What is extraintestinal amebiasis?
An infection by the parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, can cause inflammation of the intestine. A person with extraintestinal amebiasis has infection by this parasite in tissues outside the intestines. The liver is the most common location for the infection. Transmission occurs by ingesting cysts in contaminated food or water, or by person-to-person contact. Most cases are treated successfully with antibiotics. Extraintestinal amebiasis is rare in the US, but it is a common parasitic infection in the developing world.

What are the symptoms of extraintestinal amebiasis?
Symptoms of liver infection from extraintestinal amebiasis include right upper abdominal pain, fever, chills, jaundice, loss of appetite, fatigue, excessive sweating, and weight loss. Symptoms of lung and chest infection from extraintestinal amebiasis include productive cough, chest pain, chest congestion, and difficulty breathing.

How does the doctor treat extraintestinal amebiasis?
Treatment for extraintestinal amebiasis includes pain medications, medications to control nausea, antibiotics, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever control. Surgery may be required to treat a liver abscess.