and abscesses in the liver.
Amebiasis Treatment
Because amebiasis can spread easily, doctors recommend that everyone who has amebiasis receive treatment, even if they have an asymptomatic infection.
Medications that can treat amebiasis include:
- Nitroimidazoles, such as metronidazole
- Paromomycin
- Diloxanide furoate
In rare cases, such as when a person’s infection is very severe, a doctor may recommend surgery.
Complications of Amebiasis
Complications of amebiasis can occur, especially if the infection is not treated promptly. Complications that can occur include:
- Anemia.
- Liver abscess.
- Lung amebiasis (pleuropulmonary amebiasis).
- Peritonitis.
Complications of Amebiasis
Amebiasis disease that is not treated immediately will result in a high risk of the following complications:
- Anemia due to intestinal bleeding, especially in amebiasis sufferers who experience intestinal inflammation.
- There is a blockage or obstruction of the intestine due to a lump in the intestine.
- Diseases that attack the liver, one of which is amebic liver abscess, a condition where an abscess forms in the liver tissue.
- Sepsis or parasitic infection has spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Prevention of Amebiasis
Proper sanitation is key to avoiding amebiasis. As a general rule, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food is essential every day.
If you are traveling to places where infections are common. Pay attention to the steps when preparing and eating food:
- Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid eating fruits or vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself.
- Use bottled water and soft drinks from closed containers.
- If you must drink tap water, boil it for at least 1 minute.
- Avoid ice cubes or fountain drinks.
- Do not consume fresh fruits or vegetables that are open.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese, or other dairy products.
- Stay away from food sold openly by street vendors.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Immediately check with the nearest hospital if you experience symptoms of amebiasis as previously listed. If the treatment is faster, of course the risk of complications can be prevented.