Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

23.1K

Dientamoeba fragilis and chronic abdominal pain in children: a case-control study

Marin J de Jong1, Judith J Korterink1, Marc A Benninga2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's Hertogenbosch, Brabant, The Netherlands.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant link between Dientamoeba (D.) fragilis infections and chronic abdominal pain in children. Treatment for D. fragilis did not consistently improve symptoms, suggesting it may not be a primary cause of pediatric abdominal pain.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The role of Dientamoeba (D.) fragilis in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) remains unclear.
  • Chronic abdominal pain (AP) is a common complaint in children, often linked to FGID.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical relevance of D. fragilis in children experiencing chronic abdominal pain.
  • To determine if D. fragilis infection is associated with FGID in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study involving 132 children with chronic AP and 77 controls.
  • D. fragilis detection via real-time PCR in fecal samples.
  • Analysis of clinical data and ROME III criteria for AP-related FGID.

Main Results:

  • D. fragilis was detected in 43.2% of AP patients and 50.6% of controls (p=0.255), with no significant difference.
  • No significant differences in symptomatology were observed between infected children and those with AP-FGID.
  • Parasitological eradication was achieved in 61.7%, but clinical improvement in only 40.4% post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • No association was found between chronic abdominal pain in children and D. fragilis infection.
  • Treatment for D. fragilis did not correlate with significant clinical improvement.
  • D. fragilis is unlikely to be a primary etiological agent for chronic abdominal pain in this pediatric cohort.
Abstract

Keywords:
EpidemiologyGastroenterologyInfectious DiseasesMicrobiologyParasitology

More Related Videos

Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples04:57

Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples

Published on: April 25, 2025

1.3K
Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection11:49

Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection

Published on: June 12, 2014

18.2K

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
27
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
4.4K
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
2.1K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
778
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
998
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
896