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Amebiasis

Definition

Amebiasis is an infection of the intestines. It is caused by the microscopic parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

Alternative Names

Amebic dysentery; Intestinal amebiasis; Amebic colitis; Diarrhea - amebiasis

Causes

E histolytica can live in the large intestine (colon) without causing damage to the intestine. In some cases, it invades the colon wall, causing colitis, acute dysentery, or long-term (chronic) diarrhea. The infection can also spread through the bloodstream to the liver. In rare cases, it can spread to the lungs, brain, or other organs.

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 condition.

The parasite may spread:

  • Through food or water contaminated with stool
  • Through fertilizer made of human waste
  • From person to person, particularly by contact with the mouth or rectal area of an infected person

Risk factors for severe amebiasis include:

  • Alcohol use
  • Cancer
  • Malnutrition
  • Older or younger age
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent travel to a tropical region
  • Use of corticosteroid medicine to suppress the immune system

In the United States, amebiasis is most common among those who live in institutions or people who have traveled to an area where amebiasis is common.

Symptoms

Most people with this infection do not have symptoms. If symptoms occur, they are seen 7 to 28 days after being exposed to the parasite.

Mild symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea: passage of 3 to 8 semiformed stools per day, or passage of soft stools with mucus and occasional blood
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive gas
  • Rectal pain while having a bowel movement (tenesmus)
  • Unintentional weight loss

Severe symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Bloody stools, including passage of liquid stools with streaks of blood, passage of 10 to 20 stools per day
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. You will be asked about your medical history, especially if you have recently traveled overseas.

Examination of the abdomen may show liver enlargement or tenderness in the abdomen (typically in the right upper quadrant).

Tests that may be ordered include:

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the infection is. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed.

If you are vomiting, you may be given medicines through a vein (intravenously) until you can take them by mouth. Medicines to stop diarrhea are usually not prescribed because they can make the condition worse.

After antibiotic treatment, your stool will likely be rechecked to make sure the infection has been cleared.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Outcome is usually good with treatment. Usually, the illness lasts about 2 weeks, but it can come back if you do not get treated.

Possible Complications

Complications of amebiasis may include:

  • Liver abscess (collection of parasites and pus in the liver)
  • Medicine side effects, including nausea
  • Spread of the parasite through the blood to the liver, lungs, brain, or other organs

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have diarrhea that does not go away or gets worse.

Prevention

When traveling in countries where sanitation is poor, drink purified or boiled water. Do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.

Gallery

Amebic brain abscess
Amebiasis, normally an infection of the intestinal tract, may spread and infect other organs such as the liver or brain. Infection of the brain can be fatal. In this slide, ameba are shown in a sample of brain tissue. Ameba represent a serious infection in immunocompromised individuals. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Digestive system
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system organs
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
Amebic brain abscess
Amebiasis, normally an infection of the intestinal tract, may spread and infect other organs such as the liver or brain. Infection of the brain can be fatal. In this slide, ameba are shown in a sample of brain tissue. Ameba represent a serious infection in immunocompromised individuals. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

References

Petri WA, Haque R, Moonah SN. Entamoeba species, including amebic colitis and liver abscess. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 272.

Salvana EMT, Salata RA. Amebiasis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 307.

Last reviewed September 10, 2022 by Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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