Overview
Blastocystis hominis is a microscopic parasitic organism that can live in the digestive tract of humans. It is not fully understood if this parasite causes disease or not, as some people who have it in their stool show no symptoms, while others may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, excessive gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, anal itching, and fatigue. Blastocystis infection is called blastocystosis. Transmission of the infection can occur through contaminated food or water, or by contact with human or animal feces. The risk of infection is higher for individuals who work with animals or who live in or travel to developing countries with poor water sanitation. It's important to see a doctor if you have persistent symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of Blastocystis hominis infection may include watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, anal itching, and fatigue. However, it's important to note that many people who carry the organism have no signs or symptoms. It's also possible that other organisms may contribute to disease in some cases. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor, especially if they persist for more than three days.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing Blastocystis hominis infection may include:
- Working with animals
- Being exposed to human feces at work, such as in a children's daycare setting
- Traveling to a country with poor water sanitation These factors may increase the likelihood of exposure to the organism that causes Blastocystis hominis infection. However, it's important to note that many people who are exposed to the organism do not experience any symptoms, and it's not entirely clear whether Blastocystis hominis always causes disease.
Development
Blastocystis infection typically develops through the transmission of the microscopic parasite from one individual to another. Transmission can occur through contaminated food or water, or by direct contact with human or animal feces. The parasite may be transmitted from animals to people or from person to person. Once ingested, the parasite can live in the digestive tract without causing harm in many cases. However, it is not clear whether Blastocystis hominis infection always remains asymptomatic, as some people with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues have been found to have Blastocystis organisms in their stool. The scientific community is still researching the role of Blastocystis in causing disease, if any.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have signs and symptoms, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain, that last longer than three days.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a Blastocystis hominis infection, your doctor will typically perform a stool (fecal) exam to look for parasites in your stool sample. They may provide you with a container and preservative fluid for the sample. It's important to refrigerate the sample until you bring it to the doctor's office or lab, and not to freeze it. If the initial stool exam doesn't reveal the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may also request an endoscopy or blood tests to help diagnose the infection.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Blastocystis hominis infection is typically associated with self-limiting diarrhea, lasting for a short period. However, any diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in children. Other potential complications include fatigue and loss of appetite, which may result in weight loss.
Prevention
Blastocystis hominis infection can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as washing fruits and vegetables before eating, keeping cooking surfaces clean, and washing hands frequently. Additionally, avoiding risky behaviors such as working with animals, being exposed to human feces at work, traveling to countries with poor water sanitation, and consuming uncooked or contaminated food and water can reduce the risk of infection.
Home Remedies
There is no specific home remedy suggested for Blastocystis hominis infection. However, practicing good hygiene can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of transmission. This includes washing fruits and vegetables before eating, keeping cooking surfaces clean, and washing your hands frequently. If you experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, anal itching, or fatigue, it is recommended to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
To treat a Blastocystis hominis infection, your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics: Medications such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, others), or nitazoxanide (Alinia) can be prescribed to eliminate the infection and alleviate symptoms.
- Combination medications: These can include sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, others).
- Anti-protozoal medications: Paromomycin is another example. Please note that the choice of medication and treatment duration will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your doctor's assessment of your condition. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's advice and complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms improve. Additionally, staying well-hydrated and using oral rehydration solutions can help manage symptoms. Consult your doctor for personalized advice on managing your infection and maintaining hydration.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for a Blastocystis hominis infection, you should:
- Make a list of your symptoms and when they began.
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as dietary restrictions or fasting requirements.
- Gather any relevant medical records or test results related to your symptoms.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as: a. What could be causing my symptoms? b. Should I undergo any specific tests for the infection? c. What is the most appropriate treatment for my case? d. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to manage my symptoms? e. What are the potential side effects of the medications prescribed? f. How long should the treatment last? g. Are there any dietary or activity restrictions I should follow during the treatment? h. When can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms? i. What happens if the infection doesn't improve with treatment? j. Are there any follow-up appointments or tests required after the treatment?
- Inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have and any medications you are currently taking. By being well-prepared, you can ensure that you have a productive and informative appointment with your doctor.