Amebic dysentery, also known as amebiasis, is an illness caused by the organism Entamoeba histolytica. This parasite is able to infect the intestines, where it can cause gastrointestinal distress. This type of parasitic infection is common in areas with poor water storage and sterilization as well as with inadequately prepared food.
Symptoms
The symptoms of amebic dysentery, according to KidsHealth, can begin anywhere within days after contraction of the parasite to several months after the initial infection. Some people do not develop any symptoms whatsoever. When amebic dysentery does cause symptoms, it typically comes in the form of watery diarrhea that can cause several loose stools to be passed per day. Patients may also experience cramps, nausea and a loss of appetite.
Causes
Amebiasis is often spread via the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Food and water can be contaminated with cysts from this parasite. When ingested, these cysts travel to the digestive tract and colonize the intestines. Amebic dysentery is more common in tropical and subtropical countries, HealthScout notes, particularly in areas where hygiene and water preparation are poor. Amebic dysentery can also be spread via person-to-person contact as a result of inadequate hand washing, sexual contact or using the same objects.
Complications
Severe cases of amebic dysentery can cause patients to develop a fever and bloody diarrhea. This is more common in the elderly, the malnourished and patients who suffer from alcoholism, MedlinePlus notes. Patients who are pregnant or who have been taking corticosteroids are also at risk of developing a more severe infection. Additionally, amebic dysentery can lead to the development of cysts in the liver. The parasites can also sometimes travel into the bloodstream and gain access to the lungs, brain and other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Amebic dysentery is often diagnosed, according to HealthScout, via a physical examination and inspection of a stool sample. The stool sample can be examined using a microscope to detect the presence of the parasite. Blood tests which look for proteins that the immune system produces in response to the infection can also be used. A sigmoidoscopy, which uses a thin flexible camera, may be used to examine the inside of the intestines. Ultrasound or CT scans may be indicated for patients with severe disease in order to look for possible liver cysts.
Treatment
Most patients, MedlinePlus notes, can be treated using oral antiparasitic medications. One of the more commonly used agents is called metronidazole, administered for 10 days. Patients with severe cases of the disease who are experiencing nausea may need to receive the medication intravenously to avoid vomiting the medication. Antidiarrheal drugs are not usually used because they can actually make the condition worse.
Member Comments