What causes amebiasis?

Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines. You get infected by swallowing the parasite through contaminated food, water, or surfaces that have been in contact with infected feces. The infection is most common in tropical areas with poor sanitation, but it can occur anywhere when food handlers don't practice proper hygiene or when you consume raw vegetables or water contaminated with sewage.

What is the best test for amebiasis?

The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for amebiasis because it directly detects Entamoeba histolytica parasites and their eggs in your stool sample. This test confirms an active intestinal infection and distinguishes amebiasis from other parasites like Giardia that cause similar symptoms. Multiple stool samples collected over several days may be needed since parasites are not always present in every bowel movement, making this comprehensive testing approach essential for accurate diagnosis.

When should I get tested for amebiasis?

You should get tested if you have persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days, especially if it contains blood or mucus, or if you experience severe abdominal cramping and pain. Testing is particularly important if you recently traveled to tropical countries, consumed food or water that might have been contaminated, or have been exposed to someone with amebiasis. Early testing helps prevent serious complications like liver abscesses and allows for prompt treatment with antiparasitic medications.

What are the symptoms of amebiasis?

Amebiasis symptoms range from mild to severe and include watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain, fever, and nausea. You might notice loose stools mixed with blood and mucus, which is often called amoebic dysentery. Some people have no symptoms at all but can still spread the infection, while others develop severe complications like dehydration, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after exposure to the parasite.

Who is at risk for amebiasis?

People who travel to or live in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation are at highest risk for amebiasis. You face increased risk if you consume raw vegetables or untreated water in developing countries, work in close contact with infected individuals, or live in crowded conditions with inadequate sewage systems. Men who have sex with men, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are also more vulnerable to severe infections and complications from Entamoeba histolytica.

What happens if amebiasis is left untreated?

Untreated amebiasis can lead to serious complications including liver abscesses, which occur when parasites spread through the bloodstream to the liver. You risk developing intestinal perforation, where holes form in the intestinal wall causing life-threatening peritonitis. Chronic infection can cause persistent digestive problems, malnutrition, and severe weight loss. In rare cases, the parasites can spread to other organs like the lungs or brain, creating potentially fatal infections that require emergency medical intervention.

Can amebiasis be diagnosed with a blood test?

While blood tests can detect antibodies to Entamoeba histolytica showing past or current exposure, stool testing is the gold standard for diagnosing active amebiasis. Blood antibody tests remain positive for years after infection, making them less useful for confirming current disease. The Ova & Parasites stool test directly identifies the parasites in your intestines, providing definitive proof of active infection that requires treatment, which is why doctors prefer stool analysis over blood tests for amebiasis diagnosis.

How is amebiasis treated?

Amebiasis is treated with antiparasitic medications, most commonly metronidazole or tinidazole, which kill the active parasites in your intestines. Your doctor will typically prescribe a second medication like paromomycin or iodoquinol to eliminate any remaining parasites in your intestinal wall and prevent recurrence. Treatment usually lasts 7-10 days, and you should see improvement within a few days of starting medication. You need to stay hydrated and may require additional medications to manage diarrhea and abdominal pain during recovery.

How can I prevent amebiasis?

Prevent amebiasis by practicing good hand hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. When traveling to areas with poor sanitation, drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid raw vegetables and fruits you cannot peel yourself, and skip ice cubes in drinks. Cook all food thoroughly, avoid street vendors, and do not swallow water while swimming in lakes or pools in endemic areas to minimize your risk of infection.

What can I do at home for amebiasis?

While home remedies cannot cure amebiasis and you need antiparasitic medication, you can manage symptoms by staying well-hydrated with clean water and oral rehydration solutions. Eat bland, easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, and toast to ease digestive stress, and avoid dairy products, spicy foods, and alcohol during treatment. Rest as much as possible to help your body fight the infection. Some people find that probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria after treatment, but always complete your prescribed medication course and follow up with your healthcare provider.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Amebiasis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Amebiasis Blood Test & Stool Analysis

What is Amebiasis?

Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes severe dysentery. It is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food and water. The Ova & Parasites with Giardia Antigen stool test is the most important test for diagnosing amebiasis because it directly detects the parasite in stool samples.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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