d. Location. Amebiasis occurs worldwide, especially in tropical countries. As
many as 50 percent of the people in unsanitary areas may be affected. It is estimated
that in the United States alone, 5 to 10 percent of the population are carriers of the
parasite. The carrier-state, which may continue for years, is very important in the
perpetuation of the disease.
e. Treatment. There is no specific therapy for amebiasis. Instead, multiple
drugs are employed, the exact ones being determined by the severity and localization of
the disease within the body.
f. Immunity. There is no artificial immunity; recovery from attack apparently
does not confer immunity.
g. Drinking Water. Water for drinking should be subjected to diatomite
filtration, then chlorinated to five parts per million (ppm) chlorine residual after a 30-
minute contact time. Where diatomite filtration is unavailable, water in individual
canteens should be treated by dissolving 2 iodine tablets in 1 quart of water. Canteen
threads should also be disinfected by partially unscrewing the cap, inverting it, allowing
iodized water to flow over the threads, recapping, and allowing the water to stand 30
minutes before consumption.
h. Night Soil Fertilizer. Consumption of fresh foods grown in fields fertilized
with night soil (human feces) should be avoided (para 2-14b(8)).
2-8.
TRICHINOSIS
a. Identification. Trichinosis (Figure 2-3) is a parasitic (helminthic) infestation
of man, hogs, rats, bears, marine mammals, and other omnivorous animals. The
causative agent is Trichina spiralis, a tiny nematode (roundworm). Man contracts the
disease only by eating the meat of animals, chiefly pork, containing living trichinae.
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