>Ameobiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection that is caused by Entameoba histolytica. The infection is spread through food and water or feca-oral route (meaning unclean hands after washing and then you ate or touched food that someone ate). Basically you get it anywhere which a contaminated water touches like fruits, vegetables that you wash with it. Chlorine and boiling cannot kill the parasite in a contaminated water. But Iodine-releasing tablet can.
Symptoms:
Diarrhea with blood and mucus
Abdominal cramps
Dehydration – nausea, malaise, vomiting
If the infection spreads through the liver it can cause liver abscess. Sometimes the infection can also go asymptomatic (no symptoms) and when this happens the person is called a carrier. He can excrete the parasite and infect others.
Treatment:
First to treat is the dehydration if it is severe. Electrolyte and fluid losses should be corrected and replaced. Antibiotic such as Metronidazole (Flagyl) are given for a week. And Buscopan for the Abdominal cramps. If feverish, the person can take paracetamol as well.
Diet:
For a week, less fiber intake is advisable. Coffee and tea are not allowed as well.
How is Ameobiasis diagnosed?
The Physician will require a fecalysis from you. Fecalysis result will show presence of E.histolytica cyst or trophozoite or both. RBC and Pus will also be present on the stool.
