Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite.
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
Swallow water or food that has been contaminated with
Touch cysts (eggs) from
E. histolytica—contaminated surfaces and bring them to your mouth
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Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal illness
caused by a parasite.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor will need tests of your bodily fluids and waste products. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Stool samples
Images may need to be taken of your bodily structures, especially your liver. This can be done with:
- CT scan
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
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
- People carrying the parasite may need to be treated to avoid spreading it to others.
Factors that increase your risk of getting amoebic dysentery include:
- Living in or traveling to developing countries, places that have poor sanitary conditions, tropical, or subtropical areas
- Living in institutions with poor sanitary conditions
- Having anal sexual intercourse
- Household contact with infected person
Most people with the parasite do not have symptoms. Symptoms may include:
stools or constipation
- Bloody stools
- Constant feeling you need to move your bowels
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Pain on your right, upper side (if you have the parasite in your liver)
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Several antibiotics are available to treat amoebic dysentery or liver infection. Probiotics may also be helpful to reduce the symptoms.