Amebiasis
Amebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Entamoeba histolytica
Who gets amebiasis?
Anyone can get amebiasis, but it is recognized more often in people arriving from tropical or subtropical areas, residents of institutions for the developmentally disabled, and men who have sex with men.
How is amebiasis spread?
Amebiasis is contracted by swallowing the cyst (or egg) stage of the parasite in contaminated food or water. It can also be spread by person-to-person contact.
What are the symptoms of amebiasis?
People exposed to this parasite may experience mild or severe symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Fortunately, most exposed people do not become seriously ill. The mild form of amebiasis includes nausea, loose stools (occasionally with blood or mucus), weight loss, abdominal tenderness, and occasional fever. Rarely, the parasite will invade the body beyond the intestines and cause a more serious infection, such as a liver abscess.
How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear within a few days to a few months after exposure but usually within two to four weeks
For how long can an infected person carry amebiasis?
Some people with amebiasis may carry the parasite for weeks to years, often without symptoms.
How is amebiasis diagnosed?
Examination of stools under a microscope is the most common way for a doctor to diagnose amebiasis. Sometimes, several stool samples must be obtained because the number of amoeba changes from day to day.
What is the treatment for amebiasis?
Specific antibiotics such as metronidazole can be prescribed by a doctor to treat amebiasis.
Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
Generally, it is not necessary to exclude an infected person from work or school. Casual contact at work or school is unlikely to transmit the disease. Special precautions may be needed by food handlers or children enrolled in day care settings. Consult the Bureau of Communicable Disease for advice in such instances.
How can amebiasis be prevented?
The most important preventive measures include:
Careful hand washing before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Carefully dispose of sewage wastes so as not to contaminate surface water or groundwater.
Avoid sexual practices that may result in hand or mouth exposure to stool(feces), such as anal sex or oral-anal contact. Homosexual or bisexual males who are infected with amebiasis should refrain from anal sex or oral-anal contact until effectively treated.
** Note **
Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.
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Berkeley County Health Department