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Amebiasis is a type of infection that is triggered by the microscopic parasite named “Entamoeba hystolytica”. Here the parasite appends itself to large intestine in humans and may extend to the other parts of the body and affect their functioning.

Microscopic cysts that contain parasites are found in contaminated water or food that leads to amebiasis that is consumed by humans. Fecally contaminated water or food that contain cysts, is responsible for causing amebiasis through ingestion in any form. Oral or anal contact can also lead to transmission from person to person..Houseflies and cockroaches are also responsible for spreading cysts.They are also caused by malnutrition, pregnancy, old age, excessive use of steroids alcoholism and malignancy.

Mild symptoms include:
1.Diarrhea or weight loss unintentionally.
2.Passage of soft or not properly formed stools that may be accompanied with mucus or occasional blood per day.
3...Fatigue or Abdominal cramps
4..Excessive Intestinal gas


Severity of the disease can be assessed by
1.Passage of stools accompanied with blood.
2.Excessive passage of stools that is 10 to 20 stools per day.
3.Vomiting or fever
4.Tenderness felt in abdomen.
Though there are no symptoms in 90% of people with amebiasis.

Tests include
1.Routine physical examination, medical history stool studies and extensive stool examination.
2.Intestinal walls can be examined by Sigmoidoscopy.
3.CT scans and radiological studies including ultrasound are used to spot liver abscesses.

Complications include:
1.Abscess in liver.
2.Side effects of medication like nausea etc.
3.Extending of parasite via blood to other organs like brain, lungs or liver.