Amoebiasis is an intestinal infection caused due to unicellular parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Though in the United States amoebiasis is mostly found in travelers and immigrants from developing countries, it is responsible for 70,000 worldwide deaths annually. The disease ranks among the second leading contributor of worldwide death caused due to parasitic infections.

Entamoeba histolytica enters into the intestinal mucosa of the host’s body. It engulfs RBCs and kills the tissues of the hosts, thereby causing amoebic colitis. Sometimes, the parasite crosses the mucosal barrier and penetrates into the liver where it results in the formation of abscesses by piling of dead hepatocytes (liver cells).

Mode of Transmission
E.histolytica can take two ways to cause infection – in the form of cysts and in the form of trophozoites. One can become infected with cysts by eating contaminated food or drinks. One can become infected with trophozoites by means of pets, poor sanitation and such other unhygenic conditions.

Amoebiasis Symptoms
It is suggested that anyone can be carrier of E. histolytica, but it can develop into symptoms only in 10%-20% of the cases. Generally, symptoms of amoebiasis are mild.

Some common symptoms of amoebiais are:

• Loose and bloody stool
• Poor appetite
• Fever
• Stomachache
• Weight loss
• Liver, lung or brain abscess (rare cases)

How to Prevent Amoebiais?
To prevent amoebasis, one may take the following precautions:

• Thorough washing of hands every time before taking food and after using the toilet
• Keeping the nails clean
• Thorough washing of raw fruits and vegetables before eating
• Refraining from sharing the clothes and towels with infected person(s)

Amoebiasis Treatments
Antibiotics are generally effective in treating amoebiasis. In case you are not showing signs of sickness, only one antibiotic might be prescribed. In case you are showing signs of sickness, two antibiotics might be prescribed by your physician.