• Infections

What is Amebiasis?

Published: May 27, 2023
Updated: August 05, 2024
5 min

Amebiasis is a serious infection of the intestines that affects up to 4% of the U.S. population every year and far more people globally.

Although an amebiasis infection can usually be cured easily, it can cause potentially dangerous complications if left untreated.

If you’re concerned about a parasitic infection like amebiasis, it’s essential to determine if you’ve been infected by getting a professional diagnosis as soon as possible.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of amebiasis to help you understand this condition a little better, outline treatment options, and highlight preventative measures that can reduce your risk of an amebiasis infection in the future.

What is Amebiasis?

Amebiasis — also known as amebic dysentery — is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite named Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica).

This condition can affect anyone who comes into contact with the parasite or its protozoa (or offspring, also called cysts) and can cause potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.

How do you get an amebiasis infection?

Amebiasis parasites are usually found in contaminated water or food and can infect anyone who ingests them.

The parasites are found in water contaminated by fecal matter — especially if the water doesn’t go through a purification process before it’s used.

Amebiasis is common in developing parts of the world where sanitation and water quality are poor. You can also contract amebiasis through direct contact with individuals who have been infected or through exposure to contaminated surfaces.

What Are the Symptoms of Amebiasis?

Not everyone who contracts amebiasis feels sick initially, and you can be infected for up to four weeks before symptoms start to develop. Symptoms of amebiasis may include:

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Loose or watery stools

• Nausea

• Excessive gas

• Rectal pain and bleeding

In severe cases and expansive infections, the parasite may break through the intestinal wall and spread to major internal organs like the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. This may cause:

• Abscesses on the affected organ

• Further infection

• Severe illness

• Death

It’s important to understand that E. histolytica can live in the intestines for a long time and might never cause symptoms to develop. That’s why it’s important to undergo medical testing after you’ve traveled to an area with poor sanitary conditions and suspect an infection, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with amebiasis.

How is Amebiasis Diagnosed?

It can be difficult to diagnose amebiasis because the symptoms often take a long time to develop. The infection also looks similar to other parasitic diseases in addition to more common GI bugs, which must be ruled out first.

Let’s take a closer look at the methods for diagnosing amebiasis.

Stool samples

The most common way to diagnose a parasitic infection is by taking a stool sample and sending it for tests.

Your sample will be taken to a laboratory where it will be tested for a presence of the amoeba or its antigen. This is the substance triggered by an immune response if you get infected by this harmful organism.

If your test results are positive — meaning that you have E. histolytica evidence in your stool sample — it means that you've been exposed to the intestinal amebiasis parasite and have been infected.

PCR tests

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a method of detecting viruses or bacteria in the body. Samples are usually taken with a nasal or throat swab and sent for testing.

Your doctor may request a PCR test to rule out other infectious diseases with similar symptoms to amebiasis.

Blood and imaging tests

If you’ve already been diagnosed with amebiasis, your doctor might recommend further testing to determine if the infection has spread.

This usually includes blood tests that will show whether the infection has become worse.

In the case of severe infections or symptoms, your doctor may also request ultrasounds or CT scans to check for lesions on major organs.

What Are the Treatment Options for Amebiasis?

Depending on the severity of the infection and your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend different treatment options.

Antibiotics for Amebiasis

Antibiotics are usually the first option for treating cases of amebiasis. If you haven’t developed symptoms, you will likely only need to take one type of antibiotic.

However, if the infection has made you sick or caused broad symptoms to develop, your doctor may prescribe two types of antibiotics — Humatin® (paromomycin) and/or Flagyl (metronidazole).

This is a more aggressive form of treatment, because developing symptoms indicates that the infection has become worse.

Taking two types of antibiotics can help to reduce the risk of major organs becoming infected, which prevents further complications.

It’s important to finish the entire course of all your prescribed antibiotics to ensure comprehensive elimination and reduce the risk of microbial resistance.

How can I get the antibiotics I need to treat amebiasis?

Antibiotics are prescription medicines, which means you’ll need a doctor’s help.

At LifeMD, we make this process easier than ever by offering virtual consultations from the comfort of your own home.

Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to provide you with a professional diagnosis, order lab tests, and write prescriptions for any medication you may need.

Home Remedies for Amebiasis

If you’re diagnosed with amebiasis, your healthcare provider may also suggest a few lifestyle changes or home remedies to help you recover more quickly and prevent future infections. These may include:

• Getting lots of rest

• Drinking plenty of fluids, specifically bottled, boiled, or filtered water

• Avoiding ice cubes or drinking from water fountains

• Avoiding dairy products like milk or cheese that can irritate the digestive system

• Staying home to prevent spreading the infection

Remember that these recommendations are meant to be used alongside your prescribed medication and not as an alternative treatment option.

Surgery for Amebiasis

In severe cases — such as if the infection has spread to organs or an abscess caused by amebiasis has developed in the intestines — you may need surgery.

Surgery is only used in severe cases of parasitic infections.

How to Prevent Amebiasis

Preventing amebiasis is possible by practicing good hygiene and taking steps to improve sanitation processes.

The following guidelines are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when traveling or living in parts of the world where amebiasis is common:

• Avoid drinking tap water

• Avoid purchasing food or drinks from street vendors

• Wash your hands after you’ve been in a public bathroom or area

• Avoid contact with a person infected with amebiasis

• Travel with iodine tablets to help purify water

• Only eat cooked or thoroughly cleaned fruits and vegetables

• Use protective measures when having sex to avoid exposure to infected fecal matter

If you’ve traveled to a country where sanitation is poor, it might also be a good idea to get a stool test if symptoms develop in the months after you return. This can help you catch an infection early on and start treating it before it gets severe.

When Should I See a Doctor About Amebiasis?

When it comes to amebiasis, early diagnosis and the right antibiotic treatment are key.

You should also seek medical attention the moment you start showing amebiasis-related symptoms or have reason to suspect an infection.

It might also be a good idea to speak to a medical professional before you travel to any areas with poor sanitation to discuss best practices for your health. They’ll also be able to recommend preventive measures that can help keep you safe.

For travelers and those concerned about amebiasis infections, LifeMD can assist you with advice and quality care with a fast, white-glove virtual appointment.

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