Amebic dysentery is a severe diarrheal disease caused by infection with the microscopic parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The illness can be mild or severe. It's most commonly seen in developing countries and tropical regions of the world. Countries with high rates of the disease include parts of South America, Mexico, Africa and India, according to MedlinePlus. Incidence in the United States is estimated at 4 percent, reports Kansas Disease Investigation Guidelines.
Infection
Amebic dysentery, or intestinal amebiasis, is caused by a single-celled protozoa. The cysts of the parasite make their way into the human body through the intake of water, food or surfaces tainted with human stools. Once in the small intestine, the cysts mature into trophozoites and travel to the large intestine. They begin to multiply there, according to the Centers for Disease Control Division of Parasitic Diseases. Infection with Entamoeba histolytica produces no symptoms in approximately 90 percent of people, reports Medlineplus.
Common Symptoms
Amebic dysentery can develop over days, weeks or months but most commonly between 2 to 4 weeks, says Kansas Disease Investigation Guidelines.The symptoms of amebic dysentery can be attributed to invasion of the parasite into the intestinal wall, causing inflammation and ulceration of the large bowel. The trophozoites stick to the surface cells of the inner intestinal lining and secrete substances that break down the gut wall, according to Merck Manuals Medical Library. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain develop. Additional symptoms are frequent watery diarrhea with blood or mucus and fever with chills. Severe dehydration can occur due to loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea. The disease can have periods of remissions and flareups.
Severe and Less Common Symptoms
When the illness is more severe and prolonged, infection can lead to weight loss and anemia, according to Merck Manuals Medical Library. Abdominal pain can become chronic with development of an amoebic cyst in the intestinal wall. The amebas can bore through the wall of the intestine in rare cases, causing further inflammation. By traveling through the bloodstream, amebas can infect other organs and may eventually cause the formation of an amebic cyst or an abscess in the liver, according to netdoctor.com. A toxic, enlarged colon can develop, as well as skin sores on the genitalia, says the Centers for Disease Control Division of Parasitic Diseases.
