amebic dysentery
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A severe intestinal infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This disease is typically contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing the parasite. Its primary symptom is severe, often bloody, diarrhea.
Usage
The term is used in medical and public health contexts to describe a specific parasitic disease. - Amebic dysentery is a significant health concern in areas with poor sanitation. - The doctor diagnosed the traveler's illness as amebic dysentery.
Examples
- The outbreak was traced to a contaminated water supply, resulting in several cases of amebic dysentery.
- Symptoms of amebic dysentery include abdominal cramps and frequent, watery stools.
- Effective treatment for amebic dysentery requires specific anti-parasitic medication.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in a broader epidemiological sense: "The control of amebic dysentery depends on improving sanitation and water treatment."
Variants and Related Words
- Amebiasis (noun): The state of infection with , which may or may not progress to dysentery. Amebic dysentery is a severe form of amebiasis.
- Amebic (adjective): Pertaining to or caused by amoebae. Example: an infection.
Synonyms
- Amoebic dysentery (noun): An alternate spelling. "Amoebic" is the common British English spelling, while "amebic" is common in American English.
- Intestinal amebiasis (noun): A more general term for the infection.
Different Meanings
This is a specific medical term with no other common meanings. It refers exclusively to the disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica.
Noun
- inflammation of the intestines caused by Endamoeba histolytica; usually acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces; characterized by severe diarrhea