PEDBASE.org - The Pediatric Database - Detailed information of DIENTOMEBA FRAGILIS ENTERITIS

DIENTOMEBA FRAGILIS ENTERITIS

DEFINITION:

A protozoan infectious disease of the ?large bowel resulting in a secretory diarrhea.

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

incidence: ?; 3rd most common protozoan cause of enteritis
risk factors:
- high risk groups include immigrants, overseas travellers, institutionalized patients, and North American Indians
incubation period: ?

CLINICAL FEATURES:

1. Diarrhea

associated symptoms include abdominal pain, anorexia, fever, and flatulence

2. Complications

frequently coexists with enterobius vermicularis infection

INVESTIGATIONS:

1. Stool

only trophozoites can be found in the stool of which 80% are binucleated with no peripheral chromatin.
also contain leukocytes and occasionally Charcot-Leyden crystals

MANAGEMENT:

1. Supportive

oral rehydration fluid (ORF) or intravenous rehydration

2. Medications

Metronidazole

Pediatric Database - DIENTOMEBA FRAGILIS ENTERITIS

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