What Are the Causes of Amebic?

Amebic parasites exist in the environment at all times. Some require a host to reproduce or multiply, while others are free-living parasites that can multiply without a host. The causes of amebic infections vary, depending on the environmental circumstances. The effects on humans often depend on the individual's own ability to fight off the parasite.

• Parasites are found everywhere.

Amebic Dysentery

• Dysentery is caused from a parasite in the intestinal tract

  The Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amebic dysentery. After swallowing contaminated food or water, the parasite moves through the body and becomes stationary in the intestines. Once in the intestinal tract, inflammation and infection can occur.

  If the parasites form a cyst, which is a group of amoeba that have produced a protective wall around itself, the acids in the body and immune system are unable to kill the parasite. The parasitic cyst is then excreted though the feces, which can then contaminate other food and water.

  Contamination from Entamoeba histolytica can come from animal feces as well as human feces.

Amebic Meningoencephalitis

• Naegleria parasite lives in fresh warm water

  Naegleria parasites cause amebic meningoencephalitis. The parasite lives in warm fresh water such as lakes, ponds and streams. The hot summer months produce more activity, which means a higher risk of infection in recreational waters. The ameba travels up through the nose when swimming or diving in contaminated waters. After the parasite enters the nose, it travels to the brain and the spinal cord, where it causes infections and destroys cell tissue.

  Swimming pools that are not properly maintained and chlorinated are also at risk for producing the Naegleria bacteria that causes amebic meningoencephalitis.

Amebic Liver Abscess

• Entamoeba histolytica can cause a liver abscess

  Amebic liver abscess occurs from the same parasite that causes amebic dysentery, but it has formed the protective cyst. Once ingestion of the cysts have taken place, the organism travels through the blood to the liver, causing a liver abscess. The abscess causes pus pockets to form on the liver.

  The parasite is most prevalent in overpopulated and unsanitary areas. Those with underlying medical problems and poor immune systems are more susceptible to this parasite.

Acanthamoeba

• Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause blindness

  Acanthamoeba is an environmental parasite that can cause serious vision problems. Acanthamoeba keratitis affects those who wear contact lenses. The parasite gets between the contact lens and the eye, while swimming or showering. If the contacts are not cleaned properly, the parasite enters the eye and can cause a serious infection. If the eye infection is not treated, the affected eye could have permanent damage, resulting in partial or total blindness.

Precautions for amebic infections

• Proper washing and preparation of food can deter parasitic ingestion

  Underlying medical conditions can make some people more suseptable to infections. These individuals are at a higher risk for complications when exposure to contaminated surroundings has taken place.

  Precautions, such as hand washing, proper food preparation and good hygiene, will assist in detering parasitic ameba from entering the body.

  Wearing a nose plug, earplugs and keeping your mouth closed while swimming will help in the prevention of a parasite entering the body through an open orifice.