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Amoebic Dysentery

(Amebiasis)

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

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.

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

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.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
Review Date: 11/2012 -
Update Date: 11/26/2012 -

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.

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