Why does amoebiasis cause blood in stool?

Amoebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. When it affects the colon, inflammation and small ulcers in the bowel lining can bleed and produce blood or mucus in bowel movements. Cramps, diarrhoea, urgency to pass stool, and fatigue may occur as well. Blood in Stool is a common presentation of Amoebiasis. However, bleeding from the bowel has other causes, such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, or other infections, so it needs medical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Contact a clinician promptly for stool symptoms with visible blood. Testing may include a stool sample to identify the cause; treatment depends on the result and may require prescription antiparasitic medicine. Keep drinking fluids and use oral rehydration solution if diarrhoea is making you lose fluid. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Do not use medicines that slow the bowel without clinical advice when stools are bloody or you have fever. More guidance is available on Blood in Stool.

Get urgent medical care for heavy bleeding, black tar-like stool, severe or increasing abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, fever with marked illness, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and inability to keep fluids down. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with reduced immune function should seek advice early for bloody diarrhoea.

Ask what tests are needed, whether household members need precautions, which foods and drinks are easiest to tolerate, and when you can return to work, school, or food preparation. Tell the clinician about recent travel, untreated water, and any medicines that affect immunity.