Amebiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which normally does not cause symptoms, but when the immune system is weakened or when there are large numbers of parasites, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and general discomfort.
Amebiasis, also called amoebic colitis or intestinal amoebiasis, can occur due to the consumption of contaminated water and food, and is more common in places with poor hygiene and basic sanitation conditions.
Despite being an easily treated infection, amoebiasis must be identified and treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, as this is the only way to prevent the progression of the disease, in which the liver or lungs may be compromised, for example.
Amebiasis symptoms
The main symptoms of amoebiasis are:
- Diarrhea;
- Presence of blood or mucus in the stool;
- Dor abdominal;
- Cramps;
- Weight loss without apparent cause;
- Excessive tiredness;
- General malaise;
- Increased gas production.
Amebiasis symptoms appear when the number of parasites is very high and/or when immunity is more compromised. Therefore, symptoms may appear approximately 2 to 5 weeks after consuming food or water contaminated by the amoeba, and it is important that a doctor is consulted.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
Read too: Entamoeba histolytica: what it is, symptoms and treatment
See the following video for more information about the symptoms of amoebiasis and other parasite infections:
Transmission of amoebiasis
The transmission of amoebiasis occurs through the consumption of water and food contaminated by the parasite, and is more common in regions that do not have adequate basic sanitation, which favors the contact of food and water with feces.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The initial diagnosis of amoebiasis is made by the general practitioner or gastroenterologist based on the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person, and it is also recommended to carry out a parasitological examination of feces to check the presence of amebiasis cysts. Entamoeba histolytica in feces. Understand how the parasitological fecal examination is carried out.
If there is suspicion of involvement of other parts of the body, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound or computed tomography, in addition to being able to request a microbiological analysis of abscesses, if any.
Treatment for amoebiasis
The treatment for amoebiasis is determined by the doctor according to the type of infection the person has, and the use of Paromomycin, Iodoquinol or Metronidazole may be recommended according to medical indications. In the case of extraintestinal amebiasis, the doctor may recommend the combined use of Metronidazole and Tinidazole.
Furthermore, during treatment it is important to maintain hydration, as it is common for there to be a large loss of fluids due to diarrhea and vomiting that occur in amoebiasis.
Bibliography
- BARER, Michael R. et al. Medical Microbiology – A guide to microbial infections: pathogenesis, immunity, laboratory investigation and control. ed 19. Elsevier, 2018. 610.
- LONGO, Dan L. et al. Harrison Internal Medicine. 18.ed. São Paulo: AMGH Editora, 2013. 1683-1686.
- ZEIBIG, Elizabeth A. Clinical Parasitology. 2 ed. United States of America: Elsevier, 2013. 48-50.
