2. Complications of Amoebiasis 1. Liver Abscess 2.

Lung Abscess
3. Brain Abscess

Amebiasis is an infection of the colon by a protozoan parasite called Entamoeba histolytica that can contaminate food or water. The disease is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The ameba then travels and settles in the large intestine, where it multiplies. The disease can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the intestines (dysentery). Because most strains of amebas are noninvasive, most cases of amebiasis produce no symptoms or only a

Amebiasis can range in severity from no symptoms with spontaneous healing to ulceration of the intestines with possible spreading to other tissues of the body, including the liver, lungs, and brain. Untreated, the most severe forms may result in death, but that is very rare. The most common site for infection outside the intestines is the liver, where the parasite can form abscesses. Although rare, amebiasis can spread to the lungs, brain, or other organs. Rarely,
mild infection that remains undiagnosed.
an amoebic liver abscess can rupture (burst) and lead to damage to your diaphragm (the thin muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdominal cavity). This can allow spread of the abscess into your chest cavity, affecting your lungs and your pleura (the membrane that covers your lungs). Symptoms of such a complication include cough, difficulty breathing and pain in your chest when you breathe in.

Carried in the feces of infected individuals, the disease is typically transmitted by fecal contamination of water or food. As a result, it can be passed on through insects such as flies and cockroaches, the use of human excrement as fertilizer, handling food with contaminated

hands, or person-to-person contact. Improved sanitary measures can control the disease. Thorough handwashing is essential in preventing transmission of the parasite.

8. Supportive measures to alleviate patients discomfort

Antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole. A second

drug, usually

diloxanide furoate, is then used to get rid of any parasites that may still be

living in your gut. After treatment is completed, testing of a is advised to ensure that the parasites have been cleared.

follow-up stool sample

Dehydration

If amoebic colitis is present, there is risk of becoming dehydrated. is when there is a lack of fluid in your body. It can occur if the water and salts that are lost in your stools are not replaced by your drinking adequate fluids. Therefore, drinking plenty of fluids is very important if you have amoebic colitis. Your doctor will advise you about how much fluid and what type of fluids you should drink. You may be given special . They are made from sachets that you can buy from pharmacies. (The sachets are also available on prescription.) You add the contents of the sachet to water. Rehydration drinks provide a good balance of water, salts, and sugar. The small amount of sugar and salt helps the water to be absorbed better from the gut into the body. They do not stop or reduce diarrhoea. Do not use home-made salt/sugar drinks, as the quantity of salt and sugar has to be exact.

rehydration drinks