Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by a protozoan organism called Entamoeba histolytica. It is common in the developing world. Amebiasis, like most parasitic gastrointestinal infections, is transmitted primarily through contaminated water by an oral-fecal route - meaning the organism is ingested orally, the parasitic infection occurs, and infective forms of the parasite are passed in the feces to continue the cycle in other hosts. Amebiasis can also be transmitted by direct contact. Amebiasis involves the colon, or large intestine, and can also affect distant organs such as the liver. Amebiasis is and has been a significant cause of dysentery.
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