Related articles: Amebiasis
Definition
Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the invasion of the intestinal wall by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica . The transmission of the parasite occurs mainly through the fecal-oral route, starting from the healthy carrier, from the convalescent or from the chronic carrier, which, with the faeces, eliminate amoebic cysts (infectious). These, long lasting in the external environment, contaminate water, soil and food (especially fruit and vegetables).
Other possible methods of contagion include direct contact between person and person (eg through hands dirty with fecal material) and transmission by sexual means, through oral-anal relationships.
Amoebiasis is a widespread disease especially in geographical areas where poor sanitary conditions and hot-humid climates are present (Africa, Indian subcontinent, Central and South America). In developed countries, it occurs mainly among travelers returning from endemic areas.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Anorexia
- Asthenia
- Chills
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Dysentery
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- haematochezia
- Temperature
- Flatulence
- Mucorrea
- Nausea
- Urticaria
- Weight loss
- rettorragia
- Blood in the stool
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Rectal tenesmus
- He retched
Further indications
The incubation period of amoebiasis lasts about 2-4 weeks. The infection can run asymptomatically or can cause clinical pictures of variable severity, from a mild chronic diarrhea to severe acute dysentery.
The main clinical form of amoebiasis presents with dysentery accompanied by cramping abdominal pains. The stools may contain mucus and blood. Fever is often absent. Diarrheal discharges can alternate periods of constipation.
Amoebiasis can cause weight loss and dehydration. Chronic amoebic infection can also occur with a soft palpable mass or with an annular lesion (ameboma), located in the cecum and in the ascending colon. Furthermore, urticarial skin lesions may occasionally be observed, especially around the perineum and the buttocks.
In some cases, amoebiasis can become complicated in an invasive form that causes extra-intestinal manifestations, especially on the liver and the lung. The formation of a hepatic abscess is the most common consequence and is associated with the appearance of high fever, chills, sweating, intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, weight loss and general malaise. Extraintestinal amoebic disease requires urgent treatment.
The diagnosis of amebiasis is carried out by identifying the parasite in stool samples or by serological tests.
Treatment of the symptomatic form involves the administration of antiamebic drugs, such as metronidazole. Sometimes, surgery is required to empty the abscess collection.
The prevention of amoebiasis requires the respect of elementary hygiene rules, such as washing hands after going to the bathroom and before handling food. Water can be decontaminated by boiling. Consumption of raw food, potentially contaminated water and ice must be avoided in endemic areas.
