Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
Published on: September 27, 2018
Dientamoeba fragilis. An unusual intestinal pathogen
1Department of Surgery, MacDill AFB, Florida, USA.
Abstract:
This is a case report of a gastrointestinal infection caused by Dientamoeba fragilis. It is a flagellate protozoan that is an uncommon etiology of gastrointestinal disease. Primarily characterized by diarrhea and abdominal pain, other symptoms such as flatulence, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, malaise, and weight loss occur. Diagnosis is made using multiple fresh stool samples that are preserved and permanently stained looking for the typical binucleate trophozoite. Since there is a distinct association with Enterobius vermicularis (possibly the mode of protozoan transmission), the human pinworm is also sought. Treatment of choice consists of diiodohydroxyquin in adults and metronidazole in children.
Related Concept Videos
Diversity of Protists II
Diversity of Protists I
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Diversity of Protists IV
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.

