Smileband Health issues

Amebiasis is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Amebiasis is most commonly seen in people who have traveled to or immigrated from tropical places that have poor sanitary conditions. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping and typically occur 2-4 weeks after exposure.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 17 cases

 

Transmission

Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Transmission can also occur sexually through oral-anal contact.

Incubation period can vary from a few days to months or years, but most typically it is 2-4 weeks. Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Microscopic  examination	Stool
IgG Serology, ELISA  (Only use serology test  on symptomatic individuals)	Serum
PCR	Stool,  Liver aspirate

*Some tests may only be available through public health. Please contact your local public health for more information on these tests.

Isolation Precautions
Good personal hygiene practices are encouraged, including handwashing. A person can infect another person as long as cysts are still passing (months-years). 

For hospitalized patients, enteric precautions should be used in the handling of feces and contaminated clothing and bed linens.

Prevention for Patients
If a patient is traveling to a country with poor sanitary conditions they should avoid:

• drinks with ice cubes
• fresh fruit or vegetables that were not peeled by themselves
• milk, cheese, or dairy products that have not been pasteurized
• food or drinks sold by street vendors

Individuals who are food handlers or who provide direct care to hospitalized or institutionalized patients should be excluded from work until they complete treatment.

Public Health Actions
Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case. Household or other contacts should be tested and treated if positive.