The cysts are particularly hearty and remain viable in streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries for a long time. Amoebic dysentery sufferers may experience mild or severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Fortunately, most exposed people do not become seriously ill. The mild form of Amoebiasis 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.
Treatment is undertaken using specific antibiotics, including metronidazole.
Several species of the Genus Shigella cause dysentery. These pathogens are distributed world-wide. Dysentery is rarely fatal in adults. The infection may eventually pass through the body s own mechanisms. Treatment includes a variety of antibiotics and ingestion of fluids to avoid dehydration.