Got a stomach ache? Here's everything you need to know about Amebiasis or Amoebic Dysentery!

Are you also experiencing frequent diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea these days? Sometimes these symptoms can come with a fever. This could actually be a symptom of a condition called Amebiasis, or as some call it, Amoebic Dysentery. Don't worry, we'll talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Who can develop amebiasis?

It can actually happen to anyone, but it is most common in countries with poor sanitation , especially in tropical regions. 'Poor sanitation' simply means places with no toilet facilities, no clean water to wash hands, and no proper disposal of used sewage.

Imagine, there is a parasite that causes this all over the world, especially in places where there is water contaminated with human feces. According to statistics, about 50 million people a year are infected with this amebiasis infection! It is most common in developing countries like ours. Even in developed countries, it can be seen among certain groups, for example, men who have sex with men, travelers, people who have recently returned from other countries, people with weakened immune systems, and institutionalized populations.

How does this amebiasis enter our body?

This happens when a tiny, invisible parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, or E. histolytica for short, enters your digestive system. How does it happen? It's very simple. It mainly happens when you eat or drink food that has been contaminated with this parasite. For example, by drinking water that has not been properly treated, or by eating raw vegetables and fruits that have been washed in dirty water that may contain this parasite.

Not only that, there are cases where this parasite has eggs, which we also call ``cysts.'' If you touch something contaminated with these ``cysts,'' such as a doorknob, a bill, and then put that hand in your mouth, this parasite can also enter your body.

It is most often spread through direct or indirect contact with feces (poop or stool) . You are at higher risk of developing it if you :

• If you are a person who engages in anal sex.
• If you live with other people in a place with poor hygiene conditions, for example, in a dormitory where you use shared toilets and there are no handwashing facilities.
• If you are traveling to areas with poor hygiene and where this disease is common.

What symptoms will I experience if I develop this?

This does not affect everyone the same. Imagine, if ten people are infected with this parasite, only one or two will show symptoms. The rest will not get sick at all, and will not show any symptoms. Especially in the early stages. However, symptoms can appear within a few days to about four weeks after infection.

The most common symptoms are:

• Abdominal painOr stomach pain, a feeling like your stomach is turning over.
• Diarrhea - You may have bowel movements several times a day. Sometimes there may be blood in the stool (rectal bleeding). This is one reason why it is called "amebic diarrhea."
• Fever - The body may feel hot and uncomfortable.
• Loose stools - The color of the stools may not change much, but they may be watery and contain mucus (like mucus).
• Nausea and possibly vomiting.

Think about it, this parasite called `(E. histolytica)` can live in your intestines for a long time, even if you don't show symptoms. That means that even if you don't show symptoms, you can still infect someone else. So if you've recently traveled to an area with dirty places, or if you suspect that you have these symptoms, see a doctor and ask if it's a good idea to get tested.

Why does this amebiasis occur?

The reason for this is the parasite `(E. histolytica)` that we mentioned earlier. A parasite is an organism that lives either inside or on the body of another organism (that is, the host). This parasite obtains the nutrition it needs from that host organism. This `(E. histolytica)` parasite lives in the human intestine.

This parasite makes egg-like structures, which we call `(cysts)`. These `(cysts)` stages are very resilient. They can survive even in adverse environmental conditions. If you are infected with this parasite, millions of these `(cysts)` are released into the environment through your feces. After that, anyone who comes into contact with water, food, or dirty hands that is even slightly contaminated with your feces can become infected with these `(cysts)`.

Is this a contagious disease?

Yes, amebiasis is definitely a contagious disease. You can get this:

• This disease is caused by exposure to the ``cysts'' of the parasite ``(E. histolytica)`` found in the feces of a person with the disease. This can happen if you eat food with dirty hands or drink dirty water.
• By consuming water or food contaminated with the parasite.

How does a doctor recognize this?

If you have symptoms, your doctor will first do a physical examination. They will look at your body and ask you about your symptoms. Then they will talk to you about:

• Have you traveled anywhere recently, where did you go, and what did you eat and drink there?
• You may also be asked about your sex life, as that is also a risk factor.
• About the sanitary conditions of the environment where you live.

What kind of tests are done for this?

A doctor will take a stool sample from you.They take it and look at it under a microscope. This looks for the parasite E. histolytica and its cysts. However, this parasite is not present in every stool sample. Therefore, you may need to provide more than one stool sample over several days to be sure.

A doctor can also take a blood sample and check for certain types of antibodies. This can give an idea of ​​whether the parasite has entered the body.

If you have severe symptoms, meaning that the infection has spread beyond the intestines, such as to the liver, your doctor may also do tests such as:

• Blood tests to check liver function.
• Colonoscopy - A tube with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the large intestine.
• Ultrasound - This can be used to check for abscesses in organs such as the liver.

