Because amebiasis can be difficult to diagnose, more than one stool sample might be needed. A blood test is available but is recommended only if the patient's health-care provider thinks that the infection has invaded the wall of the intestines or some other organ, such as the liver. Blood tests might be positive if a person had an amebic infection in the past. Anyone can get amebiasis, but it is most common in people who live in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions. In the United States, the disease is seen most often in immigrants from developing countries, men who have sex with men, and people who live in group settings or institutions that have poor sanitary conditions.
Several antibiotics are available to treat amebiasis.
Treatment must be prescribed by a physician and can require more than one kind of medicine. Amebiasis is common in tropical areas where living conditions are crowded and sanitation is poor. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet, after changing diapers, before preparing food or drink, and before eating. Boiling water for 1 minute will kill parasites, bacteria, or viruses that might be present. Be sure that food is cooked thoroughly to kill any parasites, bacteria, or viruses that might be present.