Amebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery)

Amebiasis is parasitic infection in your gut. It’s caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). It may not cause any symptoms. Or it could lead to belly pain, diarrhea, vomiting or other digestive symptoms. If it’s severe or spreads to other parts of your body, like your liver or brain, it can be life-threatening.

Severe amebiasis symptoms, like watery diarrhea, are called amoebic dysentery.

Symptoms of amebiasis

Most people with amebiasis don’t have symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, they could include:

• Belly pain or cramping
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Loose stools
• Nausea
• Bloody poop
• Vomiting

Amebiasis causes

The parasite E. histolytica, a type of amoeba, causes amebiasis. Parasites live on or in your body, using your body’s nutrients. E. histolytica reproduces in your digestive tract and creates cysts. Cysts leave your body when you poop.

You get amebiasis by swallowing poop contaminated with the parasite. While it might seem almost impossible that this would happen, it’s more common than you think. It can happen through:

• Contaminated food, like fruits or vegetables washed in contaminated water
• Unpasteurized (raw) milk, cheese or other dairy products
• Contaminated water (including ice cubes)
• Contaminated surfaces or objects — if you touch them and then touch your mouth

Amebiasis isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But it sometimes spreads through sex. Your mouth can touch areas of someone’s body with poop on them.

Risk factors

E. histolytica is found throughout the world. But it’s most common in:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Parts of Africa and South America

You’re at a higher risk of amebiasis infection if you:

• Live in or travel to areas where it’s common
• Live in or travel to areas without running water or modern sanitation
• Live in crowded conditions
• Have anal sex

Complications

E. histolytica infections can cause serious complications in your digestive tract or spread to other parts of your body. Complications include:

• Appendicitis
• Toxic megacolon
• Liver or brain abscess
• Inflammation of the lining of your abdomen (peritonitis)
• Pus in the lining of your lungs (empyema)
• Inflammation of the sac around your heart (pericarditis)

How doctors diagnose amebiasis

Healthcare providers diagnose amebiasis by looking at a sample of your poop (stool) under a microscope. Other tests that can help diagnose parasitic infections and complications include:

• Blood tests
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
• Ultrasound

How is amebiasis treated?

Healthcare providers treat amebiasis with antibiotics and antiparasitic medications. You might take one medication or a combination of two or more. Medications that treat amebiasis include:

• Iodoquinol
• Paromomycin
• Diloxanide furoate
• Metronidazole
• Tinidazole
• Ornidazole

You might also need surgery or fluid drainage if you have severe complications.

Recovery time

You’ll need to take medications for a week or longer. But many people start feeling better within a few days. Make sure to take all medications as prescribed, even if you feel better.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a parasitic infection or if you’ve traveled to an area where you could’ve gotten infected (even if you don’t have symptoms). They can recommend tests or next steps.

What can I expect if I have amebiasis?

With treatment, most people recover from amebiasis. But it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Some complications can be fatal.

Can amebiasis be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of amebiasis by following a few guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• If you’re in an area where you’re unsure if the water is safe, use bottled water for drinking, cooking and washing vegetables.
• Don’t drink untreated water or unpasteurized milk.
• Wash, peel or cook fruits and vegetables before eating.