About Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery, also known as intestinal amebiasis, is an infectious disease that is characterized by inflammation of the intestine and colon, which is caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It is a parasite that enters the body when someone consumes contaminated food or water. In the United States, amoebic dysentery mostly affects people living in poor hygienic conditions, such as in mental institutions or prisons. It is also common among people who indulge in anal intercourse.

Significance

• Amoebic dysentery is prevalent in developing countries because poor sanitation in such countries increases the likelihood of food and water contamination. Places like India, Africa, South America and Mexico are the most affected by amoebic dysentery. People traveling to these places should avoid eating raw vegetables and drinking water that has not been boiled or properly treated.

Causes

• There are two forms of Entamoeba histolytica: trophozites and infective cysts. Trophozites are free amoebae that don't have any kind of protection. They are generally harmless because they cannot survive the acidic juices of the stomach. Infective cysts are the amoebae that develop protective walls. They are passed through feces and may contaminate food and water. Amoebic dysentery is caused by these infective cysts making a home for themselves in the intestines. A number of factors can increase the likelihood of severe amoebic dysentery, among them alcohol abuse, undernourishment, a weak immune system and cancer.

Symptoms

• The leading symptom of amoebic dysentery is diarrhea. Other common symptoms include belly cramps, fatigue, painful bowel movements, excessive flatulence and mild weight loss. In severe cases, the frequency of bloody stools increases and is accompanied by fever and nausea. A person infected by Entamoeba histolytica may not experience any symptoms for months or even years. In fact, 90 percent of affected people don't experience any symptoms at all.

Treatment

• Amoebic dysentery is diagnosed through blood tests, bowel inspection and examination of stool samples. The typical treatment for amoebic dysentery is anti-parasitic medication such as metronidazole, taken orally for about 10 days. People who can't take it orally because of vomiting can take it intravenously. Because anti-diarrheal drugs can worsen the condition, doctors avoid prescribing them. The duration of the infection is about two weeks, if the condition is properly treated.

Complications

• If left untreated, the Entamoeba histolytica parasite may tunnel through the walls of the intestines and enter the bloodstream. It can travel through the blood to nearby organs including the liver, where it can cause an abscess. In rare cases, it can spread to the lungs and even the brain.