amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis, which is caused by an amoeba (single celled parasite) called Entamoeba histolytica, which is mainly found in
tropical areas
; this type of dysentery is usually picked up abroad.
Where is Amoebiasis most common?
Amebiasis usually happens in areas where living conditions are crowded and unsanitary. The illness is common in parts of
Africa, Latin America, and Asia
. It is rare in the United States, but is sometimes seen in people who have immigrated from or traveled to countries where amebiasis is more common.
Where is dysentery most commonly found?
It commonly occurs in less developed areas of
Central and South America, Africa, and Asia
. Dysentery has been described at least since the time of Hippocrates.
Where is amebic dysentery found?
The causative agent of amebic dysentery, Entamoeba histolytica, is found in
the intestine of infected individuals
, in whom it forms cysts that pass to the outside in feces. When food or water containing cysts enters the digestive tract of another person, the amoebas are released from the cysts and…
How is amoebic dysentery most commonly contracted?
Transmission of amoebic dysentery occurs mainly through
the faecal-oral route
, including ingestion of faecal contaminated food or water containing the cyst of Entamoeba histolytica. Transmission can also occur through person-to-person contact such as diaper-changing and oral-anal sex.
How do I know if I have Amoebiasis?
Early symptoms (in about 1-4 weeks) include
loose stools and mild abdominal cramping
. If the disease progresses, frequent, watery, and/or bloody stools with severe abdominal cramping (termed amoebic dysentery) may occur.
How do you feel when you have amoeba?
So, symptoms of amoebic dysentery include
severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea
which can contain blood and mucus. High temperature (fever) may be another symptom but this is not common. You may also experience loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can last for several weeks.
What is the best medicine for dysentery?
Amebic dysentery is treated with
metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax)
. These drugs kill the parasites. In some cases, a follow-up drug is given to make sure all the parasites are gone. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend an intravenous (IV) drip to replace fluids and prevent dehydration.
What is the difference between dysentery and diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition that involves the frequent passing of loose or watery stools while Dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, especially in the colon, that can lead to severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces.
How long does amoebic dysentery last?
As dysentery usually gets better on its own after
3 to 7 days
, treatment is not usually needed. However, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions if necessary to avoid dehydration.
What is the best medicine for amoebic dysentery?
Metronidazole
is the established drug of choice for the treatment of amoebic dysentery in adults and children. Metronidazole is generally effective in treatment but has associated adverse effects and may be insufficient to fully eradicate infection.
Which body part is affected by amoebic dysentery?
| Amoebiasis | Complications Severe colitis, colonic perforation, anemia | Causes Amoebas of the Entamoeba group |
|---|
What is amoebic dysentery and give its symptoms?
Symptoms of amoebic dysentery
fever and chills
.
nausea and vomiting
.
watery diarrhea
, which can contain blood, mucus, or pus. the painful passing of stools. fatigue.
Can amoeba go away by itself?
Expected Duration.
Harmless amoebas can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms
. When invasive amoebas cause symptoms of amoebic dysentery, attacks can last from a few days to several weeks.
How do you detect amoeba in stool?
Your
doctor may test
you for the presence of E. histolytica. You may have to give stool samples for several days to screen for the presence of cysts. Your doctor may order lab tests to check liver function to help determine if the ameba has damaged your liver.
What is the incubation period of amoebic dysentery?
The average incubation period is
2–4 weeks
. Patients may, however, present months to years after the initial infection.
