Causative agent
Amoebic dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a protozoan parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.
Clinical features
Infection by Entamoeba histolytica may be asymptomatic. For patients who develop amoebic dysentery, symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and passing stool with blood and/or mucus, etc. Entamoeba histolytica may invade the liver to form an abscess. Less commonly, it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Other complications include inflammation of the intestine and in severe cases, perforation.
Mode of transmission
Transmission of amoebic dysentery occurs mainly through the faecal-oral route, including ingestion of faecal contaminated food or water containing the cyst of Entamoeba histolytica. Transmission can also occur through person-to-person contact such as diaper-changing and oral-anal sex.
Risk factors
People who live in institutions, travellers who travel to or immigrants from developing countries with poor sanitary conditions, and men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of getting the disease.
Incubation period
The incubation period is variable, and may range from a few days to several months. It is usually 2 - 4 weeks.
Management
Treatment may include appropriate use of antibiotics.
Prevention
1. Maintain good personal hygiene2. Maintain good food hygiene
* Please visit the website of Centre for Food Safety for more information on food safety.