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Intestinal protozoa infections among patients with ulcerative colitis: prevalence and impact on clinical disease

Jesús K Yamamoto-Furusho1, Emma Torijano-Carrera

  • 1Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico. kazuofurusho@hotmail.com

Digestion
|February 11, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intestinal protozoa infections, including Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba histolytica, were found in 24% of Mexican ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. These infections were linked to persistent disease activity, suggesting a role in UC relapses.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enteropathogenic microorganisms are implicated in the initiation and relapse of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a major form of IBD with complex etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in Mexican patients diagnosed with UC.
  • To investigate the association between intestinal protozoa infections and the clinical course of UC.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 215 patients with confirmed UC was studied.
  • Fresh fecal samples were analyzed using trichrome staining for immediate examination.
  • Protozoa identified included Blastocystis hominis, Endolimax nana, and Entamoeba histolytica.

Main Results:

  • Overall protozoa infection prevalence was 24% in the UC cohort.
  • Infections were significantly more frequent in patients with persistent and intermittent disease activity compared to inactive disease.
  • Protozoa infection showed a significant association with persistent disease activity even when compared to intermittent activity.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified a 24% prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections among Mexican UC patients.
  • Intestinal protozoa may contribute to persistent UC activity, potentially impacting treatment outcomes in this population.

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