Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
07:06

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection

Published on: December 8, 2014

Six ulcerative colitis patients with refractory symptoms co-infective with Blastocystis hominis in China

Wei-Ping Tai1, Pin-Jin Hu, Jing Wu

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, 100038, China. taiweiping@hotmail.com

Parasitology Research
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Blastocystis hominis, an intestinal parasite, may play a role in refractory ulcerative colitis. Treating patients with this infection led to significant symptom improvement, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Blastocystis hominis is typically considered a harmless intestinal commensal.
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with varying treatment responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of Blastocystis hominis infection in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of metronidazole treatment for Blastocystis hominis-infected UC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 122 ulcerative colitis patients.
  • Stool examination for Blastocystis hominis detection.
  • Treatment of infected patients with metronidazole (10-14 days).

Main Results:

  • One patient with refractory UC was found to be infected with B. hominis.
  • Six out of 49 patients experiencing UC relapse tested positive for B. hominis.
  • All six B. hominis-infected patients showed near-complete recovery within 3 weeks of metronidazole treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Blastocystis hominis infection should be considered in ulcerative colitis patients with refractory or relapsing symptoms.
  • Metronidazole treatment appears effective in managing refractory ulcerative colitis associated with B. hominis infection.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of B. hominis in UC.

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
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...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...