Amoebic Dysentery

By: Shereen Malabonga Flores

Description

• Also known as Amoebiasis.

• Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, especially in the colon, that can lead to severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces.

Causes

• Amoebic dysentery is caused by the parasite Entamoebahistolytica,

• found in contaminated food and drinks.

Epidemiologic Background

• Commonly found in less developing countries.

• Travellers to countries with poor sanitation are at greater risk of contracting the disease.

• It can affect any one young or old of either sex.

Risk Factors

• Alcoholism

• Cancer

• Malnutrition

• Older or younger age

• Pregnancy

• Recent travel to a tropical region

• Use of corticosteroid medication to suppress the immune system

Signs and Symptoms

Mild symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Excessive gas

• Rectal pain while having a bowel movement (tenesmus)

• Unintentional weight loss

Signs and Symptoms

Severe symptoms:

• Abdominal tenderness

• Bloody stools

• Fever

• Vomiting

Complications

• Liver abscess

• Medication side effects, including nausea

• Spread of the parasite through the blood to the liver, lungs, brain, or other organs

Treatment

• Metronidazole is given by mouth for 10 days.

• This is followed by Paromomycin or Diloxanide.

• If you are vomiting, you may need to medications through a vein (intravenously) until you can take them by mouth.

Test and Examinations

• Examination of the abdomen may show liver enlargement or tenderness in the abdomen.

Tests include:

• Blood test for amebiasis

• Examination of the inside of the lower large bowel (sigmoidoscopy)

• Stool test

• Microscope examination of stool samples, usually over several days.

THANK YOU!

Description

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