What Are the Causes of Amebic?

Amebic parasites exist in the environment at all times. Some require a host to reproduce or multiply, while others are free-living parasites that can multiply without a host. The causes of amebic infections vary, depending on the environmental circumstances. The effects on humans often depend on the individual's own ability to fight off the parasite.

Parasites are found everywhere. "Washing hands (before shot)_0033" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: hoyasmeg (James Emery) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Amebic Dysentery

Dysentery is caused from a parasite in the intestinal tract "guts" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: striatic (hobvias sudoneighm) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

The Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amebic dysentery. After swallowing contaminated food or water, the parasite moves through the body and becomes stationary in the intestines. Once in the intestinal tract, inflammation and infection can occur.

If the parasites form a cyst, which is a group of amoeba that have produced a protective wall around itself, the acids in the body and immune system are unable to kill the parasite. The parasitic cyst is then excreted though the feces, which can then contaminate other food and water.

Contamination from Entamoeba histolytica can come from animal feces as well as human feces.

Amebic Meningoencephalitis

Naegleria parasite lives in fresh warm water "Sunrise - Gippsland Lakes - Melbourne Australia" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: PEHx2 (Lincoln Peh) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Naegleria parasites cause amebic meningoencephalitis. The parasite lives in warm fresh water such as lakes, ponds and streams. The hot summer months produce more activity, which means a higher risk of infection in recreational waters. The ameba travels up through the nose when swimming or diving in contaminated waters. After the parasite enters the nose, it travels to the brain and the spinal cord, where it causes infections and destroys cell tissue.

Swimming pools that are not properly maintained and chlorinated are also at risk for producing the Naegleria bacteria that causes amebic meningoencephalitis.

Amebic Liver Abscess

Entamoeba histolytica can cause a liver abscess "Anatomy Class" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: foundphotoslj under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Amebic liver abscess occurs from the same parasite that causes amebic dysentery, but it has formed the protective cyst. Once ingestion of the cysts have taken place, the organism travels through the blood to the liver, causing a liver abscess. The abscess causes pus pockets to form on the liver.

The parasite is most prevalent in overpopulated and unsanitary areas. Those with underlying medical problems and poor immune systems are more susceptible to this parasite.

Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause blindness "Look into my eyes" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Look Into My Eyes under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Acanthamoeba is an environmental parasite that can cause serious vision problems. Acanthamoeba keratitis affects those who wear contact lenses. The parasite gets between the contact lens and the eye, while swimming or showering. If the contacts are not cleaned properly, the parasite enters the eye and can cause a serious infection. If the eye infection is not treated, the affected eye could have permanent damage, resulting in partial or total blindness.

Precautions for amebic infections

Proper washing and preparation of food can deter parasitic ingestion "bentolicious" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: ms.Tea (tracy ducasse) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Underlying medical conditions can make some people more suseptable to infections. These individuals are at a higher risk for complications when exposure to contaminated surroundings has taken place.

Precautions, such as hand washing, proper food preparation and good hygiene, will assist in detering parasitic ameba from entering the body.

Wearing a nose plug, earplugs and keeping your mouth closed while swimming will help in the prevention of a parasite entering the body through an open orifice.

References

• Dysentery
• Amebic Meningoencephalitis
• What is Naegleria