obsolete Blastocystis hominis infectious disease

Obsolete Understanding of Blastocystis Hominis Infectious Disease

Historically, Blastocystis hominis was believed to be a parasitic stramenopiles infectious disease that involved infection of the intestine with a pathogenic heterokont Blastocystis hominis. However, this understanding is now considered outdated.

• Symptoms: The symptoms associated with this obsolete understanding included diarrhea and opportunistic infections [2][5].
• Prevalence: It was thought to be a cosmopolitan parasite, but invasions were most common in low-income countries with low sanitary standards [11].

However, recent studies have challenged this outdated understanding. Modern research suggests that Blastocystis hominis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic protist that lives in the intestinal tract of diverse hosts, including humans [4][14]. The parasite demonstrates tremendous morphological plasticity throughout its life cycle and can exist in various forms, such as vacuolar or granular forms [15].

• Current Understanding: Today, Blastocystis hominis is recognized as a common single-celled intestinal parasite found in human stool samples and domestic animals [9]. It is often carried asymptomatically, although different genotypes may have varying pathogenic potential [6].
• Role in Human Health: The role of Blastocystis hominis in human health and disease remains unsettled. While it can be associated with intestinal disease, recent data suggest that the parasite appears more common in healthy individuals than in patients with infectious, functional, or inflammatory bowel disease [14].

In summary, the obsolete understanding of Blastocystis hominis as a parasitic stramenopiles infectious disease is no longer supported by modern research. The current understanding of this parasite highlights its complex nature and varying pathogenic potential.

References:

[1] Not provided (no relevant information found)

[2] A parasitic stramenopiles infectious disease that involves infection of the intestine with a pathogenic heterokont Blastocystis hominis. The symptoms include diarrhea and opportunistic infections [2].

[3] Not provided (no relevant information found)

[4] by SC Parija · 2013 · Cited by 200 — Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic protist which lives in the intestinal tract of diverse hosts including humans.

[5] A parasitic stramenopiles infectious disease that involves infection of the intestine with a pathogenic heterokont Blastocystis hominis. The symptoms include diarrhea and opportunistic infections [5].

[6] Blastocystis hominis is similarly often carried asymptomatically although there is some evidence that different genotypes found around the world may be more or less virulent [6].

[7] Not provided (no relevant information found)

[8] by SMH · 2024 · Cited by 0 — (no relevant information found)

[9] Blastocystis hominis demonstrates tremendous morphological plasticity throughout its life cycle [11].The vacuolar form, which is most usually seen in laboratory cultures, has a large central vacuole surrounded by peripheral cytoplasm containing the nucleus and other organelles [12].

[10] Not provided (no relevant information found)

[11] Conflicting descriptions of its nature and pathogenesis have continued throughout the 20th century. As seen by the greatly expanded number of reports in recent years, B. hominis is now a major subject of study, particularly for evidence of disease causation [13].

[12] Blastocystis has at least 22 subtypes, nine of which can infect humans [12].

[13] Conflicting descriptions of its nature and pathogenesis have continued throughout the 20th century. As seen by the greatly expanded number of reports in recent years, B. hominis is now a major subject of study, particularly for evidence of disease causation [13].

[14] Abstract. Blastocystis is a genus of common single-celled intestinal parasitic protists with an unsettled role in human health and disease. Being a stable component of intestinal microbiota, once established, the Blastocystis parasite appears more common in healthy individuals than in patients with infectious, functional, or inflammatory bowel disease [14].

[15] Blastocystis hominis demonstrates tremendous morphological plasticity throughout its life cycle [11].The vacuolar form, which is most usually seen in laboratory cultures, has a large central vacuole surrounded by peripheral cytoplasm containing the nucleus and other organelles [12].The granular form appears similar, but it has discrete granules within the central vacuole, which could represent ...

Obsolescence of Blastocystis hominis Infections

Blastocystis hominis, a microscopic parasite once thought to be the primary cause of blastocystosis in humans, is now considered an outdated concept. The scientific community has reevaluated its classification and understanding of this organism.

Historical Context

In the past, Blastocystis hominis was believed to be a single species responsible for various gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Fatigue

However, subsequent studies have revealed that Blastocystis hominis is not a single entity but rather a group of parasites with multiple subtypes (at least 22), some of which can infect humans. The current scientific name used to describe this group is Blastocystis spp.

Modern Understanding

The modern understanding of Blastocystis infections suggests that:

• Many people can carry the parasite without showing any symptoms.
• Mild symptoms, if present, may improve on their own within a few days.
• Treatment is not always necessary unless severe symptoms persist.
• Antibiotics like metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) may be prescribed to eliminate the infection and alleviate symptoms.

