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Dientamoeba fragilis colonization is not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in children at primary care level

Gea A Holtman1, Justin J Kranenberg2, Marco H Blanker2

  • 1Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands and g.a.holtman@umcg.nl.

Family Practice
|October 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Dientamoeba fragilis is a common parasite in children, but this study found no increased risk for gastrointestinal symptoms. The absence of D. fragilis was paradoxically linked to symptoms like diarrhea and fatigue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Dientamoeba fragilis is frequently detected in children presenting to primary care.
  • This parasite is often suspected as a cause of gastrointestinal illness in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Dientamoeba fragilis colonization and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in children.
  • To clarify the role of D. fragilis in pediatric gastrointestinal disease.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Logistic regression analyses explored symptom associations with D. fragilis colonization.
  • A case-control analysis using asymptomatic siblings as controls was performed with conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Dientamoeba fragilis colonization was found in 55.1% of 107 children studied.
  • Absence of D. fragilis was associated with soft to watery stool, chronic diarrhea, and fatigue.
  • Case-control analysis showed no significant difference in D. fragilis colonization between cases and controls (OR = 1.02).

Conclusions:

  • Dientamoeba fragilis is prevalent in children, irrespective of gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • The study suggests D. fragilis colonization does not elevate the risk for gastrointestinal symptoms in children.
  • Unexpected associations between D. fragilis absence and certain symptoms warrant further investigation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Dientamoeba fragilisgastrointestinal symptomspaediatricsprimary care.

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