
Frequently affects people whose hygiene is poor.


About 10% of the world's population is infected with amoebas, particularly people who live in






In industrialized countries, amoebiasis is very common among recent immigrants and travellers who visit countries where amoebas are prevalent.
Amoebic Dysentery - Causes And Spread
These are microscopic one-celled parasites commonly known as amoebas. Entamoeba histolytica exists as two forms in contaminated food and drink

As infective cysts, which are a group of amoebae surrounded by a protective wall, which have been passed in the faeces of the carrier (human or animal).
As these parasites live in the large intestine, they travel in the feces of infected people, and can contaminate water supplies in places where sanitation is poor.
The parasite spreads by


Amoebic Dysentery - Symptoms
Weight loss










The disease can sometimes become complicated if the amoebae break through the intestinal wall and the lining called peritoneum. This causes perforation and leads to

The amoebae may be then carried in the blood to the liver resulting in the formation of an abscess that presents the following symptoms







Amoebic Dysentery - Diagnosis
The best diagnosis is by demonstrating cysts or trophozoites in a stool sample.
1. Stool tests

2. Blood tests

3. Proctosigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy


4. Ultrasound

Amoebic Dysentery - Treatment
Involves taking antibiotic drugs to kill the parasites, the commonly used antibiotics are-1. Metranidizole.
2. Tinidazole

Painkillers and muscle relaxants are given to treat stomach or abdominal pain.




Preventions And Precautions
There is no immunization to protect against gastrointestinal amoebiasis.
The best way to avoid infection with amoebic cysts is to ensure that everything eaten or drunk has been washed or sterilised properly and cooked thoroughly.

1. Salads
2. Peeled fruit
3. Ice cream



Frequently asked questions about Amoebic Dysentery
1. Which doctor do I see?
You will have to consult a general physician or a Gastroentrologist.
2. What is Amoebic dysentery?
It the inflammation of the intestines, characterized by frequent passage of feces, usually with blood and mucus caused by an amoeba Entamoeba Histolytica.
3. Is there any other type of dysentery?
There are two major types,
Amoebic dysentery caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.
Shigellosis, caused by one of several types of Shigella bacteria.
4. How is it transmitted?
Amoebic dysentery is transmitted by contaminated water, and is known as" travellers dysentery"
5. How do we protect ourselves?
Always-wash hands with soap after going to the toilet as well as before preparing and eating food.




Avoid eating open and cut fruits.
Amoebic Dysentery - Glossary
Parasite: An organism that lives on or within another organism at the expense of the host.Cysts: A sac or capsule filled with fluid.
Feces: Body waste discharged from the bowels; stool.
Anaemia: A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Nausea:Nausea is the urge to vomit. It can be brought by many causes including, systemic illnesses, such as influenza, medications, pain, and inner ear disease.
Stool: Body waste excreted from the bowel; feces.
Stool Tests: A test to check for hidden blood in the bowel movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment