Dientamoeba fragilis is a protozoan parasite of the human bowel, commonly reported throughout the world in association with gastrointestinal symptoms. D. fragilis consists of two genotypes type 1 and type 2, with type 1 most commonly isolated in humans. It has been postulated that D. fragilis could be a heterogeneous species containing variants possessing different pathologies [1].

The life cycle and transmission of D. fragilis within the human population are not fully understood but infection is most likely via the fecal-oral route. This could be through contaminated food and water or hand-to-mouth contact after touching contaminated surfaces.[2]

The global prevalence of D. fragilis has been found to be between 0.4% and 71% depending on the population studied and the diagnostic methods used. In general prevalence is higher in developed countries [2].  Several reports have also identified D. fragilis as the most common pathogenic protozoan found in stool when appropriate diagnostic methods such a real-time PCR (RT-PCR) are used [1].