View source for Blastocystis hominis


== 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 Manifestations ==
* 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]]
[[Category:Gastrointestinal infections]]