Amebiasis (Amoebiasis)

Amebiasis is a disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.

If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case this should be communicated to the Control Room (Emergency or Non-emergency as appropriate) and the staff in the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

Infection can occur when a person:

• Puts anything into their mouth that has touched the faeces of a person who is infected with E. histolytica.
• Swallows something, such as water or food, that is contaminated with E. histolytica.
• Swallows E. histolytica cysts (eggs) picked up from contaminated surfaces or fingers.

Only about 10% to 20% of people who are infected with E. histolytica become sick from the infection.

The symptoms are often quite mild and can include:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramping.

Amebic dysentery is a severe form of amebiasis associated with stomach pain, bloody stools, and fever.

Rarely, E. histolytica invades the liver and forms an abscess (a collection of pus). In a small number of instances, it has been shown to spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, but this is very uncommon.

• Contact precautions should be used.
• Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments in line with usual practice with Soap and Water
• Eye protection should be risk assessed and worn if any risk of splashes.
• Gloves and Aprons should be worn.
• The patient should be transported via ambulance with no other patients present.
• Laundry should be treated as contaminated, placed into an alginate bag and placed into a red laundry bag.

All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean paying particular attention to touch points.

If staff have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case they should remain vigilant for any symptoms but there is no active follow up required.