Intestinal infections due to Entamoeba

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This disease is characterised by fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus, or diarrhoea containing blood. Transmission is by the faecal-oral route or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Confirmation is by identification of Entamoeba histolytica in a faecal or blood sample.

**Long definition:** A symptomatic form of amoebiasis (E. histolytica infection) characterized by abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, excessive flatus, tenesmus, unintentional weight loss and, in more severe forms, bloody stools, abdominal tenderness, fever and vomiting.

**Inclusions:** - amoebic dysentery