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Amoebiasis
What is Amoebiasis?
Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite multiplies in the intestine and produces cysts which are passed from the body in the stool (bowel movement).
Who gets Amoebiasis?
Anyone can get Amoebiasis, but it is more frequently found in individuals who live or have visited areas of the world with poor sanitation. It is also more commonly found in individuals living in institutions for the developmentally disabled, and in homosexual males.
How is Amoebiasis spread?
A person becomes infected with Entamoeba histolytica by swallowing the cyst stage of the parasite. This can occur by eating food which has been prepared by an infected individual who has poor personal hygiene, drinking water contaminated by sewage, or by oral-anal sexual contact with an infected individual.
What are the symptoms of Amoebiasis?
An individual infected with Entamoeba histolytica may have no symptoms, or may have a range of symptoms from mild (most common) to severe. Mild symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea that may include blood or mucus alternating with periods of constipation or remission. Other symptoms, such as nausea, weight loss, fever and chills may also occur. Rarely the parasite may invade other organs of the body, such as the liver, lung or brain, and cause abscesses.
How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 weeks after swallowing cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, but they may appear as quickly as a few days, or take as long as several months or years.
How is Amoebiasis diagnosed?
Amoebiasis is diagnosed by finding the cysts of Entamoeba histolytica in a stool specimen examined under a microscope. Sometimes more than one stool specimen must be obtained for examination because the number of cysts in the stool can change from day to day, and cysts may not be in every stool specimen. A blood test is also available for detection of antibodies against the parasite.
What is the treatment for Amoebiasis?
Specific drugs can be prescribed by a physician to treat Amoebiasis. There is no over-the-counter medication that will cure this infection.
How long is an infected person infectious to others?
An infected person is infectious to others as long as Entamoeba histolytica cysts are being passed in the stool. This may continue for years in an untreated individual.
Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
Under ordinary circumstances, it should not be necessary to exclude an infected person from work or school. The type of personal contact in work and school environments does not normally transmit Amoebiasis.
Special precautions are indicated for foodhandlers and young children attending day care. Foodhandlers who are infected should not work directly with food until treatment has been completed. Young children who attend day care should be kept at home while they have diarrhea. Consult your local health department for further advice in these circumstances.
How can Amoebiasis be prevented?
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