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].

D. fragilis symptoms, prevention & treatment

Patients infected with Dientamoeba fragilis will often be asymptomatic. However, many can also experience a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms.

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D. fragilis laboratory diagnosis

Learn more about the challenges of traditional diagnostic techniques for detecting Dientamoeba fragilis infection, and the benefits of molecular testing

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References

  1. Stark D, Barratt J, Chan D, Ellis JT. Dientamoeba fragilis, the Neglected Trichomonad of the Human Bowel. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2016 Jul;29(3):553-80. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00076-15. PMID: 27170141; PMCID: PMC4861990. 
  2. CDC. Dientamoeba. https://www.cdc.gov/dientamoeba/about/