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Blastocystis hominis--past and future.

¹Microbiology Service, Clinical Pathology Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews

|January 1, 1991

Summary

Blastocystis hominis is a parasitic ameba causing intestinal disease, with varied cell forms complicating diagnosis. Treatment options include metronidazole, with ongoing research into its unique biology and pathology.

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Taxonomic status of Blastocystis hominis: reply.

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Area of Science:

Medical Parasitology
Microbiology
Infectious Diseases

Background:

Blastocystis hominis is an enigmatic parasitic ameba with a complex history of misconceptions regarding its nature and pathogenesis.
Recent years have seen increased study into B. hominis, focusing on its role in causing intestinal disease.
Physicians are actively treating patients for intestinal ailments attributed to B. hominis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of Blastocystis hominis, including its morphology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
To highlight the challenges in diagnosing B. hominis due to its varied and complex cell forms.
To emphasize the need for further research into the pathology and biology of B. hominis infections.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on Blastocystis hominis, encompassing historical accounts, clinical reports, and scientific studies.
Analysis of the morphological characteristics of B. hominis, including its different cell forms (CB form, granular form, ameba form).
Examination of pathological findings in both animal models and limited human studies.

Main Results:

Blastocystis hominis infections can cause acute and chronic intestinal disease, with many mild cases resolving spontaneously.
Diagnosis is challenging due to the organism's pleomorphism (various cell forms) and size variation, with no specific fluorescent-antibody test available.
B. hominis exhibits unique anaerobic mitochondria and reproduces asexually through binary fission and shizogony.

Conclusions:

Blastocystis hominis is a significant cause of intestinal disease requiring medical attention, despite historical underestimation.
Further research is crucial to elucidate the pathology of B. hominis infections in humans and improve diagnostic methods.
Enhanced education and awareness among medical practitioners and laboratory personnel are essential for accurate identification and management of B. hominis.

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