Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 31, 2025

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

27.2K

Blastocystis sp.-An emerging cause of diarrhea post stem cell transplantation

Osman Radhwi1,2, Abdullah Almohammadi1,2, Adel Almarzouki1,2

  • 1Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital King Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia.

Clinical Case Reports
|May 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Protozoan infections like Blastocystis sp. are common after stem cell transplants, especially in the Middle East. Always test for parasites in transplant patients experiencing diarrhea to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Stem cell transplantation is a life-saving procedure but carries risks of opportunistic infections.
  • Diarrhea is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication following stem cell transplantation.
  • Protozoan infections are endemic in certain regions, including the Middle East.

Observation:

  • A case of Blastocystis sp. infection is presented in a multiple myeloma patient.
  • The patient developed diarrhea on day five post-autologous stem cell transplantation.
  • Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan parasite that can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Findings:

  • The patient's diarrhea was attributed to Blastocystis sp. infection.
  • Early identification of parasitic infections is crucial in immunocompromised patients.
  • Stool examination for ova and parasites is essential in the workup of diarrhea post-transplant.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider endemic protozoan infections in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in stem cell transplant recipients.
  • Prompt diagnostic testing can prevent severe complications and mortality associated with opportunistic infections.
  • Implementing routine stool examinations for ova and parasites can improve patient outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Keywords:
Blastocystis sp.diarrheahominismultiple myelomaprotozoastem cell transplant

More Related Videos

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model05:41

Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model

Published on: April 6, 2022

2.9K
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation07:32

Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation

Published on: May 26, 2023

4.2K

Related Concept Videos

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...
43
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
231
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
2.6K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
1.1K
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
168