What is it about ?
Dientamœba fragilis is an intestinal parasite responsible for infection. The infection is contracted by contact with the stool of an infected person.
Where and with whom does it occur?
The parasite is found all over the world. Dientamoeba fragilis is more common in environments where hygienic conditions are insufficient. It is the main cause of intestinal infection among tourists in the tropics and subtropics.
How to recognize it?
The infection may not cause symptoms. The time between contamination and the first symptoms is usually 7 to 14 days.
Intestinal symptoms are in the foreground. In children, infection can cause persistent stomach pain and diarrhea. Weight loss is also possible.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor can make the diagnosis on the basis of an analysis of stool taken on three different days.
What can you do ?
Good hand hygiene is essential to avoid contamination. Wash your hands after each use of the toilet, before eating, when preparing meals …
What can the doctor do?
Treatment for Dientamoeba fragilis infection is with the administration of an antiparasitic medicine. Metronidazole is most commonly used in Belgium.
Want to know more?
- Healthy travel – IMT – Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Metronidazole – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
Sources