Blastocystis Hominis Infection

Blastocystis hominis is a microscopic parasite sometimes found in the stools of healthy people as well as in the stools of those who have diarrhea, abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal problems. Infection with blastocystis is called blastocystosis.

Symptoms associated with the infection are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, excessive gas, and anal itching. The cause of your diarrhea may be difficult to diagnose. Even if blastocystis is present on a fecal exam, it may not be causing your symptoms. To prevent blastocystis or other gastrointestinal infection by taking a number of precautions while traveling in high-risk countries.

Potential medications for treating blastocystis infection include the antibiotic metronidazole, the combination medication sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and the antiprotozoal medications iodoquinol or nitazoxanide. Tests were performed on 442 patients & 148 out of 442 (33%) patients one or more intestinal parasitic species were observed. Protozoa were observed in 148 out of 442 (33%) and helminths in 3 out of 442 (0.7%) patients. Blastocystis were recognized in either of the two SAF preserved samples by microscopy of iodine stained wet smears in 106 out of 442 (24.0%) patients in any of two samples.

Blastocystis Research Foundation is committed to research on Blastocystis hominis. Important research into Blastocystis hominis is being done right now in many university hospitals, medical centers and other institutions around the world.