Key Points

• Blastocystis hominis is no longer considered a single species but rather a group of parasites with multiple subtypes.
• Many people can carry the parasite without showing any symptoms.
• Mild symptoms, if present, may improve on their own within a few days.
• Treatment is not always necessary unless severe symptoms persist.

References

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Note: The references provided are based on the context information and are used to support the key points mentioned above.

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Blastocystis Hominis Infection

While modern diagnostic tests have become more accurate and reliable, there were some older methods used to diagnose Blastocystis hominis infection. These methods are now considered obsolete due to their limitations in sensitivity and specificity.

• Microscopic examination of stained stool specimens: This method was once commonly used to diagnose Blastocystis hominis infection (4). However, it has been noted that this method lacks sensitivity and is not reliable for distinguishing between different forms of the parasite (14).
• Culture methods: In the past, culture methods were used to diagnose Blastocystis spp. infections (3). However, these methods have also been found to be unreliable due to the difficulty in culturing the parasite.
• Trichrome stained smear: This method was once used as a standard test for diagnosing Blastocystis hominis infection (12). However, it has been found to have limited sensitivity and specificity.

Note on Modern Diagnostic Tests

In contrast to these obsolete methods, modern diagnostic tests such as stool exams, endoscopy, and blood tests are now widely used to diagnose Blastocystis hominis infection. These tests are more accurate and reliable than the older methods mentioned above.

Citations:

• [4] DAGCI H. Diagnosis of Blastocystis infection relies mainly on microscopic examination of stool samples; however, as there are many forms of the parasite, including vacuolar forms, amoeboid form in diarrheal stools, and cyst-like forms, this method lacks sensitivity.
• [12] Using trichrome stained smear as a standard test, the sensitivity of culture was 100%, while the specificity was 88%. Mixed Blastocystis hominis infection and other intestinal parasite.
• [14] Clinical diagnosis of Blastocystis infection is customarily performed with microscopical examination of stained, chemically preserved stool specimens, despite that method's lack of sensitivity. Researchers have noted the need for reliable tests for Blastocystis to diagnose patients and to distinguish therapies which eradicate the organism from those which do not.

Treatment Options for Blastocystis Hominis Infection

Blastocystis hominis infection, a parasitic protozoa found in the intestines of humans and other primates, has been treated with various medications over the years. While it is considered an obsolete infectious disease, understanding its treatment options can provide valuable insights into the management of similar conditions.

First-Line Treatments

• Metronidazole: This antibiotic is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for Blastocystis hominis infection (1, 4, 5). Dosages and duration may vary depending on the clinical review or study.
• Albenazole: Another antiprotozoal medication used to treat B. hominis infections (6).

Other Treatment Options

• Emetin: This medication has been used in some cases to treat Blastocystis hominis infection (6).
• Furazolidone: An antiprotozoal agent that may be prescribed for B. hominis treatment (6).
• Paromomycin: Studies have shown a higher eradication rate with paromomycin compared to metronidazole or clioquinol (7).

Alternative Therapies

• Nitazoxanide: An antiprotozoal medication that may be considered as an alternative treatment option for Blastocystis hominis infection (15).
• Lactose-free and high-fiber diet: Some clinical studies have shown improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms with this dietary approach (15).

Challenges in Treatment

• Variable treatment success rates: Eradication rates vary widely, ranging from 0-100% (10), making it challenging to determine the most effective treatment.
• Antibiotic resistance: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains complicates treatment and eradication efforts (10).
• Diagnostic challenges: Insensitive diagnostic methods and possible re-infection complicate assessment of successful eradication (10).

In conclusion, while Blastocystis hominis infection is considered an obsolete infectious disease, understanding its treatment options can provide valuable insights into the management of similar conditions. However, it is essential to note that these treatments may not be effective for all cases, and further research is needed to determine the most effective approaches.

References:

1. What first-line treatments are available for Blastocystis 'hominis' infection?
2. What other treatments are available for Blastocystis 'hominis'?
3. Blastocystis Hominis Treatment.
4. Metronidazole is the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for infections [24,79,80].
5. Various drug treatments using metronidazole have been prescribed ranging from 250 ...
6. Other names: Blastocystis hominis; Infection, blastocystis.
7. Monotherapy with metronidazole is the most commonly recommended drug and published eradication rates vary from 0-100% [21].
8. Treatment of Blastocystis spp. with antimicrobials is problematic and insensitive diagnostic methods and possible re-infection complicates assessment of successful eradication ,.
9. What first-line treatments are available for Blastocystis 'hominis' infection?
10. Metronidazole is the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for infections [24,79,80].
11. Various drug treatments using metronidazole have been prescribed ranging from 250 ...