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What diseases can amoebas cause?

Jul 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, amoebic infections can generally cause diseases such as amoebic dysentery, amoebic liver abscess, amoebic lung abscess, amoebic brain abscess, and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Intestinal infection is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, where the parasite invades the intestinal mucosa and forms ulcers. Patients exhibit symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea, with stools resembling jam, containing mucus and blood.

Under normal circumstances, amoebic infections can generally cause diseases such as amoebic dysentery, amoebic liver abscess, amoebic lung abscess, amoebic brain abscess, and Acanthamoeba keratitis. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Amoebic Dysentery: Caused by infection of the intestines with Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite invades the intestinal mucosa and forms ulcers. Patients may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, with stool resembling jam, containing mucus and blood. Symptoms also include tenesmus, frequent bowel movements, and significant disruption of normal intestinal function.

2. Amoebic Liver Abscess: The amoebic parasites enter the liver through the portal vein and multiply within the liver tissue, causing destruction and abscess formation. Patients may develop high fever, chills, persistent pain in the liver area, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), increased pain upon palpation, as well as systemic discomfort such as nausea and vomiting.

3. Amoebic Lung Abscess: Often results from direct spread of an amoebic liver abscess or hematogenous dissemination. The amoebae invade the lungs, triggering inflammation and causing necrosis of lung tissue and abscess formation. Patients may suffer from severe coughing, producing chocolate-colored sputum, along with chest pain and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, hemoptysis (coughing up blood) may occur.

4. Amoebic Brain Abscess: A relatively rare condition in which amoebae reach the brain via the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and necrosis of brain tissue. Patients may experience intense headaches, projectile vomiting, altered consciousness, seizures, and rapid disease progression. Without prompt treatment, this condition can be life-threatening.

5. Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Occurs when the eyes come into contact with water contaminated by Acanthamoeba. The parasite invades the corneal tissue, causing severe eye pain, photophobia, tearing, and vision loss. Corneal ulcers may develop, and if treatment is delayed, corneal perforation and permanent visual impairment may result.

In daily life, maintaining food hygiene, avoiding consumption of raw or cold foods and untreated water, and refraining from contact with untreated natural water sources are important preventive measures. Strict hygiene protocols should also be followed when handling contact lenses.

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