Blastocystis hominis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:13, 10 October 2019

Worldwide, but varies by subtype
- Subtype 3 most common worldwide in human
- Subtype 4 is in Europe
Prevalence higher in developing than developed countries

Unclear if it causes a clinical syndrome; may be strain-dependent
Has been implicated in acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, and fatigue, as well as irritable bowel syndrome

Eliminate all other causes of symptoms
If still symptomatic, can consider treatment
- Nitazoxanide 500 mg po bid for 3 days
- Can also try: metronidazole 750 mg po tid for 10 days, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole DS 1 tab po bid for 7 days, and iodoquinol 650 mg po tid for 20 days
- Unclear which, if any, is helpful

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+== Background ==
+=== Epidemiology ===
+* Worldwide, but varies by subtype
+** Subtype 3 most common worldwide in human
+** Subtype 4 is in Europe
+* Prevalence higher in developing than developed countries
+== Clinical Presentation ==
+* Unclear if it causes a clinical syndrome; may be strain-dependent
+* Has been implicated in acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, and fatigue, as well as irritable bowel syndrome
+== Diagnosis ==
+* Stool microscopy with trichrome stain
+* In vitro cell culture
+* PCR is standard
+== Management ==
+* Eliminate all other causes of symptoms
+* If still symptomatic, can consider treatment
+** [[Is treated by::Nitazoxanide]] 500 mg po bid for 3 days
+** Can also try: [[Is treated by::metronidazole]] 750 mg po tid for 10 days, [[Is treated by::trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]] DS 1 tab po bid for 7 days, and [[Is treated by::iodoquinol]] 650 mg po tid for 20 days
+** Unclear which, if any, is helpful
 {{DISPLAYTITLE:''Blastocystis hominis''}}
 [[Category:Protozoa]]