Amebiasis

Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the intestine caused by the parasite entamoebae histolytica (e.histolytica). Entamoeba histolytica is a combination of several single parasites that are textured like jelly and live on or on the surface of human and animal skin.

Entamoeba histolytica moves by changing its body structure and can multiply by itself. This parasite is found in a humid, watery and muddy environment.

Risk factors :

• The risk of infection is higher in people who live or visit tropical countries or areas with poor sanitation.
• People who have low endurance.
• Men who have homosexual.

Cause.

• Amebiasis infection occurs when the parasite e.histolytica enters the human body and settles in the intestine.
• Parasites are transmitted through contaminated food and drink.
• Transmitted after touching soil, water, fertilizer or other people's hands exposed to feces that contain the parasite.
• Having anal sex, oral sex.
• Do flushing therapy or colonic irrigation.

In general, e.histolytica parasites are inactive parasites that can stay for months in humid areas or areas that have been contaminated with infected feces. Parasites that enter the human body will gather in the intestine and switch to the active cycle (tropozoite phase). Active parasites will move to the large intestine.

When the parasite attaches to the intestinal wall, sufferers will experience :

• Feces accompanied by blood.
• Diarrhea.
• Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis).
• Damage to intestinal tissue.

The risk of amebiasis infection is getting worse if :

• Consuming alcohol.
• Malnutrition.
• Cancer sufferers.
• Pregnant.
• Using corticosteroid drugs that suppress the body's immune system.
• Go to a tropical country or an infected environment.

The symptoms.

• Symptoms of amebiasis are felt 7-28 days after being infected with the parasite.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain until stomach cramps.
• Get rid of excessive wind.
• Easily feeling tired.

In certain cases, the parasite can penetrate the mucosa in the intestinal wall and cause injury or spread to the liver through blood vessels and cause liver abscess.

Symptoms when the condition is severe :

• Pain when the stomach is pressed.
• Dysentery.
• Diarrhea.
• Stool mixed with mucus and blood.
• High fever.
• Throw up.
• Swelling in the abdomen or liver.
• Perforated intestine (intestinal perforation).
• Jaundice.

Diagnosis.

• Physical examination.
• Questioning the activity and location visited by the patient.
• Laboratory tests : stool samples.
• Blood test.
• Colonoscopy.
• Liver biopsy (sampling liver tissue for examination in a laboratory).
• CT scan or ultrasound to check for inflammation in certain organs.
• Needle test if there is accumulation of pus (abscess) in the liver.

Treatment.

• Antibiotics (metronidazole or tinidazole) to kill bacteria in the liver or other organs. Antibiotics are given with antiparasites (diloxanide furoate).
• Anti-nausea medicine.
• Mineral water, intravenous fluids, ORS to replace lost fluids.
• Surgery will be performed if a liver abscess is broken or the intestine has a hole.

Complications.

• Anemia.
• Intestinal bleeding in patients who experience inflammation of the large intestine.
• Obstruction in the intestine due to tissue clots in the intestinal wall
• An abscess in the heart.
• Brain and central nervous system infections.
• Dead.

Prevention.

• Wash your hands with soap after urinating or defecating.
• Wash vegetables or fruit thoroughly before consumption.
• Wash cookware thoroughly before use.
• Boil water until boiling before drinking.
• Do not consume milk, cheese, without cooking.