Amoebophobia

We must warn patients that if their symptoms persist after adequate treatment a cause other than the amoeba must be sought. Consideration of these factors in the handling of the patient will prevent much demoralization, much belief in the incurability of amoebiasis and much amoebophobia.

[W P. Stamm] concluded by pointing out that […] a zealous search for amoebae not followed by good clinical judgment could easily result in amoebophilia amongst doctors and a consequent amoebophobia in their patients.

Iatrogenic amoebiasis became common in some areas, creating an amoebophobia, not only in the individual patient, but also in communities, in some of which the label became a social status symbol!