Selective primary health care: strategies for control of disease in the developing world. X. Amebiasis

The human parasite Entamoeba histolytica has a worldwide distribution. The majority of infected individuals suffer few symptoms; nonetheless, a variable proportion experience dysentery, hepatic abscesses, or invasion of other extraintestinal organs. Invasive amebiasis is a major health problem, particularly in certain developing countries. The aim of this review is to clarify, as much as possible, controversial issues about the biology of the parasite, the clinical features of amebiasis, and the estimations of morbidity and mortality rate as the basis for defining strategies for control of amebiasis by primary health care workers. The eradication of invasive amebiasis lies basically in potentially political and economic actions at the governmental level. Preventive and control measures include (1) provision of water supplies and sanitation, (2) health education, (3) adequate diagnosis and correct treatment of invasive amebiasis, and (4) implementation of surveillance and control programs.