Abstract |
During 2004, we identified 39 intestinal infections caused by Dientamoeba fragilis and 23 caused by Giardia duodenalis, on 1141 home subjects (3.4% and 2.0% respectively): D. fragilis was observed in 4.5% of O and P (29/644 subjects suffering from aspecific bowel disorders) and in 2.0% of diarrhoeas (10/497); G. duodenalis was observed in 3.1% (20/644) and in 0.6% (3/497) of cases respectively. No other pathogenic parasites were identified (only 1 case of enterobiasis in an asymptomatic child). Commensal protozoa were observed, among O and P, in 4.3% of cases (28/644). The non-pathogenic B. hominis, often associated with other protozoa, was observed in 4.1% of all 1141 cases. D. fragilis is undoubtedly more frequent in adults (36/39 cases, 92.3%) than in children (3/39, 7.7%), and is prevalent among females (24/39, 61.5%) in respect of males (15/39, 38.5%). G. duodenalis is more prevalent among adults (16/23, 69.5%) than children (7/23, 30.5%), but is more frequent among males (13/23, 56.5%) than females (10/23, 43.5%). Clinical correlations of dientamoebiasis and giardiasis are reported, seasonal and epidemiological features of these protozooses are outlined, and the authors emphasize the importance and need of Giemsa stain, among O and P and acute or prolonged diarrhoeas, on the basis of previous good direct microscopic observations of faecal specimens, for correct and complete diagnosis of intestinal infections.
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Authors | Daniele Crotti, Maria Letizia D'Annibale |
Journal | Le infezioni in medicina
(Infez Med)
Vol. 15
Issue 1
Pg. 30-9
(Mar 2007)
ISSN: 1124-9390 [Print] Italy |
Vernacular Title | Dientamoeba fragilis: suo ruolo nelle infezioni intestinali umane. |
PMID | 17515673
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Azure Stains
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Comorbidity
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Diarrhea
(parasitology)
- Diarrhea, Infantile
(parasitology)
- Dientamoeba
(isolation & purification, pathogenicity)
- Dientamoebiasis
(diagnosis, epidemiology, parasitology)
- Feces
(parasitology)
- Female
- Giardiasis
(diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Humans
- Infant
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
(epidemiology, parasitology)
- Intestines
(parasitology)
- Italy
(epidemiology)
- Male
- Prevalence
- Seasons
- Species Specificity
- Staining and Labeling
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