Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, found in contaminated faeces, water and food, and in most cases is asymptomatic. However, when the person’s immune system is weakened or there are a large number of parasites, it is common for certain gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and general discomfort, to appear.
Although it is an easily treated disease, amebiasis should be identified and treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, as it is possible to prevent the progression of the disease, in which the liver or lungs may be compromised, for example.
- Most cases of amebiasis are asymptomatic.
- Because in these cases there is a low parasitic load.
- I.
- E.
- A small amount of parasites and the person’s immune system works well.
- So the parasite can multiply in the body.
- But it does not result in signs or symptoms.
When the parasitic burden is higher or when immunity is more compromised, it is possible to have symptoms indicative of a disease, called amebiasis, amoebic colitis or symptomatic intestinal amebiasis, the main being the main:
Symptoms of amebiasis usually appear 2 to 5 weeks after eating food or water contaminated with this parasite and it is important that the disease is identified and treated as soon as the first signs and symptoms of infection appear, as the disease can progress more severe stage of amebiasis, characterized by extra-intestinal complications. , being called symptomatic extra-intestinal amebiasis.
In this case, the parasite is able to pass through the intestinal wall and reach the liver, causing the formation of abscesses, as well as the diaphragm, which can lead to pleuropulmonary amebiasis. In symptomatic extraintestinal amebiasis, in addition to common symptoms of amebiasis, there may also be fever, chills, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting and alternate periods of diarrhea and constipation.
Learn more about Entamoeba histolytica infection
Treatment of amebiasis is determined by the doctor based on the type of infection of the person and the use of paromyymycin, iodoquinol or metronidazole may be recommended as required as medically indicated. In case of extra-intestinal amebiasis, your doctor may recommend the combined use of metronidazole and tinidazole.
In addition, during treatment, it is important to maintain hydration, as it is common to have a large loss of fluids due to diarrhea and vomiting that occur in amebiasis.