Amoebiasis
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Definition - Amoebiasis is an infectious disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that infects the human intestines.
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Causes / Etiology - Amoebiasis is caused by the ingestion of cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, usually through contaminated food or water or by poor hygiene.
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Types or Classification
- Intestinal amoebiasis: This is the most common type and affects the intestines.
- Extraintestinal amoebiasis: This type affects organs outside the intestines such as the liver, lungs, and brain.
- Asymptomatic cyst passers: Some people can carry the amoeba in their intestines without showing any symptoms.
- Amoebic dysentery: This is a severe form of amoebiasis characterized by bloody diarrhea.
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Pathology The amoeba enters the body through the mouth and travels to the intestines where it multiplies and forms cysts. Step 1 → The amoeba invades the intestinal mucosa and causes inflammation. Step 2 → The amoeba releases enzymes that break down the intestinal tissue. Step 3 → The amoeba forms a cyst and is excreted in the stool. Step 4 → The cysts can be ingested by another person, starting the cycle again.
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Clinical Features
- General features: Fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Specific features: Diarrhea, bloody stools, and in severe cases, liver abscesses.
- Complications
- Acute complications: Intestinal obstruction, perforation, and peritonitis.
- Chronic complications: Liver abscesses, lung abscesses, and brain abscesses.
- Diagnosis / Investigations
- Routine tests: Stool examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
- Special tests: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsy.
- Management
- General management: Rest, hydration, and nutrition.
- Modern treatment: Metronidazole, tinidazole, and paromomycin.
- Dietary advice: Avoid contaminated food and water, eat a balanced diet, and avoid raw or undercooked meat.
- Homeopathic Therapeutics
- Lachesis - Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Aloe - Diarrhea, bleeding, and fatigue.
- Phosphorus - Liver abscesses, fever, and weight loss.
- Arsenicum album - Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anxiety.
- Sulphur - Diarrhea, skin rashes, and fatigue.