All::Infectious diseases::Diseases::Amoebiasis

Intro

What is Amoebiasis?

An intestinal infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. This results in severe diarrhoea with abdominal pain.

What causes Amoebiasis?

Entamoeba histolytica (an amoeboid protozoan)

How is Amoebiasis spread?

faecal-oral route

What are the features of Amoebiasis?

Abdo pain, diarrhoea & liver/colon abscesses

What is the treatment for Amoebiasis?

  • oral metronidazole
  • a 'luminal agent' (to eliminate intraluminal cysts) is recommended usually as well e.g. diloxanide furoate