EPIDEMIOLOGY

Amebiasis is distributed worldwide, particularly in the tropics, most commonly in areas of poor
sanitation. Long-term travelers (duration >6 months) are significantly more likely than short-term
travelers (duration <1 month) to develop E. histolytica infection. Immigrants and refugees from these
areas are also at risk. People at higher risk for severe disease are those who are pregnant,
immunocompromised, or receiving corticosteroids; associations with diabetes and alcohol use have also
been reported.

Biomedical surveys were conducted among various islands of the Philippines and the prevalence and
distribution of amebiasis determined by stool examination and by testing sera by the indirect
hemagglutination test (IHA) for antibodies to Entamoeba histolytica. Over 13,000 single formalinized
stool specimens were examined microscopically by the direct and ether-concentration method and 5%
found positive.

Males (5%) and females (5%) were equally infected with the parasite and the prevalence
tended to increase with age. Approximately 15,000 serum specimens were tested and 7% found to be
positive at reciprocal IHA antibody titers of 1:128 or greater. More males (8%) than females (5%) were
seropositive and the seropositivity rate tended to increase with age. The lowest seropositivity rates
were in areas with a pronounced dry season and the highest in areas where rains occur most of the
year. Conversely, the stool positivity rates were similar for both areas, but in areas with a. pronounced
dry season, the stool positivity rate was higher than the seropositivity rate. (Infect Dis 1980).

More than 200 people from 20 villages have been hospitalized at Iligan city due to diarrhea and
amoebiasis, reportedly caused by contaminated water. there were at least 130 patients were admitted
to the Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial center. the outbreak might be due to contaminated water from an
unknown source. The health official said it could also be possible that the water from the busted pipe
might have caused the ailment & was repaired three times but still remains defective.A climb of almost
300 were confined in private hospitals(2006).

- CDC

Geographic Distribution

Worldwide, with higher incidence of amebiasis in developing countries. In industrialized countries, risk
groups include male homosexuals, travelers and recent immigrants, and institutionalized populations.
Approximately 50 million cases of invasive E histolytica disease occur each year, resulting in as many as
100,000 deaths. This represents the tip of the iceberg because only 10%-20% of infected individuals
become symptomatic. The incidence of amebiasis is higher in developing countries.

Travellers and immigrants and residents of institutions are also at risk. It is very common in South and
Central America, West Africa and Southeast Asia & rare in temperate climates.

- CDC & WHO