Blastocystis hominis and bowel diseases
Ustün, S.; Turgay, N.
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi 30(1): 72-76
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1300-6320 PMID: 17106862 Document Number: 600098
B. hominis is a parasite of uncertain role in human disease. It may be identified during a work-up for gastrointestinal symptoms, usually in faeces. The clinical consequences of B. hominis infection are mainly diarrhoea and abdominal pain as well as nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, lassitude, dizziness and flatulence. Case reports and series have suggested a pathogenic role of B. hominis in causing intestinal inflammation. Also, some studies have suggested that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are associated with B. hominis infection. The investigators indicate that the faeces of all patients presenting with IBD or IBS should be examined, and culture methods for B. hominis carried out. Invasion and mucosal inflammation of the intestine with B. hominis have been observed in studies of gnotobiotic guineapigs. The transmission, pathogenicity, culture characteristics, taxonomy, life cycle, biochemistry and molecular biology of B. hominis remain unclear. More studies should be performed in this parasite.