Final answer:
Infection with Entamoeba histolytica typically starts by ingesting water or food contaminated with fecal matter. The disease can cause symptoms within seven to ten days and may lead to severe conditions like liver abscesses and GAE in vulnerable individuals. Prevention is focused on ensuring access to safe water and maintaining good food hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infection with Entamoeba histolytica
Infection with Entamoeba histolytica ordinarily begins when water or food contaminated with fecal matter is ingested. Amoebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery in severe cases, is caused by this protozoan parasite. People can contract the disease by consuming as few as 10 cysts, leading to symptoms within seven to ten days after ingestion. It is crucial to note that undercooked meat from infected animals can also be a source of infection. The parasite is known to cause a range of symptoms from non-existent to mild diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to liver abscesses and potentially fatal conditions such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention measures targeting safe water and food hygiene practices are critical in the fight against the spread of E. histolytica. Proper cooking of meat, as well as avoiding the ingestion of contaminated water or food, is paramount for those in at-risk regions, especially in the developing world where the disease is most prevalent.