Amoebiasis is an infection caused by a single-celled organism (protozoa) called an amoeba which infects the large bowel. Amoebae are passed in the stool from where they can contaminate food or water causing infection in others. Therefore, the provision of toilets and a safe water supply are important to prevent amoebiasis.
Entamoeba histolytica is the amoeba which causes amoebiasis.