Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) is an infection of the intestine (gut) caused by an amoeba called Entamoeba histolytica, which, among other things, can cause severe diarrhoea.

Amoebae are parasites that are found in contaminated food or drink. They enter the body through the mouth when the contaminated food or drink is swallowed. The amoebae are then able to move through the digestive system and take up residence in the intestine and cause an infection.

There are several different species of amoebae, but the most dangerous, such as Entamoeba histolytica, live predominantly in tropical areas. These potentially life-threatening species are able to burrow through the intestinal wall and spread through the bloodstream to infect other organs, such as the liver, lungs and brain.