II.

Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, is endemic in many tropical countries, but is attributable more to unsanitary conditions than to heat. It is the most common type of dysentery in the Philippine Islands, the Malay Archipelago, and the West Indies, but it also occurs in almost all temperate countries.

Amoebic dysentery is most commonly spread by water or contaminated, uncooked food or from carriers. Flies may carry the cysts to spread the amoeba from the feces of infected persons to food.

Various drugs, including metronidazole, ementine, and iodine-containing preparations, have been useful in treating severe cases of the disease.