Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica

= Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica = Amoebiasis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Overview

Amoebiasis is primarily a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, but it can also cause extraintestinal manifestations. The infection is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces containing E. histolytica cysts.

Epidemiology

Amoebiasis is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. It is estimated that up to 50 million people worldwide are infected annually, with a significant number of cases occurring in developing countries.

Pathophysiology

The life cycle of E. histolytica involves two stages: the cyst and the trophozoite. The cysts are the infective form, while the trophozoites are the active form that causes disease. Upon ingestion, cysts transform into trophozoites in the intestine, where they can invade the intestinal wall and cause amoebic dysentery.

Clinical Manifestations

Intestinal Amoebiasis

The most common form of amoebiasis is amoebic colitis, which presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Severe cases can lead to fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon.

Extraintestinal Amoebiasis

The most common extraintestinal manifestation is amoebic liver abscess, which presents with fever, right upper quadrant pain, and hepatomegaly. Other rare manifestations include amoebic brain abscess and amoebic pericarditis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of amoebiasis can be challenging due to the similarity of symptoms with other gastrointestinal infections. Laboratory tests include stool examination for cysts and trophozoites, serological tests, and imaging studies for extraintestinal disease.

Treatment

The treatment of amoebiasis involves the use of antiamoebic drugs. Metronidazole is commonly used for treating both intestinal and extraintestinal amoebiasis, followed by a luminal agent such as paromomycin to eradicate cysts in the intestine.

Prevention

Preventive measures include improving sanitation, ensuring access to clean water, and educating communities about hygiene practices. Travelers to endemic areas should be cautious about food and water consumption.

See Also

• Entamoeba histolytica
• Amoebic dysentery
• Amoebic liver abscess
• World Health Organization. "Amoebiasis." WHO Fact Sheet.
• Stanley, S. L. (2003). "Amoebiasis." The Lancet.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis due to Entamoeba histolytica is a rare disease.