Dientamoeba fragilis - the most common intestinal protozoan in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland, 2007 to 2017.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundDespite the global distribution of the intestinal protozoan Dientamoeba fragilis, its clinical picture remains unclear. This results from underdiagnosis: microscopic screening methods either lack sensitivity (wet preparation) or fail to reveal Dientamoeba (formalin-fixed sample).AimIn a retrospective study setting, we characterised the clinical picture of dientamoebiasis and compared it with giardiasis. In addition, we evaluated an improved approach to formalin-fixed samples for suitability in Dientamoeba diagnostics.MethodsThis study comprised four parts: (i) a descriptive part scrutinising rates of Dientamoeba findings; (ii) a methodological part analysing an approach to detect Dientamoeba-like structures in formalin samples; (iii) a clinical part comparing demographics and sym

SUBMITTER: Pietila JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6652114 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature