[Role of Dientamoeba fragilis in human bowel infections]

Infez Med. 2007 Mar;15(1):30-9.
[Article in Italian]

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.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Azure Stains
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diarrhea / parasitology
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / parasitology
  • Dientamoeba / isolation & purification
  • Dientamoeba / pathogenicity*
  • Dientamoebiasis / diagnosis
  • Dientamoebiasis / epidemiology*
  • Dientamoebiasis / parasitology
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Giardiasis / diagnosis
  • Giardiasis / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Intestines / parasitology
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Seasons
  • Species Specificity
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Azure Stains