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Amebiasis is a large intestine infection resulted from a single-celled parasite, called Entamoeba Histolytica. Amebiasis is most likely to occur among individuals with improper sanitation practices and by sexual contact, especially among men homosexuals. In the United States, Amebiasis may occur only through infected stool contact. Vegetables and fruits can be contaminated when washed in polluted water, prepared by someone with infection, or when grown in soil fertilized by human stools. Most individuals with Amebiasis, especially people, living in temperate climate, experience no symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms are so vague that they can be barely noticed. The symptoms can include cramping, abdominal pain, flatulence(increased gas) or constipation, or intermittent diarrhea. The stool can consist of blood and mucus, and the person's abdomen can be tender by touch. The individual can have a mild fever. Anemia and body wasting(emaciation) are common. Intestinal wall's trophozoites invasion can result in ameboma(large lamp) to form. The ameboma can obstruct the person's intestine and be mistaken for cancers. In some cases, trophozoites are perforating the wall of the intestine. The intestinal contents release in the cavity of the abdomen results in peritonitis(abdominal infection) and severe abdominal pain, which needs prompt medical attention. Appendix trophozoite invasion and the surrounding intestine can result in mild appendicitis form. Appendicitis surgery may spread the trophozoites around the person's abdomen. Therefore, an operation can be delayed for two to three days while medications are taken to kill trophozoites. An abscess, consisted of trophozoites can form in the person's liver. Symptoms may include mild jaundice, liver area discomfort or pain, weight loss, constant fever, weakness, sweats, vomiting, nausea, and chills. Sometimes, the trophozoites are spreading through the blood, resulting in brain, lung, and other organs infection. The person's skin can also be infected , particularly around the genitals and buttocks, as can wounds resulted from injury or surgery. Amebiasis diagnosis based on laboratory stool sample testing; 3 to 6 samples can be required to confirm diagnosis. If a doctor suggests a liver abscess, a medication to kill amebae(amebicide) can be prescribed. If the amebicide is effective, Amebiasis is a correct diagnosis. Few medications, such as diloxanide, paromomycin, and iodoquinol used orally, kill the intestine parasites. Dehydroemetine or Metronidazole are prescribed for severe Amebiasis and for diseases outside the person's intestine. Stool sample should be reexamined one, three, and six months after treatment to be sure the individual is completely cured.
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