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Blastocystis hominis associated acute urticaria
Rajanshu Verma1, Kamiab Delfanian
1Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. verma.rajanshu@mayo.edu
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|January 31, 2013
Summary
Acute urticaria can stem from various causes. This case highlights Blastocystis hominis, a parasite, as a rare trigger for urticaria in developed countries, emphasizing stool analysis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute urticaria presents with diverse etiologies, including infections, medications, and allergens.
- Blastocystis species are common globally but infrequently linked to disease in developed nations.
Observation:
- A case study involving an elderly farmer in rural USA with acute urticaria.
- The patient had no identifiable common urticaria triggers after thorough investigation.
Findings:
- Blastocystis hominis, a protozoan parasite, was identified as the causative agent of acute urticaria.
- This represents a rare instance of Blastocystis-induced urticaria in a developed country.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Blastocystis species in unexplained urticaria cases.
- Suggests stool ova and parasite examination as a diagnostic tool for urticaria when common causes are excluded.
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