Amebiasis

Amoebiasis or amebiasis is a disease caused by infection of the parasite Entamoebae histolytica in the intestine. Amebiasis often occurs in tropical countries and developing countries with poor sanitation systems.

Amebiasis occurs due to consuming food or drinks contaminated with E. histolytica larvae . This condition is generally characterized by diarrhea or abdominal cramps. In severe cases, sufferers can experience fever and jaundice.

Amebiasis is also known as amoebic dysentery. If not treated properly, this disease can cause serious complications in the form of the spread of parasitic infection to the brain or liver.

Causes of Amebiasis

Amebiasis is caused by the parasite E. Histolytica . This parasite can enter the body and settle in the intestines in several ways:

• Consuming food and drinks contaminated with Histolytica
• Touching soil, water, fertilizer, or feces contaminated with Histolytica and then not washing your hands
• Touching an object contaminated with Histolytica, then putting your hand in your mouth without washing your hands first
• Having sex with someone who has amebiasis, especially through the mouth (oral) and anus (anal)

Normally, E. histolytica larvae are inactive in water, soil, fertilizer, or feces. However, E. histolytica larvae will become active (trophozoites) once they enter the body. Active larvae will multiply in the digestive tract, then move and settle on the walls of the large intestine.

A person is at high risk of being infected with this parasite if they frequently travel to tropical countries or those with many cases of amebiasis. E. histolytica infection can progress to more severe conditions if the following factors are present:

• Experiencing alcohol addiction
• Using corticosteroid drugs for a long period of time
• Experiencing malnutrition
• Suffering from cancer
• Is pregnant

Symptoms of Amebiasis

Symptoms of amebiasis appear 7–28 days after a person is infected with the parasite. In most cases, sufferers will experience the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Excessive flatulence
• The body feels very tired

If left untreated, the parasite can penetrate the intestinal wall and cause ulcers. The parasite can also spread to the liver through the blood vessels and cause a liver abscess (a collection of pus).

If the condition is severe, sufferers may experience the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the upper abdomen
• Dysentery or diarrhea with stools mixed with mucus and blood
• High fever
• Vomiting
• Swollen stomach
• Jaundice​​​

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you experience the symptoms of amebiasis mentioned above. If amebiasis is diagnosed and treated quickly, the risk of complications can be prevented.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience severe diarrhea, such as diarrhea accompanied by blood or lasting more than 3 days, vomiting, or symptoms of dehydration.

Diagnosis of Amebiasis

To diagnose amebiasis, the doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced, the lifestyle, and the patient’s medical history and travel history to certain areas. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as:

• Stool examination , to find the presence of Histolytica
• Blood tests , to detect infections in the blood and the presence or absence of anemia, and to assess liver function.
• CT scan or ultrasound , to detect inflammation or abscesses in the liver or certain organs.
• Colonoscopy , to detect abnormalities in the large intestine
• Needle biopsy , to detect the presence of parasites by taking a sample from the liver abscess.

Amebiasis Treatment

Treatment of amebiasis aims to kill the parasite, reduce the risk of spreading the parasite to other parts of the body, and overcome complaints. Treatment methods include:

Administration of medication

Some drugs to treat amebiasis are:

• Antibiotic drugs
  Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, are used to kill parasites in the body. This drug is usually given with antiparasitics, such as diloxanide furoate.
• Anti-nausea drugs
  In patients who experience symptoms of nausea, doctors can prescribe anti-nausea drugs. Examples of anti-nausea drugs are ondansetron, metoclopramide, or domperidone.

Replacement of body fluids

The doctor will advise the patient to drink plenty of water and oralit to replace fluids lost due to diarrhea. If the dehydration is severe enough, the patient needs to be treated in the hospital.

Operation

If amebiasis causes intestinal perforation (hole) or severe colitis, the doctor will perform surgery to remove the affected intestine. In addition, surgery can also be performed to treat liver abscesses that do not improve after antibiotics.

Complications of Amebiasis

Untreated amebiasis can cause a number of complications, such as:

• Anemia due to intestinal bleeding, especially in patients with intestinal inflammation (amebic colitis)
• Blockage or obstruction of the intestines due to a lump of tissue in the intestines (ameboma)
• Amebic liver abscess, which is the formation of an abscess in the liver tissue.
• Sepsis , which is the spread of parasitic infection throughout the body, including the brain.
• Hole in the intestine

Prevention of Amebiasis

Amebiasis can be prevented by implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle. Some efforts that can be made are:

• Practice the habit of washing your hands with soap and running water, especially after urinating or defecating, before and after eating or preparing food, and after changing your baby’s diaper.
• Wash vegetables or fruit thoroughly, and peel them before consuming them.
• Wash cooking utensils thoroughly before using.
• Boil the water until it boils before drinking it.
• Consume milk and milk products that have gone through the pasteurization process.
• Be careful when choosing snacks.
• Do not share toiletries, such as towels, soap, or toothbrushes, with others.

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