Amebiasis
Amebiasis is an intestinal illness that's typically transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that's contaminated with a microscopic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). The parasite is an amoeba, a single-celled organism. That's how the illness got its name — amebiasis.
In many cases, the parasite lives in a person's large intestine without causing any symptoms. But sometimes, it invades the lining of the large intestine, causing bloody fever. In rare cases, it can spread into other organs such as the liver, lungs, and brain.
Amebiasis typically occurs in areas where living conditions are crowded and where there is a lack of adequate sanitation. The illness is very prevalent in parts of the developing world, including Africa, Latin America, India, and Southeast Asia. It is rare in the United States, occurring mostly in immigrants, recent travelers to high-risk countries, and people with hand washing, by using the same objects, and by sexual contact.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent amebiasis.
Because amoebas may contaminate food and water, you can help prevent the illness by being cautious about what you eat and drink, especially in developing countries, where a good rule regarding food is to cook it, boil it, peel it, or forget it.
Treatment
If your doctor suspects that your child has amebiasis, you may be asked to collect stool samples. After diagnosis, treatment will usually require consultation with appropriate experts such as those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other infectious disease specialists.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your child has signs or symptoms of amebiasis, including:
- diarrhea with blood or mucus
- abdominal pain
- fever
- distended abdomen
- pain or tenderness in the area of the liver (below the ribs on the right side)
This is especially important if you have recently traveled to a part of the world where amebiasis is common. Your child should also be examined if he or she has persistent diarrhea without any other symptoms.
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