Amoebiasis: causes and treatment

Amoebiasis is a gut infection by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is typically found in tropical countries.

How is amoebiasis diagnosed?

What’s the treatment for amoebiasis?



Amoebiasis doesn’t always cause any symptoms, but when it does, they include:

- diarrhoea
- blood in you poo
- tummy pain
- fever
- weight loss

You can get amoebiasis if you come into contact with the poo of someone with the infection. This can happen:

- if you eat or drink something has been in contact with infected poo
- if you touch something that has been in contact with infected poo e.g. a toilet handle or surface touched by someone who didn’t wash their hands properly after using the toilet

It’s also possible to get amoebiasis by having sex, especially oral-anal sex.

## How is amoebiasis diagnosed?

Your doctor may suspect amoebiasis based on your symptoms, travel activities and an examination of your tummy. They may also send a sample of your poo to be tested for the infection.


::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232444,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232444,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::

## What’s the treatment for amoebiasis?

The treatment for amoebiasis usually depends on your symptoms, but it can include

antibiotics to treat the infection.

Speak to a doctor for more information on what to do if you think you have amoebiasis.


error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Amoebiasis is a gut infection by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica, which is typically found in tropical countries. It can cause diarrhoea and blood in your poo. Read more about the other symptoms of amoebiasis and how to treat it.