Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis

1. Definition

Amoebiasis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is a leading cause of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess worldwide. The parasite is typically acquired through the consumption of contaminated food and water.

2. Synonyms

• Amoebic dysentery
• Entamoeba infection
• Intestinal amoebiasis

3. Causes / Etiology

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative organism of amoebiasis. The parasite is spread through the fecal-oral route, where contaminated food and water are consumed. Poor sanitation and hygiene are major risk factors for the spread of the disease.

4. Types / Classification

• Acute amoebic dysentery: Characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
• Chronic amoebic dysentery: Presents with intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over a prolonged period.
• Liver abscess: A collection of pus in the liver caused by the spread of the parasite from the intestines.

5. Pathophysiology / Pathology

The parasite enters the body through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. It then attaches to the intestinal mucosa and releases enzymes that break down the tissue, leading to inflammation and ulcers. In severe cases, the parasite can spread to the liver and cause abscesses.

6. Clinical Features

• Acute amoebic dysentery: Sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever.
• Chronic amoebic dysentery: Intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Liver abscess: Severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

7. Complications

• Acute amoebic dysentery: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and intestinal obstruction.
• Chronic amoebic dysentery: Malabsorption, anemia, and weight loss.
• Liver abscess: Septicemia, liver failure, and death.

8. Investigations / Diagnosis

• Stool examination: Detection of trophozoites or cysts in the stool.
• Endoscopy: Visualization of intestinal ulcers and lesions.
• Imaging studies: CT or ultrasound scans to detect liver abscesses.

9. Differential Diagnosis

• Bacterial dysentery
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Intestinal tuberculosis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis

10. Management / Treatment

• General management: Rest, hydration, and electrolyte replacement.
• Modern medicine treatment: Metronidazole or tinidazole for amoebic dysentery, and surgical drainage for liver abscess.
• Diet and lifestyle advice: A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and good hygiene practices.

11. Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Arsenicum album

  • Causation: Food poisoning
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Chills and fever
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Bismuthum subnitricum

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence
  • Modalities: Better with motion, worse with rest
  • Mental state: Irritability and mood swings
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and gas
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Carbo vegetabilis

  • Causation: Food poisoning
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Chills and fever
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Graphites

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence
  • Modalities: Better with motion, worse with rest
  • Mental state: Irritability and mood swings
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and gas
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Kreosotum

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea with blood
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and bleeding
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Lachesis

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Chills and fever
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• MERCURIUS

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence
  • Modalities: Better with motion, worse with rest
  • Mental state: Irritability and mood swings
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and gas
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• Nux vomica

  • Causation: Food poisoning
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
  • Modalities: Better with rest, worse with motion
  • Mental state: Irritability and mood swings
  • Thirst and appetite: Decreased thirst and appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and gas
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• PHOSPHORUS

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Chills and fever
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

• SULPHUR

  • Causation: Intestinal parasites
  • Characteristic symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and itching
  • Modalities: Better with warmth, worse with cold
  • Mental state: Anxiety and restlessness
  • Thirst and appetite: Increased thirst and decreased appetite
  • Nature of discharges or secretions: Watery diarrhea
  • Physical generals: Abdominal tenderness and itching
  • Suitable constitution or patient type: Sensitive and anxious individuals
  • Helps in the disease: Relieves symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain

12. Prognosis

The prognosis of amoebiasis depends on the severity of the disease and the promptness of treatment. If left untreated, the disease can lead to complications such as liver abscess and intestinal obstruction. With proper treatment, the prognosis is usually good.

13. Prevention

Prevention of amoebiasis involves good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoiding contaminated food and water is also essential. In areas where the disease is common, using proper sanitation and water treatment facilities can help prevent the spread of the disease.

14. Diet

A balanced diet is essential for individuals with amoebiasis. Foods that are high in fiber and low in fat can help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods can also help reduce symptoms. In chronic amoebiasis, a diet that is low in sugar and high in antioxidants can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.