About this topic
Amebiasis is an infection of the GI tract. Your GI tract is also known as your gastrointestinal tract. It is made up of your mouth, swallowing tube, stomach, bowels, and anus. This infection is caused by a parasite. A parasite is a bug or worm that you have taken in your body, most likely through food or water that was in contact with the bug or worm. When you have this illness, it stays in your large bowel and makes you sick. Your bowel may swell and you will have loose stools. Most often, this parasite is found in countries with poor sources of drinking water. You may get this illness from drinking infected water. You can also get it from some other person who has the disease. ‚
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What are the causes?
A parasite causes this illness. These parasites can be found in stool from humans. Often, poor sewage lines may infect the water source to a whole area. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Poor community sanitation
- Unsafe drinking water
- Travel to a tropical country with poor sanitation and crowded living conditions
- A weakened immune system
- Being a young child or older adult
- Having anal sex and not wearing a condom
What are the main signs?
You may not have any signs from this illness. If you do have signs, they may be mild like belly pain or cramping and loose stools. You may also have an upset stomach and not feel hungry. More severe signs are bloody stools, fever, and strong belly pain. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. The doctor may feel your belly for pain and any enlarged organs. You may need to have tests like a stool or blood test to look for the parasite. The doctor may also order a test to look at the inside of your large bowel. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
This infection is treated with drugs. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
What problems could happen?
- Fluid loss
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body
- Pus formation in the liver
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Practice proper sanitation and disposal of stool.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating.
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, boil it for at least 30 minutes before drinking or cooking with it.
- Wash, peel, or cook raw fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
- Avoid sharing personal items with an infected person.
- Practice safe sex. Use condoms or dental dams for anal and oral contact.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/amebiasis/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/parasitic/amebiasis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