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Disease prevention, PHD: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/quicklinks.htm .. copy
Overseas information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/Index.htm

Occurs worldwide but is endemic in Africa, Mexico, Central and South America. It is caused by a single cell parasite which is contracted from ingestion of contaminated water.

Most commonly presents as a non invasive disease with abdominal bloating, cramps and diarrhoea. A course of 2Gms tinadazole for 3 days (or high dose metronidazole) usually suffices.

The more serious forms can invade the bowel (bloody diarrhoea, perforation, toxic megacolon) and/or spread to the liver causing an abscess. Serology and imaging usually are required.

Information mostly taken from: "International Travel and Health" (WHO year book - internet only)
Australian Immunisation Handbook, 8th Edition - 9/2003 - Part1 - Part 2 & Part 3 (large pdf files)
Centre for Disease Control, USA -  www.cdc.gov/travel Travel Health Seminar Oct 96, June 97,Feb 98, March 99, May 2000, August 2002 & March 2005 - Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation.
Manual of Travel Medicine, Melbourne, Oct 2004. Updated 06/09/2006.  Additional references & disclaimer.