Death follows coma and diagnosis can be mistaken for encephalitis. Authorities claim treatment with amphotericin B plus tetracycline, or rifampicin plus miconazole if treatment early enough. Two deaths in Webb County, Texas reported due to amoebic causes. Youth died as a result of simply swimming in water in Rio Grande. Entamoeba histolytica Inhibits intestines of men, dogs, cats, pigs, and other rodents.
Infection spreads through cysts from infected person to infected person or animal.
Generally harmless in man, occassionally may migrate to lungs, skin, or brain to form abcesses. Drugs given orally include 5-nitroimidazoles sometimes with tetracycline. Oral cloroquine kills ameobae in liver lesions but not elsewhere. Large abcesses may require surgery for drainage. Caused bad food.