BLASTOCYSTIS INFECTION

The blastocystis infection spreads easily. Your digestive tract may be home to a small parasite called blastocystis. Researchers are unsure of whether blastocystis contributes to disease development at all. Blastocystis organisms have been discovered in the stools of people suffering from stomach pain, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. But most often, blastocystis organisms just exist harmlessly in a person’s digestive system. 

Food, drink, contact with human or animal excrement, and other sources of contamination can all spread the blastocystis infection. People who work with animals and those who reside in or travel to impoverished nations tend to be more susceptible to blastocystis infection. 

Once upon a time, Blastocystis hominis, a single species, was known to exist in humans. Researchers have discovered a number of variants, including various strains or separate species. The current scientific designation is Blastocystis, which stands for “many species.”

SYMPTOMS

Blastocystosis is linked to digestive tract inflammation (enteritis). It is unknown, however, if Blastocystis is the cause of gastrointestinal disorders or if its presence in the digestive system is merely coincidental. Some symptoms include: 

  • Abdominal discomfort 
  • Diarrhea
  • Anal itching
  • Bloating and gas
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss

 

If you have signs and symptoms, like diarrhea or stomach pain, that linger for more than three days, visit your doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing the root cause of diarrhea and its associated symptoms may be challenging. Even if blastocystis is discovered in your stool, your symptoms might not be brought on by it. Another food- or water-borne microbe is frequently the most likely culprit for disease. 

In addition to performing a physical exam, your healthcare provider will ask you about recent activities, including travel. Several laboratory procedures are available to identify parasitic illnesses and other non-infectious causes of gastrointestinal symptoms: 

  • Stool Examination
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood Test

TREATMENT

You don’t need therapy if you have a blastocystis infection and show no signs or symptoms. Mild signs may get better on their own in a few days. 

Potential treatments for blastocystis infection removal and symptom relief include: 

  • Antibiotics 
  • Anti-protozoal drugs

Responses to these drugs can be very different. Additionally, since the organism may not be the source of your symptoms, improvement may be brought on by the medication’s impact on an unrelated organism.

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