Amebiasis

Description of Amebiasis

Amebiasis is a disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica (ent-a-ME-ba his-to-LI-ti-ka).

It is most common in people who live in developing countries that have poor sanitary conditions.

Causes of Amebiasis

Getting in contact with stool of a person who is infected with E. histolytica.
Consuming contaminated water or food.
Cysts (eggs) picked up from contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms

People infected with E. histolytica become sick from the infection. The symptoms often are quite mild and can include loose stools, stomach pain, and stomach cramping. Amebic dysentery is a severe form of amebiasis associated with stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever. Rarely, the parasite invades the liver and forms an abscess. Even less commonly, it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.

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