Amoebic Dysentery
Amoebic dysentery, or amoebiasis, is an infection of the gut which is most commonly caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The disease infects more than 480 million people annually and is spread all over the world.
Mode of transmission:
- It is transmitted by the faeco oral route through polluted food and water.
- It can also be transmitted indirectly through contact infected matter.

Symptoms
- Low-grade diarrhoea often with blood and mucus.
- Abdominal pain and abdominal swelling
- Frequent loose stools
- Fatigue and flatulence
- Cramps
- Inflammation of colon
- Intermittent constipation
- Anemia can be another major complication due to the excess loss of blood from the body.
These symptoms generally begin within 2-15 days of exposure to the amoeba.
Prevention
- Improved sanitation including boiling water and food before consumption will help prevent amoebiasis.
- Avoid sharing towels.
- Clean bathrooms and toilets frequently; pay attention to taps and toilet seats in particular.
- Avoid having raw vegetables while in endemic areas for they could be fertilized using human feces.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, changing a baby’s diapers, or before handling food.
- Make sure sewage is not leaking around the house and that it is treated properly to prevent infection.
- Avoid having drinks containing ice-cubes unless certain that the water used is clean.
- Boil water or add water-purifying tablets to make sure water is clean before you drink.
- Avoid having salads, unpeeled fruit, or ice-cream if you are in a place where amoebiasis frequently occurs.
- No vaccine is available yet to prevent amoebiasis.
Treatment
Amoebiasis in the tissues is treated with any of the following drugs:
- Metronidazole
- Secnidazole
- Tinidazole
Whereas, for luminal infections, Diloxanide Furoate or Iodoquinoline is used.