Fortunately, most exposed people do not become seriously ill. The mild form of amebiasis includes nausea, loose stools, weight loss, abdominal tenderness and occasional fever. Rarely, the parasite will invade the body beyond the intestines and cause a more serious infection, such as a liver abscess. The symptoms may appear from a few days to a few months after exposure but usually within two to four weeks. Some people with amebiasis may carry the parasite for weeks to years, often without symptoms.
Infected people are the only sources of the parasite.
Fecal material from infected people may contaminate water or food which may serve as a vehicle to infect others. Examination of stools under a microscope is the most common way for a doctor to diagnose amebiasis. Sometimes several stool samples must be obtained because the number of amoeba changes from day to day. Specific antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor to treat amebiasis. Generally, it is not necessary to exclude an infected person from work or school.