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Amoebic Dysentery

(Amebiasis)

Definition

Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal illness associated with stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever. This condition can be treated.

Causes

Amoebic dysentery is caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica . You may develop amoebic dysentery if you:

Put something in your mouth that has touched the stool of a person infected with E histolytica

Swallow water or food that has been contaminated with E histolytica

Touch cysts (eggs) from E histolytica -contaminated surfaces and bring them to your mouth

Digestive Pathway

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of getting amoebic dysentery include:

Living in or traveling to developing countries, places that have poor sanitary conditions, or tropical or subtropical areas

Living in institutions

Having anal-sexual intercourse

Household contact

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to amoebic dysentery. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

Loose stools

Bloody stools

Nausea

Weight loss

Stomach pain

Fever

Pain on your right, upper side

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may need tests of your bodily fluids and waste products. This can be done with:

Blood tests

Stool samples

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Medications

Several antibiotics are available to treat amoebic dysentery. Probiotics may also be helpful.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting amoebic dysentery, take the following steps when traveling to a country that has poor sanitary conditions:

Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute

Do not eat fresh fruit or vegetables that you do not peel yourself

Do not eat or drink unpasteurized milk, cheese, or dairy products

Do not eat or drink anything sold by street vendors

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

http://www.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Manitoba Health

Communicable Disease Control Unit

http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/index.html

Public Health Agency of Canada

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References:

Amebiasis (amoebic dysentery). New York State Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/amebiasis/fact_sheet.htm . Updated October 2011. Accessed January 7, 2013.

Amoebic dysentery. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated September 18, 2012. Accessed January 7, 2013.

Parasites–amebiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/amebiasis/index.html . Updated November 2, 2010. Accessed January 7, 2013.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.