AMEBIASIS ARTCLE- ANSWERS TO LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. How many people die every year, world-wide from amebic colitis?
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55 000
2. What is the incidence of amebiasis in travelers returning to the US?
14 in every 1000 returning travelers
3. What is the highest prevalence estimated (through serological testing) for E.histolytica
in various world regions (e.g. rural Mexico)?
42% in Durango, Mexico
4. About what % of E.histolytica infections are symptomatic?
10-20%
5. As describe in the article, what are the risk factors for developing fulminant forms of
amebic colitis?
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DM, alcoholism, malignancy/chemo, and pregnancy
6. Which gender is more likely to experience amebic liver abscesses and over what age
does it usually occur?
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Almost 10 x more common in men, presenting between the ages of 20-40 years
7. While symptoms of amebiasis can develop in 2-4 weeks after exposure, including liver
abscess, what is the longest period of time reported between travel to endemic areas
and the development of hepatic amebiasis?
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20 years
8. What is the “gold-standard” for diagnosis/detection of Amebiasis, but what are its
limitations?
Stool Molecular Studies – Stool PCR
Limitations:
- Expensive
- Requires technical expertise
9. What are the preventative measures outlined in the article to reduce the incidence of
amebiasis?
1.
2.
3.
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Food and water safety
Hand hygiene
Avoidance of fecal-oral exposure
Including sexual practices