Amoebiasis Is a disease caused by Entamoeba hystolytica It is seen worldwide especially in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene

1. Amoebiasis
Dr Paul T Francis, MD
Community Medicine
College of Medicine, Zawia

2. Amoebiasis
 Is a disease caused by Entamoeba
hystolytica
 It is seen worldwide especially in developing
countries with poor sanitation and hygiene
 Amoebiasis is endemic in Libya

3. Entamoeba histolytica

4. Entamoeba histolytica

5. Epidemiological features
 Agent
 E. histolytica
 Reservoir of infection – Man (cases and carriers)
 Host factors
 Can occur in any age
 Period of communicability – as long as cysts are
excreted
 Environmental factors – common in areas with poor
sanitation

6. Epidemiologic features
 Mode of transmission
 Direct – contaminated fingers
 Indirect – contaminated vegetables, water, flies
etc.
 Incubation period
 3-4 weeks

7. Clinical features
 It causes dysentery
 Diarrhea with blood and mucous
 Hepatic (Liver) abscess
 Is a very serious condition and can cause death of
patient

8. A ruptured amoebic liver abscess

9. Prevention and control
 Primary prevention
 Sanitary disposal of human excreta
 Safe drinking water supply
 Protection of food from flies
 Screening of food handlers
 Health education
 Secondary prevention
 Early diagnosis and treatment