Amebiasis

The difference between the amoeba and Einstein is that, although both make use of the method of trial and error elimination, the amoeba dislikes erring while Einstein is intrigued by it - Karl Raimund Popper

Amebiasis
Amebiasis

image by: Oficina de Microbiologia - Rede Novos Talentos / UFRN

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 Death by Amoeba, a Nibble at a Time

Although scientists have studied E. histolytica for more than a century, much about the parasite remains a mystery. Part of the problem is that it behaves unpredictably.

Parasites In Humans

Amoebiasis is diagnosed by your health care provider under a microscope by finding cysts and (rarely trophozoites) from a stool sample. The results are usually said to be negative, if Entamoeba histolytica is not found in three different stool samples. But it still does not necessarily mean that you are not infected because the microscopic parasite is hard to find and it might not be present the particular samples.

Themes of Parasitology

There is no intermediate host for this parasite. E. histolytica is found worldwide, but it is seen more prominently in tropical regions than elsewhere. There are some humans who are more susceptible to get this parasite which is, but not limited to, homosexual males, frequent travelers, and institutionalized populations.

CDC

Amebiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It can affect anyone, although it is more common in people who live in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Diagnosis can be difficult because other parasites can look very similar to E. histolytica when seen under a microscope. Infected people do not always become sick.

KidsHealth

There is no vaccine to prevent amebiasis. Because amoebas may contaminate food and water, you can help prevent the illness by being cautious about what you eat and drink, especially in developing countries, where a good rule regarding food is to cook it, boil it, peel it, or forget it.

MedlinePlus

This condition occurs worldwide. It is most common in tropical areas that have crowded living conditions and poor sanitation. Africa, Mexico, parts of South America, and India have major health problems due to this disease.

Patient.

The most common type of amoebic infection is the asymptomatic passage of cysts, found to be mainly associated with E. dispar infection. Symptomatic patients initially have lower abdominal pain and diarrhoea and later develop dysentery (with blood and mucus in stool).

StatPearls

Amoebiasis is present all over the world. Each year, about 40000 to 110000 people die from amoebiasis infection.

ThirdWorldTraveler

Amebiasis is treated with Flagyl (metronidazole). Treatment eliminates cysts from the stool, thus preventing transmission of the disease to close contacts such as family members.

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