title: Blastocystis hominis--a potential intestinal pathogen.
abstract: The parasite Blastocystis hominis has been found in 10% to 18% of stool specimens submitted to microbiology laboratories. Controversy exists as to whether this organism can cause illness in humans. We have reviewed the records of 65 symptomatic patients with B hominis in their stool. We conclude that B hominis is a potential pathogen that may or may not require drug therapy depending on the overall clinical circumstances, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of other pathogenic organisms.
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Babb
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wagener
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008795:Metronidazole