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THE Entamoeba histolytica it is a protozoan, intestinal parasite, responsible for amoebic dysentery, which is a gastrointestinal disease in which there is severe diarrhea, fever, chills and feces with blood or whitish secretions.
Infection with this parasite can occur in any region and infect anyone, however it is more common in regions with tropical climates with poorer sanitary conditions, especially affecting babies and children who like to play on the floor and have a habit of putting everything in mouth, since the main form of infection by this parasite is through ingestion of contaminated water or food.
Although it is relatively easy to treat, when infection byEntamoeba histolytica can be life-threatening as it can result in dehydration. Therefore, as soon as symptoms suggestive of infection appear, especially in children, it is important to go to the emergency room to confirm the infection and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
Some of the main symptoms that may indicate infection by Entamoeba histolytica are:
- Mild or moderate abdominal discomfort;
- Blood or secretions in the stool;
- Severe diarrhea, which can favor the development of dehydration;
- Soft stools;
- Fever and chills;
- Nausea and nausea;
- Tiredness.
It is important that the infection is identified early on, because theEntamoeba histolytica it can result in dehydration and cross the intestine wall and release cysts in the bloodstream, which can reach other organs, such as the liver, favoring the occurrence of abscesses and can lead to organ necrosis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of this infection byEntamoeba histolytica it can be done by observing and analyzing the symptoms presented by the person. To confirm the suspicions, the doctor can also ask for the stool parasitological examination, and it is recommended to collect three stool samples on alternate days, as the parasite is not always found in the stool. Understand how the stool parasitological examination is done.
In addition, the doctor may also indicate that the stool is tested for occult blood, as well as other laboratory tests that help to check whether the infection is present and active. When there is a suspicion that the infection is already spreading through the body, other tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography, for example, can also be done to assess whether there are lesions in other organs.
How the infection happens
Infection by Entamoeba histolytica it happens through the ingestion of cysts present in water or food contaminated with feces. When cysts of theEntamoeba histolytica they enter the body, are lodged in the walls of the digestive tract and release active forms of the parasite, which end up reproducing and migrate to the large intestine where, later on, it may end up passing through the intestinal wall and spreading throughout the body.
The person infected withEntamoeba histolytica it can infect other people if its feces contaminates the soil or water used for drinking, washing dishes or bathing. Thus, it is very important to avoid using any type of water that may be contaminated with sewage.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for uncomplicated intestinal amebiasis is usually done only with the use of Metronidazole for up to 10 days in a row, according to the doctor's recommendation. In some cases, the use of some remedies that help relieve the symptoms presented, such as Domperidone or Metoclopramide, may also be indicated.
In the most severe cases, in which amebiasis is spread to other parts of the body, in addition to treatment with Metronidazole, one must also try to resolve the injuries caused to the organs.
How to avoid
To protect yourself from infection by Entamoeba histolytica, contact with sewage, contaminated or untreated water, floods, mud or rivers with standing water must be avoided, and the use of untreated chlorine pools is also discouraged.
In addition, if the sanitation conditions in the city where you live are not the best, you should always boil the water before using it, for washing food or drinking. Another option is to disinfect and purify the water at home, which can be done using sodium hypochlorite. Learn how to use sodium hypochlorite to purify water.