Amoebic Dysentery

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DefinitionCausesRisk FactorsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionrevision

Definition

Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal illness associated with stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever. This condition can be treated.

Causes

Amoebic dysentery is caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica . You may develop amoebic dysentery if you:

  • Put something in your mouth that has touched the stool of a person infected with E histolytica
  • Swallow water or food that has been contaminated with E histolytica
  • Touch cysts (eggs) from E histolytica -contaminated surfaces and bring them to your mouth
Digestive Pathway
Digestive pathway
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Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of getting amoebic dysentery include:

  • Living in or traveling to developing countries, places that have poor sanitary conditions, or tropical or subtropical areas
  • Living in institutions
  • Having anal-sexual intercourse
  • Household contact

Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to amoebic dysentery. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

  • Loose stools
  • Bloody stools
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Pain on your right, upper side

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may need tests of your bodily fluids and waste products. This can be done with:

  • Blood tests
  • Stool samples

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Medications

Several antibiotics are available to treat amoebic dysentery. Probiotics may also be helpful.

Several antibiotics are available to treat amoebic dysentery. Probiotics may also be helpful.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting amoebic dysentery, take the following steps when traveling to a country that has poor sanitary conditions:

  • Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute
  • Do not eat fresh fruit or vegetables that you do not peel yourself
  • Do not eat or drink unpasteurized milk, cheese, or dairy products
  • Do not eat or drink anything sold by street vendors

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

RESOURCES

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    http://www.cdc.gov/

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

    http://www.niaid.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

  • Manitoba Health

    Communicable Disease Control Unit

    http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/index.html

  • Public Health Agency of Canada

    http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References

  • Amebiasis (amoebic dysentery). New York State Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/amebiasis/fact%5Fsheet.htm . Updated October 2011. Accessed January 7, 2013.

  • Amoebic dysentery. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated September 18, 2012. Accessed January 7, 2013.

  • Parasites–amebiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/amebiasis/index.html . Updated November 2, 2010. Accessed January 7, 2013.