Amebiasis

Definition of Amebiasis

Amebiasis is an infection of the intestine, liver, or other tissues by pathogenic amebas (protozoan parasites).

Description of Amebiasis

Infection is typically by the organism Entamoeba histolytica, acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated by infected feces.

Entamoeba histolytica is an ameba, a type of single-celled animal that multiplies by simple division and moves around in the intestine, scavenging for small morsels of food and bacteria.

People can have the ameba in their intestines and excrete amebic cysts, but have no symptoms.

Most cases of amebiasis have very mild symptoms or none.

More severe infection may cause fever, profuse diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, anorexia, and weight loss.

 

Treatment

Most individuals with amebiasis may be treated on an outpatient basis.

Be sure to drink clean water, and take medication with proper prescription by your doctor.