Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis is infection by an protozoan, typically Entamoeba histolytica. This is usually contracted by ingesting water or food contaminated by amoebic cysts.

Symptoms are usually gastrointestinal including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort and fever.

Most infected people are asymptomatic but this disease has the potential to make the sufferer dangerously ill, especially if there is any suggestion of immunocompromise.

Diagnosis of amoebiasis is confirmed by finding cysts in the stools of the patient.

The first line antibiotic of choice in amoebiasis is metronidazole.