What is the morphology of Dientamoeba fragilis?

TABLE 3

Dientamoeba fragilis characteristic	Shape and size	Motility
Trophozoites	Shaped like amebae; 5–15 μm; usual range, 9–12 μm	Usually nonprogressive; pseudopodia are angular, serrated, or broad lobed and almost transparent
Cysts	Generally oval to round; ∼5–8 μm; inner organism about 5 μm; inner, outer cyst walls	Nonmotile

Does D fragilis have a cyst stage?

Dientamoeba fragilis is a nonflagellate trichomonad parasite that can live in the human large intestine. Unlike most other intestinal protozoa, its life cycle has no cyst stage; thus, infection between humans occurs during the trophozoite stage.

Does Dientamoeba fragilis have cysts?

Dientamoeba fragilis is a common enteropathogen of humans. Recently a cyst stage of the parasite was described in an animal model; however, no cyst stage has been described in detail from clinical samples. We describe both cyst and precystic forms from human clinical samples.

How long does Dientamoeba fragilis last?

Many patients reported having symptomatic family members, and the range of duration was significant (1–630 weeks). In accordance with previous reports [7, 9, 10, 13], the most commonly found symptoms were abdominal pain, loose stools or diarrhea, flatulence, anorexia, and fatigue.

Can you get rid of Dientamoeba fragilis?

fragilis and various antimicrobial compounds have been shown to be effective for treating dientamoebiasis with both clearance of parasite and resolution of symptoms achievable.

Which of the following is characteristic of Dientamoeba fragilis?

Dientamoeba fragilis is a flagellate that lacks external flagella and therefore must be morphologically differentiated from the small nonpathogenic amebae (e.g., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba hartmanni). Dientamoeba fragilis trophozoites measure 5 to 15 µm; cyst-like stages are rare.

Should you treat Dientamoeba fragilis?

fragilis infection do not require treatment. Retesting of a faecal specimen after antimicrobial treatment (if given) is not recommended.

What type of parasite is Dientamoeba fragilis?

Parasites – Dientamoeba fragilis Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Is Dientamoeba fragilis serious?

​Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It may cause illness in some people. The parasite is most likely transmitted via the faecal-oral route. Good hygiene practices should be used to help prevent infection.

Why do I keep getting Dientamoeba fragilis?

fragilis is spread. Most likely, people get infected by accidentally swallowing the parasite; this is called fecal-oral transmission. The parasite is fragile; it probably cannot live very long in the environment (after it is passed in feces) or in stomach acid (after it is swallowed).

What does Dientamoeba fragilis eat?

First observed in 7 patients, of whom 6 had diarrhea or dysentery, the parasite was dubiously classified as a nonpathogen based on its source of nutrition: its voracious appetite is for the commensal bacteria of the gut rather than the tissues of its host.