Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

[Dientamoeba fragilis: possibly an important cause of persistent abdominal pain in children]

D K Bosman1, M A Benninga, P van de Berg

  • 1Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|April 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Antiprotozoic treatment effectively cleared Dientamoeba fragilis infections in children, significantly reducing persistent gastrointestinal complaints. This study highlights successful treatment outcomes for this common pediatric infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Persistent gastrointestinal complaints in children can be linked to parasitic infections.
  • Dientamoeba fragilis is an increasingly recognized protozoan pathogen in pediatric populations.

Observation:

  • This retrospective study analyzed 43 children with Dientamoeba fragilis infection and persistent abdominal pain.
  • Treatment involved either clioquinol (27 children) or a nitroimidazole drug (16 children).

Findings:

  • Parasitological cure was achieved in 77% of treated children (33/43).
  • Clinical improvement, including reduced or resolved gastrointestinal symptoms, was observed in 82% of children who cleared the infection.
  • Symptomatic improvement also occurred in 20% of children where the infection persisted.

Implications:

  • Antiprotozoic therapy is effective in managing Dientamoeba fragilis infections in children.
  • Successful treatment correlates with significant alleviation of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Further research into optimal treatment strategies for pediatric Dientamoeba fragilis infections is warranted.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection11:49

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Published on: June 12, 2014

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis08:40

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis

Published on: September 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...