People also get amebiasis when they swallow water or food contaminated with stool from an infected person. Amebiasis is treatable with antibiotics. To prevent amebiasis, follow careful handwashing and waste disposal practices. When traveling to tropical areas, follow safe food and water precautions.
Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the large intestine.
Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic one-celled parasite. The parasite produces cysts that are passed in the stool of infected persons. The cysts can survive in the environment in water and food and on surfaces and objects. The parasite that causes amebiasis is found in the United States and around the world. People get amebiasis when they swallow Entamoeba histolytica cysts.