How is Amebiasis treated?

The good news is that amebiasis can be cured. This is done using antibiotics . These drugs can completely cure the infection. The type of antibiotic your doctor gives you will depend on whether you have symptoms and the severity of the infection.

• If you have no symptoms, but tests confirm the infection, you may be given a type of antibiotic that destroys the cysts.
• If you have symptoms (such as stomach upset, diarrhea), you may need to take two types of antibiotics for 7-10 days to kill the parasites in your intestines and possibly the cysts.

Can this cause complications?

Yes, if amebiasis is not treated properly and on time, complications can occur. They can sometimes be severe.

• Liver abscess : This is the most common serious complication. The parasite travels from the intestines to the liver, where it forms a pus-filled abscess. This can cause symptoms such as fever and pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Lung amebiasis / pleuropulmonary amebiasis : The infection can spread from the liver to the lungs.
• Amebiasis affecting the brain : This is a very rare, but very serious complication.
• Peritonitis : An intestinal ulcer can become perforated and cause an infection of the lining of the abdomen.
• Anemia : Persistent bloody diarrhea can cause blood loss.

"This is why it's important to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to more serious conditions like this."

What should I do if I have amebiasis?

The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and take all prescribed medications exactly as prescribed, for the prescribed period of time, and in the correct dosage. Don't stop taking a few pills and then run out of them. You should finish the full course.

Most of the time, this infection will clear up in about two weeks with antibiotic treatment. If you take the medication properly and follow the doctor's instructions, this is a completely curable disease. So there's nothing to worry about.

How can I prevent this from happening?

You can reduce your risk of developing amebiasis by being careful about what you eat and drink, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.

• Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, especially when eating outside. If you eat them at home, wash them thoroughly and, if possible, soak them in vinegar water for a while before eating.
• Before cooking fruits and vegetables, peel them thoroughly and wash them under running water.
• Avoid drinking drinks with ice cubes and fruit juices made on the roadside, because we don't know if the water from which the ice is made is clean.
• Drink only sealed bottled water (if bottled water is not available, boil the water thoroughly for 1-2 minutes and drink it).
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet, changing a baby's diaper, and before preparing food or eating.
• Use condoms and practice safe sex practices during sex. This can reduce exposure to feces.

If you develop symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and make the illness worse.

What other people are at higher risk of developing this condition?

Some people are at higher risk of developing severe amebiasis infections and complications than the average healthy person. These include:

• Young people (young children) or pregnant women.
• People suffering from cancer.
• People who suffer from ``poor nutrition`` (meaning people who do not get enough nutrients from their bodies)
• People taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids.

Can this be life-threatening? When should I see a doctor?

Amebiasis can be cured with treatment. But if left untreated, amebiasis can be fatal, especially if complications such as liver abscesses develop. If you have recently traveled and are starting to develop symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, or diarrhea, talk to a doctor right away.

If you have any stomach problems, such as diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea), severe stomach cramps, or a persistent fever, be sure to tell your doctor. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you or someone you live with has recently traveled to an area with poor sanitation.

Can I go to work or school while I have this?

If you or your child has diarrhea, it is best to stay home. This is because it can spread to others. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and after handling diapers. After starting antibiotics, ask your doctor when you or your child can return to work, daycare, or school. They will usually tell you to stay home until the diarrhea has stopped for at least two days.

Amebiasis can be a bit of a scary word. You may be worried, 'Will other people find out about this?' or 'Will this get better?' But getting amebiasis doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It's an infection caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is found in food and water contaminated with feces. You can get this parasite if you go to a place with poor hygiene or if you live with people who have it.

So, what are the things we need to remember from what we've talked about? (Take-Home Message)

Amebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. It is mainly transmitted through contaminated food, water, and dirty hands.

• If you have symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea (possibly with blood), fever, and nausea , especially after traveling to or living in an unclean area, see a doctor immediately.
• Take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor exactly as prescribed, for the right amount of time, and in the right dosage. This can help you recover completely.
• Always take care of cleanliness. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially when preparing food, eating, and after using the toilet. Also take care of the water you drink.
• If left untreated, amebiasis can become severe and affect the liver, lungs, and rarely the brain. It can even be life-threatening. So don't ignore the symptoms.
• Since this is a contagious disease, take care not to infect others while you have symptoms.

Don't worry, I hope this information is helpful. If you have any doubts, please consult a doctor near you. Stay healthy!

` Amebiasis, Amoebic Dysentery, Entamoeba histolytica, Parasite, Diarrhea, Stomach ache, Hygiene