Amebiasis is a serious intestinal disease caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. This condition can cause complications, including bleeding, peritonitis, and colitis. It can also be fatal.
If you are exposed to the parasite, you may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. The condition can be treated by taking antibiotics. People who are pregnant or immunosuppressed should seek medical care immediately. In some cases, the parasite can live for years, spreading the infection.
Travelers to tropical areas with poor sanitation are at high risk of getting amebiasis. They should not eat unpeeled fruit or vegetables and drink only purified water. Contact with infected food and persons can also spread the disease. Therefore, people who travel to these countries should consult with their doctor.
People who are exposed to the amebiasis parasite will not show any symptoms at first. However, the condition can progress to invasive stages, which can be extremely dangerous. These stages of amebiasis are more common in immunosuppressed individuals, and can lead to complications such as peritonitis, liver abscess, and colitis. A patient may not realize that he or she is developing an invasive stage of the disease, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of amebiasis can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of parasite involved. Abdominal pain is one of the more common symptoms, but the cause of the pain can vary. Some believe that the abdominal pain is caused by visceral hypersensitivity, while others believe it is due to abnormally sensitive nerves in the intestines. Other symptoms include bloody stools, and a loss of weight.
Treatment of amebiasis usually includes ten days of oral metronidazole. Those with severe symptoms, such as vomiting, may need intravenous metronidazole. Patients should avoid exposing themselves to other patients until they have been declared free of the infection.
As with any other type of disease, the risk of getting amebiasis increases when the condition is left untreated. This is especially true in countries with poor sanitation. Getting an amebiasis vaccine can help prevent infection. Avoiding contact with infected persons and sanitary places to poop is also an effective way to prevent the spread of this infection.
Despite being a relatively uncommon condition, amebiasis is a very serious infection that can cause many complications, including death. This condition is most common in immigrants and those who live in regions with poor sanitary conditions. Since the parasite can survive in contaminated water and food, it is important to prevent it from entering your body.
If you are planning a trip to a tropical country, consider the following tips to avoid contracting the disease: Stay away from unpeeled fruit, eat only foods that are peeled and cooked, and wash your hands regularly. You can also prevent the disease by staying away from contaminated water and food, and by using dental dams to protect your mouth.
Symptoms of amebiasis should be reported to the public health department as soon as you are diagnosed. The presence of the parasite is easily detectable by stool samples, so the condition can be ruled out as a symptom of another illness.
