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Gut Pathogens
Published in: Gut Pathogens 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

Update on the pathogenic potential and treatment options for Blastocystis sp

Authors: Tamalee Roberts, Damien Stark, John Harkness, John Ellis

Published in: Gut Pathogens | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Although Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites, there is still much controversy surrounding the pathogenicity and potential treatment options for this parasite. In this review we look at the evidence supporting Blastocystis as an intestinal pathogen as shown by numerous case studies and several in vivo studies and the evidence against. We describe the chronic nature of some infections and show the role of Blastocystis in immunocompromised patients and the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and Blastocystis infection. There have been several studies that have suggested that pathogenicity may be subtype related. Metronidazole is the most widely accepted treatment for Blastocystis but several cases of treatment failure and resistance have been described. Other treatment options which have been suggested include paromomycin and trimethroprim- sulfamethoxazole.
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Metadata
Title
Update on the pathogenic potential and treatment options for Blastocystis sp
Authors
Tamalee Roberts
Damien Stark
John Harkness
John Ellis
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Gut Pathogens / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-4749
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-4749-6-17

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