Amoebiasis

/ˌæmiːbaɪˈeɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

A disease caused by parasitic amoebas that infect the intestines and liver, usually spread through contaminated water or food.

Etymology

From 'amoeba' plus the medical suffix '-iasis' (disease condition). The disease was identified and named in the late 19th century as microscopy revealed the amoebic parasites causing dysentery-like illnesses.

Kelly Says

Amoebiasis is sometimes called the 'traveler's curse'—it affects millions in tropical regions where sanitation is poor, and infected people can carry the parasite for years without knowing it, making them unwitting disease spreaders.

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