[Role of Dientamoeba fragilis in human bowel infections].

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.

• 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)

Chemical References

• Azure Stains

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