obsolete amebic dysentery

Amebic Dysentery: A Historical Perspective

Amebic dysentery, also known as amoebic dysentery, is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. In the past, the terms "amebiasis" and "amebic dysentery" were often used interchangeably, but this conception is now considered obsolete and should be abandoned [2][3].

Incidence of Infection

The incidence of amebic infection was once thought to be widespread, with reports suggesting that it was a common cause of gastrointestinal disease in many parts of the world. However, more recent studies have shown that the actual incidence of amebic dysentery is relatively low compared to other forms of dysentery [4].

Symptoms and Characteristics

Amebic colitis, which is a form of amebic dysentery, typically presents with subacute onset and weight loss. Diarrhea is a common symptom, often containing occult or gross blood. The disease can also cause damage to the intestinal epithelium, leading to tissue destruction [7].

Historical Context

The term "dysentery" was first introduced by Hippocrates in ancient Greece to describe a malady characterized by bloody and mucus-containing stools. Over time, the term "amebic dysentery" emerged as a specific type of dysentery caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica [10].

Current Understanding

Today, amebic dysentery is recognized as a relatively uncommon colitis with severe, often bloody, stools. The disease can also have extra-intestinal manifestations, including symptoms such as weight loss and tissue damage [8].

Amebic Dysentery: Signs and Symptoms

Amebic dysentery, also known as amoebiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Diarrhea: This is often the first symptom of amebic dysentery, and it can be bloody or non-bloody [1].
• Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen, which can be crampy or dull, is a common symptom [2].
• Fever: Amebic dysentery can cause fever, which may be accompanied by chills [3].
• Weight loss: As the infection progresses, weight loss can occur due to malabsorption and decreased appetite [4].
• Blood in stool: Bloody stools are a hallmark of amebic dysentery, but not all cases present with this symptom [5].
• Mucus in stool: Mucus in the stool is another common finding in patients with amebic dysentery [6].

In severe cases, amebic dysentery can lead to:

• Intestinal perforation: A rare but serious complication of amebic dysentery, where the intestine becomes perforated and may require surgical intervention [7].
• Perforation of the colon: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention [8].

It's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

References:

[1] - Search result 1: "Amebic dysentery is characterized by bloody diarrhea, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain and fever."

[2] - Search result 2: "Abdominal pain is a common symptom of amebic dysentery, which can range from mild to severe."

[3] - Search result 3: "Fever and chills are often present in patients with amebic dysentery."

[4] - Search result 4: "Weight loss is a possible consequence of untreated amebic dysentery due to malabsorption and decreased appetite."

[5] - Search result 5: "Not all cases of amebic dysentery present with bloody stools, but it's a common finding in many patients."

[6] - Search result 6: "Mucus in the stool is another symptom that may be present in patients with amebic dysentery."

[7] - Search result 7: "Intestinal perforation is a rare but serious complication of amebic dysentery, which requires immediate medical attention."

[8] - Search result 8: "Perforation of the colon is a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt surgical intervention."

Diagnostic Tests for Amebic Dysentery

Amebic dysentery, also known as amoebic dysentery, is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. While modern diagnostic tests are available, some older methods were used in the past to diagnose this condition.

Colonoscopy (Result 5)

One of the older diagnostic tests for amebic dysentery was colonoscopy. However, it is not recommended as a routine diagnostic tool due to the risk of perforation during the procedure. Colonoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end into the colon to visualize the inside lining.

Stool Examination (Result 8)

Another older method was examining stools under a microscope. This is still considered one of the most common ways for doctors to diagnose amebiasis, although it may require collecting several stool samples due to the varying number of amoeba being passed in the stool from day to day.

Other Obsolete Tests

Other obsolete diagnostic tests mentioned include:

• Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which were compared in a study for their effectiveness in diagnosing amoebic liver abscess (Result 2).
• A duplex real-time PCR capable of detecting and distinguishing E. histolytica and E. dispar

Treatment Options for Amebic Dysentery

Amebic dysentery, a type of intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, was once a significant public health concern. While it is still present in some parts of the world, its incidence has declined significantly due to improvements in sanitation and hygiene.

Historical Treatment Options

In the past, treatment for amebic dysentery involved various medications, including:

• Emetine: A medication that was used to treat amebic dysentery, but it is no longer recommended due to its toxicity and limited effectiveness.
• Chloroquine: An antimalarial drug that was also used to treat amebic dysentery, but it has been largely replaced by other medications.

Current Treatment Options

Today, the treatment of choice for amebic dysentery is:

• Metronidazole: A nitroimidazole antibiotic that is effective against E. histolytica and is considered a first-line treatment for amebic dysentery.
• Tinidazole: Another nitroimidazole antibiotic that is similar to metronidazole and can be used as an alternative treatment.

Treatment Regimens

The recommended treatment regimen for amebic dysentery typically involves:

• A 7-10 day course of metronidazole or tinidazole, taken orally.
• In some cases, a luminal agent such as iodoquinol or paromomycin may be used to eradicate the infection.

References

1. The use of emetine for treating amebic dysentery is no longer recommended due to its toxicity and limited effectiveness [4].
2. Chloroquine was once used to treat amebic dysentery, but it has been largely replaced by other medications [3].
3. Metronidazole is the mainstay of therapy for invasive amebiasis, including amebic dysentery [7].
4. Tinidazole can be used as an alternative treatment for amebic dysentery [5].
5. A luminal agent such as iodoquinol or paromomycin may be used to eradicate the infection in some cases [5].

The differential diagnosis of an illness with diarrhea containing gross or occult blood should include infectious etiologies (including amebiasis and other parasitic infections) as well as non-infectious causes such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), collagen vascular diseases, and ischemic colitis.

In particular, the classic stool ova and parasite examination is no longer considered a reliable method for diagnosing amebic dysentery, as it may not detect the organism in all cases. Instead, laboratory diagnosis of amebiasis is typically made by demonstrating the presence of the organism or using immunologic techniques.

Other conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of amebic dysentery include:

• Bacterial infections such as E. coli infection, shigellosis, salmonellosis, and C. jejuni infection
• Amebic colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
• Collagen vascular diseases such as lupus
• Ischemic colitis

It is worth noting that the diagnosis of amebiasis can be challenging, and a high index of suspicion is often required to make an accurate diagnosis. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are typically necessary to rule out other causes of diarrhea and to confirm the presence of amebiasis.

References:

• [4] The differential diagnosis of an illness with diarrhea con- taining gross or occult blood should include infectious etiologies (including amebiasis and other parasitic infections) as well as non-infectious causes such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), collagen vascular diseases, and ischemic colitis.
• [2] While chronic bloody diarrhoea is typical for IBD (UC or Crohn's disease), other diseases including collagen vascular diseases (lupus ... should be considered in the differential diagnosis of amebic dysentery.
• [14] Differential diagnosis of amoebiasis includes the following: Infectious Differential Diagnoses. Bacterial infections (e.g. E. coli infection, shigellosis, salmonellosis, C. jejuni infection) ...