Amoebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica
Cyst can survive outside the body and spread.
Can spread by feco-orally and male homosexual contact.
Asymptomatic cases – can act as carrier.
Amoebiasis
Can invade mucosa of small intestine.
Make intestinal ulcers.
Can enter portal vein and liver.
Clinical features
Incubation – few days to several months.
Gradual onset – mild intermittent diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, can lead to bloody diarrhoea with mucus.
Headache, nausea, anorexia.
Can be present – severe acute dysentery.
Complications
Toxic dilatation of colon.
Stricture formation.
Amoeboma – fibrotic granulation tissue in caecum, sigmoid colon.
Liver abscess.
Diagnosis
Stool examination – fresh sample or sigmoidoscopy sample.
Treatment - Metronidazole.