Causes and symptoms of Amoebas
Amoebas, different from parasites which come in the form of worms, are tiny microscopic organisms that live in the intestines, causing bloody diarrhea and other intestinal problems. They can also be found in the mouth, bladder and vagina.
The symptoms often involve a fever and diarrhea which frequently are accompanied with blood and/or mucous, with a discharge and an urge to have a bowel movement, as well as intestinal inflammation.
In some cases the diarrhea alternates with bouts of constipation, with one occurring for several days, followed by the other, etc. (amebic dysentery).
Sometimes pain occurs in the form of colic and stomach cramps with the constant need to go to the bathroom.
When diarrhea becomes yellow containing neither mucous nor blood but is foamy, this is known as Giradia, an illness brought on by a different type of microscopic parasite. However, it is cured in the same way. When you have a fever and bloody diarrhea, the infection is not caused by amoebas, but by bacteria and it is called Shigella.
Causes of these illnesses are: direct contact and transmission of the microorganisms through contaminated water and food.