AMOEBIASIS

Question 1

is a parasitic infection of the intestines caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica, or E. histolytica.

Answer 1

➢ Amoebiasis

Question 2

➢ Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection of the intestines caused by the

Answer 2

amoeba Entamoeba histolytica, or E. histolytica

Question 3

is a gastrointestinal illness that develops when an organism called a parasite enters your intestines. The illness may cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and fever. Healthcare providers usually treat it with antibiotics.

Answer 3

➢ Amebiasis, or amoebic dysentery

Question 4

is a single-celled protozoan that usually enters the human body when a person ingests cysts through food or water. It can also enter the body through direct contact with fecal matter.

Answer 4

➢ E. histolytica

Question 5

➢ When cysts enter the body, they lodge in the digestive tract. They then release an invasive, active form of the parasite called a _________. The parasites reproduce in the digestive tract and migrate to the large intestine. There, they can burrow into the intestinal wall or the colon.

Answer 5

trophozoite

Question 6

➢ You get amebiasis when a parasite called ___________ enters your digestive system.

Answer 6

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica)

Question 7

If trophozoites invade an internal organ, they can potentially cause:

Answer 7

• abscesses
• infections
• severe illness
• death

Question 8

If the parasite invades the lining of the intestine, it can cause _______. ______ is a more dangerous form of amebiasis with frequent watery and bloody stools and severe stomach cramping.

Answer 8

amebic dysentery

Question 9

Another very rare complication is _____________ which can destroy bowel tissue and lead to bowel perforation and peritonitis.

Answer 9

fulminant necrotizing amoebic colitis

Question 10

The liver is a frequent destination for the parasite, where it can cause a collection of pus called an __________. Symptoms include fever and tenderness in the upper-right part of the abdomen.

Answer 10

amebic liver abscess

Question 11

• A stool test called _____________ is often performed to detect E.
histolytica antigens.

Answer 11

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Question 12

• Using a blood sample or nasal swab, a molecular _______________ test may be performed to distinguish E. histolytica from other infections.

Answer 12

polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

Question 13

a _________ may be necessary to check for the presence of the parasite in your large intestine (colon).

Answer 13

colonoscopy

Question 14

Complications of amebiasis can occur, especially when the infection isn’t treated. They include:

Answer 14

• Anemia.
• Liver abscess.
• Lung amebiasis (pleuropulmonary amebiasis). • Peritonitis.