colitis, amebic Inflammation of the intestine, with ulcers in the colon, due to infection with an ameba called Entamoeba histolytica. This parasite can be transmitted to humans via contaminated water and food. Symptoms, which include diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and weight loss, can begin shortly after infection, or the ameba may live in the gastrointestinal tract for months or years before symptoms erupt. Amebic colitis can be treated with medication, including emetine and antibiotics. See also amebic dysentery; amebiasis.
