Because the parasite usually enters the body through food, the infection is also called food poisoning. Although anyone can have this disease, it is most common in people who live in developing countries that have poor sanitary conditions.
It also is found in people who have traveled to developing countries and in people who live in institutions that have poor sanitary conditions.
The parasite lives in the human intestine. Bowel movements can spread the parasite to soil, water, or food. Vegetables or fruit can be contaminated by contact with this soil or water.
A person gets amebiasis by putting anything in their mouth that has touched infected feces or by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the parasite. The infection can spread when infected people do not dispose of their feces in a sanitary manner or do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet.
Food handlers may also transmit the infection by soiled hands. Mechanical transfer of protozoa occurs through flies and cockroach. It can also be spread sexually by oral-anal contact.
The parasite can live in the large intestine (colon) without causing damage to the intestine. In some cases, it invades the colon wall, causing colitis, acute dysentery, or long-term (chronic) diarrhea. The infection can also spread through the bloodstream to the liver. Often there are no symptoms, but sometimes it causes diarrhea (loose stool/poop), nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach), and weight loss. Signs & symptoms of amebiasis include: diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach pains, cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, fever
Amebiasis
