Amebic Dysentary

Amebic Dysentary

Entamoeba histolytica life cycle

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Entamoeba histolytica causes amebic dysentery
Amebiasis is an infection of the large intestine, produced by Entamoeba histolytica. It produces a disease ranging from chronic mild diarrhea to life threatening dysentery. Liver abscesses may result, at times rupturing into the abdominal or chest cavities. These diseases are diagnosed primarily by an examination of the stool. Careful microscopic investigation can disclose the presence of the cyst or adult form, a trophozoite. Treatment should be aimed at relief of symptoms, replacement of fluids, electrolytes, and blood loss, and eradication of the organism. The prevention of amebiasis is even more important. For example, the avoidance of contaminated food and water, scalding of vegetables and the use of iodine release tablets in drinking water are important measures. Improvement in the general sanitation, detection of “cyst passers”, and their removal from food-handling duties, are general measures in prevention.
E. histolytica infections occur in both the intestine and (in people with symptoms) in tissue of the intestine and/or liver.As a result, two different classes of drugs are needed to treat the infection, one for each location. Such anti-amoebic drugs are known as amoebicides.