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Prevalence and characteristics of Blastocystis hominis infection in children
M A O'Gorman1, S R Orenstein, R Proujansky
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
Abstract:
Blastocystis hominis, a protozoan whose pathogenicity has been questioned, is sometimes found in the human gastrointestinal tract. We sought to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis in stool and to characterize clinical features of infection with Blastocystis in children. Forty-six (3%) of 1,736 patients undergoing fecal microscopy at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 1988, harbored Blastocystis. Of these 46 children, 75% had exposure to well water or had been in developing countries. Thirty-nine of the 46 (85%) experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Blastocystis was the only parasite found in 35 of those 39 symptomatic children. Symptoms resolved within one month in 90% of patients receiving antiparasitic pharmacotherapy, but in only 58% (P < .04) of those receiving no therapy. We conclude that children infected with Blastocystis often experience gastrointestinal symptoms and that treatment increases the rate of symptomatic improvement. We speculate that Blastocystis is a human pathogen.
Insights
Blastocystis hominis, a common gut protozoan, frequently causes gastrointestinal symptoms in children. Antiparasitic treatment significantly improves symptom resolution, suggesting Blastocystis is a human pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan parasite found in the human gastrointestinal tract.
- Its role as a human pathogen remains debated.
- Understanding its prevalence and clinical significance in children is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis in pediatric patients.
- To characterize the clinical features associated with Blastocystis infection in children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of antiparasitic treatment for Blastocystis-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of fecal microscopy results from 1,736 pediatric patients.
- Correlation of Blastocystis detection with patient demographics and clinical symptoms.
- Comparison of symptom resolution rates between treated and untreated patients.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis was detected in 3% (46/1,736) of pediatric patients.
- A significant proportion of infected children (85%) presented with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Symptom resolution occurred in 90% of treated patients versus 58% of untreated patients (P < .04).
Conclusions:
- Blastocystis infection is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in children.
- Antiparasitic pharmacotherapy is effective in improving clinical outcomes.
- The findings support the pathogenicity of Blastocystis hominis in pediatric populations.