Blastocystosis: Difference between revisions
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[[ | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Blastocystosis | |||
| image = [[File:Four_common_forms_of_Blastocystis_hominis_Valzn.jpg|left|thumb|Four common forms of ''Blastocystis hominis'']] | |||
| caption = Various forms of ''Blastocystis hominis'' | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], [[abdominal pain]], [[bloating]], [[flatulence]], [[nausea]] | |||
| complications = [[Irritable bowel syndrome]] | |||
| onset = Variable | |||
| duration = Can be chronic | |||
| causes = Infection with ''[[Blastocystis hominis]]'' | |||
| risks = Poor sanitation, [[immunocompromised]] individuals | |||
| diagnosis = [[Stool test]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Giardiasis]], [[Amebiasis]], [[Cryptosporidiosis]] | |||
| prevention = Good hygiene, safe drinking water | |||
| treatment = [[Metronidazole]], [[Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole]] | |||
| medication = [[Antiprotozoal]] agents | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in developing countries | |||
}} | |||
[[file:Four_common_forms_of_Blastocystis_hominis_Valzn.jpg|left|thumb]] [[file:BLASTOCYSTIS_SENSITIVITY_CHART.png|left|thumb]] [[file:BLASTO_COMPARISON_US_RATES.png|left|thumb]] [[file:HISTORY_OF_EMERGING_CMAJ_2005.png|left|thumb]] '''Blastocystosis''' is an [[intestinal infection]] caused by the [[protozoan]] parasite ''[[Blastocystis]]''. It is one of the most common human [[parasitic infections]] worldwide, affecting millions of people. The infection is often asymptomatic but can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. | |||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
''Blastocystis'' is a genus of single-celled [[protozoa]] that inhabits the [[gastrointestinal tract]] of humans and various animals. The most common species infecting humans is ''[[Blastocystis hominis]]''. The mode of transmission is believed to be [[fecal-oral]], often through contaminated food or water. | ''Blastocystis'' is a genus of single-celled [[protozoa]] that inhabits the [[gastrointestinal tract]] of humans and various animals. The most common species infecting humans is ''[[Blastocystis hominis]]''. The mode of transmission is believed to be [[fecal-oral]], often through contaminated food or water. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
While many individuals infected with ''Blastocystis'' are asymptomatic, some may experience symptoms such as: | While many individuals infected with ''Blastocystis'' are asymptomatic, some may experience symptoms such as: | ||
| Line 12: | Line 30: | ||
* [[Nausea]] | * [[Nausea]] | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of blastocystosis is typically made through the examination of [[stool samples]] under a [[microscope]]. Advanced techniques such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) and [[enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay]] (ELISA) can also be used for more accurate detection. | Diagnosis of blastocystosis is typically made through the examination of [[stool samples]] under a [[microscope]]. Advanced techniques such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) and [[enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay]] (ELISA) can also be used for more accurate detection. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment for blastocystosis varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. In asymptomatic cases, treatment may not be necessary. For symptomatic individuals, [[antiprotozoal]] medications such as [[metronidazole]], [[trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]], and [[nitazoxanide]] are commonly prescribed. | The treatment for blastocystosis varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. In asymptomatic cases, treatment may not be necessary. For symptomatic individuals, [[antiprotozoal]] medications such as [[metronidazole]], [[trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]], and [[nitazoxanide]] are commonly prescribed. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures include: | Preventive measures include: | ||
| Line 25: | Line 40: | ||
* Properly washing and cooking food | * Properly washing and cooking food | ||
* Avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces | * Avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Blastocystosis is prevalent worldwide, with higher infection rates in developing countries due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. It affects individuals of all ages but is more common in children and immunocompromised individuals. | Blastocystosis is prevalent worldwide, with higher infection rates in developing countries due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. It affects individuals of all ages but is more common in children and immunocompromised individuals. | ||
==Research== | ==Research== | ||
Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogenicity, transmission, and treatment of ''Blastocystis''. Studies are also focused on the genetic diversity of the parasite and its role in human health. | Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogenicity, transmission, and treatment of ''Blastocystis''. Studies are also focused on the genetic diversity of the parasite and its role in human health. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Protozoan infections]] | * [[Protozoan infections]] | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal diseases]] | * [[Gastrointestinal diseases]] | ||
* [[Parasitology]] | * [[Parasitology]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Blastocystis}} | {{Commons category|Blastocystis}} | ||
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | [[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Protozoal diseases]] | [[Category:Protozoal diseases]] | ||
| Line 48: | Line 57: | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Zoonoses]] | [[Category:Zoonoses]] | ||
{{Infectious disease-stub}} | {{Infectious disease-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:42, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Blastocystosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, nausea |
| Complications | Irritable bowel syndrome |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Infection with Blastocystis hominis |
| Risks | Poor sanitation, immunocompromised individuals |
| Diagnosis | Stool test, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Giardiasis, Amebiasis, Cryptosporidiosis |
| Prevention | Good hygiene, safe drinking water |
| Treatment | Metronidazole, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole |
| Medication | Antiprotozoal agents |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in developing countries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Blastocystosis is an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Blastocystis. It is one of the most common human parasitic infections worldwide, affecting millions of people. The infection is often asymptomatic but can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Etiology[edit]
Blastocystis is a genus of single-celled protozoa that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. The most common species infecting humans is Blastocystis hominis. The mode of transmission is believed to be fecal-oral, often through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms[edit]
While many individuals infected with Blastocystis are asymptomatic, some may experience symptoms such as:
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of blastocystosis is typically made through the examination of stool samples under a microscope. Advanced techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can also be used for more accurate detection.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for blastocystosis varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. In asymptomatic cases, treatment may not be necessary. For symptomatic individuals, antiprotozoal medications such as metronidazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and nitazoxanide are commonly prescribed.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include:
- Practicing good hygiene
- Ensuring safe drinking water
- Properly washing and cooking food
- Avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces
Epidemiology[edit]
Blastocystosis is prevalent worldwide, with higher infection rates in developing countries due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. It affects individuals of all ages but is more common in children and immunocompromised individuals.
Research[edit]
Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogenicity, transmission, and treatment of Blastocystis. Studies are also focused on the genetic diversity of the parasite and its role in human health.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]
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