Related Experiment Videos
Blastocystis hominis in two children of one family
1Department of Child Health, U.W.I., Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Trinidad.
Insights
Blastocystis hominis infections can cause intestinal symptoms like rectal bleeding and diarrhea in children. Metronidazole treatment effectively cleared the parasite, resolving symptoms and ensuring a negative stool sample post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms in children warrant thorough etiological investigation.
Observation:
- Two siblings presented with distinct intestinal symptoms: one with rectal bleeding, the other with persistent diarrhea.
- Stool analysis revealed moderate to heavy Blastocystis hominis infection in both children.
Findings:
- Treatment with metronidazole led to the resolution of symptoms in both children.
- Post-treatment stool samples were negative for Blastocystis hominis.
- Symptomatic relief and parasitological cure were sustained for at least 18 months.
Implications:
- Blastocystis hominis should be considered as a potential cause of intestinal symptoms in pediatric cases.
- Metronidazole is an effective therapeutic option for Blastocystis hominis infections in children.
- Eradication of the parasite leads to long-term resolution of associated gastrointestinal morbidity.
Abstract:
Two apparently healthy children from the same family were found to have moderate to heavy Blastocystis hominis in their stool samples whilst being investigated for intestinal symptoms: sporadic, painless, rectal bleeding in one and persistent diarrhoea in the other. After treatment with metronidazole, they had no further signs, and stool samples became negative. Eighteen months later, both were asymptomatic, and stool samples continued to be negative for the parasite.