Amebiasis

A parasitic infection of the colon with the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.

Description

A parasitic infection of the colon with the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.

Overview

Amoebiasis infection is most common in tropical areas with poor sanitary conditions. Travelers to these areas should not drink water that isn't treated or eat food that isn't cooked. They also should not eat food, such as produce, that may have been washed in local water.

Symptoms

If symptoms occur, they may be mild and include cramping and diarrhea. In worse cases, there can be bloody stools, fever and vomiting. Rarely, a pus-filled mass in the liver, called a liver abscess, happens.

Treatment

Treatment most often is with antibiotics.