Dientamoeba fragilis Flashcards
1
Q
Classification
A
Protozoa
2
Q
Indirect or direct:
Hosts:
A
Direct life cycle
Humans are definitive hosts
Parasite can also reside in gorillas and pigs
3
Q
Describe life cycle
A
Trophozoites are found in the lumen of the large intestines. Here they multiply by binary fission.
Trophozoites are shed in the stool and survive for short period of time. Only trophozoite stage has been detected till now.
It is thought that transmission can take place by eggs of enterobius vermicularis which also contain the DNA of dientamoeba. So coinfections with both parasites are common.
4
Q
Diagnosis
A
- Microscopy
- PCR
Multiple fresh stool samples are recquired and these need to be stained! Because you only detect trophozoites who die quickly.
