Amebic

Amebic is an adjective relating to amoebae, a diverse group of single-celled protists that typically move and feed using pseudopods. In medical usage, it most commonly refers to diseases caused by amoeboid parasites, especially Entamoeba histolytica, the agent of amebiasis. The term can also apply to other amoebic pathogens such as Acanthamoeba or Naegleria, which cause different infections in the eye or central nervous system, though these are not usually described as amebiasis.

Amebiasis is an intestinal and occasionally systemic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Humans are usually infected by ingesting cysts in contaminated water or food. Many infections are asymptomatic; when present, symptoms range from mild diarrhea to dysentery with abdominal pain and weight loss. Extraintestinal amebiasis can occur when trophozoites spread to the liver, forming amebic liver abscesses, and rarely affect other organs such as the lungs or brain. Diagnosis relies on stool tests for cysts or antigens, serology in suspected liver abscess cases, imaging to identify lesions, and molecular methods such as PCR in some settings.

Treatment includes tissue amoebicides such as metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by luminal agents like paromomycin or iodoquinol to clear intestinal cysts and prevent recurrence. Severe disease requires prompt medical care. Prevention focuses on safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, proper hand hygiene, and thorough cooking of food, particularly in areas with higher endemicity.