Amoebic Dysentery Disease

Amoebic dysentery disease is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a type of parasite. The National Institutes of Health states that this parasite is able to live in the colon without causing symptoms, but may sometimes invade the colon wall and cause colitis, chronic diarrhea, or acute dysentery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases of amoebic dysentery are mild, and symptoms generally develop within two to four weeks of infection.

Geography

• Amoebic dysentery is uncommon in developed countries, although it is seen all over the world. The disease is most common in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in countries with poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions. In some areas of the world, such as Mexico, Africa, and sections of South America, the disease is common and affects a significant percent of the population.

Causes and Risk Factors

• According to NYU Langone Medical Center, a person can catch amoebic dysentery disease by swallowing food or water that is contaminated with the parasite, or by putting something into the mouth that has had direct contact with the stool of an infected person. Touching the cysts, or eggs, of E. histolytica on contaminated surfaces, and then ingesting them, also results in infection.
  Anyone living in an institution, or who engages in anal intercourse, or travels to a developing country with poor sanitation is at an increased risk of contracting amoebic dysentery disease. Alcoholism, malnutrition, pregnancy, old age, cancer, and a compromised immune system also put a person at higher risk, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of amoebic dysentery include loose stools, weight loss, stomach pain, nausea, bloody stools, fever, fatigue, and stomach cramping. Rarely, liver abscesses may develop. A combination of symptoms, stool samples, and blood tests are used to diagnose the condition. In most cases, symptoms disappear in approximately two weeks. If left untreated, however, the recurrence rate is high. The National Institutes of Health states that the disease causes no symptoms in as many as 90% of those affected.

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment consists of a full course of antiparasitic medications, such as metronidaloze. If vomiting is present, the medication is typically administered intravenously. To prevent infection with E. histolytica, it is essential to take precautions when traveling to developing countries. Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid eating fresh vegetables and fruits, do not drink or eat unpasteurized milk or dairy products, and stay away from foods sold by street vendors. Good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is also important.

Considerations

• Without prompt treatment, amoebic dysentery disease can potentially spread through the bloodstream to the liver, where it forms abscesses. Rarely, the infection may travel to the brain, lungs, or other organs. In some people, side effects from the medications used to treat E. histolytica may be severe. When possible, the medications are given anyway to prevent complications from developing.