Amoebic Dysentery Synonyms:

to 3 weeks. The onset is usually abrupt with fever followed by vomiting, abdominal pain Signs and Symptoms:

Amebic dysentery Amoebiasis (British spelling) Amoebic dysentery intestinal amoebiasis

Definition: Amoebic dysentery (or amebic dysentery) is a type of dysentery caused primarily by the amoeba , Entamoeba histolytica Etiologic Agent: Amebiasis is caused by the single-celled parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite lives primarily in humans, though some animals can be infected. The organism has two forms, a cyst (egg) and a trophozoite. Mode of Transmission: The transmission of amebiasis is feco-oral. This means that a person can become infected when the cyst is transferred from feces (stool) to mouth. This transfer occurs in several ways:

1. Acute amoebic dysentery o Slight attack of diarrhea, altered with periods of constipation o Diarrhea, watery and foul smelling stool often containing blood-streaked mucus o Nausea, flatulence, abdomnal distension and tenderness in the right iliac region over the colon 2. Chronic amoebic dysentery o Attack dysentery that lasts for several days, usually succeeded by constipation o Anorexia, weight loss, and weakness o Liver may be enlarged o The stool at first is semifluid but soon becomes watery, bloody, and mucoid Phatognomonic Sign: Bloody mucoid stool Diagnostic Tests:
1. Microscopy. This is the traditional

Putting anything into the mouth that has touched the stool of a person who is infected Swallowing something, such as water or food, that is contaminated Touching and bringing to the mouth cysts picked up from contaminated surfaces

Incubation Period: The incubation period can be anywhere between 10 hours to 7 days, usually 2 to 3 days. The majority of cases clear up after 2 to 3 days but some patients may be ill for 2

means of diagnosing the disease one simply looks at a sample of stool under a microscope. Because E. histolytica is not always found in every stool sample, several samples from different days may be needed 2. Antigen tests. These are considered the most useful tests for detecting E. histolytica. They test directly for the parasite itself by exposing some stool to a strip of paper coated with

antibodies. The parasites will stick to the antibodies on the paper. The test distinguishes E. histolytica from other parasites. Some antigen tests are experimental and not all labs have access to them. Drug of Choice: Several antibiotics are available to treat amebiasis. A single antibiotic is used if the E. histolytica infection has not made the patient sick. Two antibiotics are used in sequence when symptoms do appear. Frequently, either metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Fasigyn) are used to treat amebiasis. If this does not work, chloroquine, emetine, and dehydroemetine can be used. Eliminating cysts in carriers who do not have symptoms is accomplished with diloxanide furoate (Furamide), iodoquinol (Yodoxin), and [paromomycin] (Humatin). Nitazoxanide is a newer drug that shows promise against not only E. histolytica but many other parasites as well.] Prevention: To help prevent the spread of amoebiasis around the home :

Avoid raw vegetables when in endemic areas, as they may have been fertilized using human feces. Avoid eating Street Foods especially in public places where others are sharing sauces in one container.

Nursing Management: 1.If whole stool cannot be sent to laboratory, select as much portion as possible containing blood and mucus. 2.Send specimen immediately to the laboratory; stool that is not fresh is nearly useless for examination. Label specimen properly. 1. Monitor the amount, character, color and Frequency of stool. 2. Encourage to increase fluid intake 3. Provide health education Possible Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for deficient fluid volume related to frequent watery stool.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot running water for at least 10 seconds after using the toilet or changing a baby's diaper, and before handling food. Clean bathrooms and toilets often; pay particular attention to toilet seats and taps. Avoid sharing towels or face washers.

To help prevent infection: