Blastocystis sp. subtype 2 detection during recurrence of gastrointestinal and urticarial symptoms.
Blastocystis is a common unicellular intestinal parasite in humans. Its clinical relevance is still subject to discussion with numerous conflicting reports on its ability to cause disease. A remarkable genetic heterogeneity among isolates suggests an association between distinct subtypes (STs) and pathogenicity, although a clear correlation between symptoms and subtype is lacking. Here, we report on a clinical case which possibly links Blastocystis sp. ST2 infection with the simultaneous occurrence of gastrointestinal illness and generalized chronic urticaria. Despite repeated chemotherapy with different antimicrobial drugs, both the gastrointestinal and cutaneous disorders reoccurred after short symptom-free intervals. Eradication of the parasite and permanent resolution of the patient's medical condition was finally achieved with the combined application of metronidazole and paromomycin.
Vogelberg
Christian
C
Pediatric Department, University Hospital of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, Germany.
Stensvold
Christen Rune
CR
Monecke
Stefan
S
Ditzen
Anette
A
Stopsack
Konrad
K
Heinrich-Gräfe
Uta
U
Pöhlmann
Christoph
C
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016844:Blastocystis / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D016776:Blastocystis Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010303:Paromomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D010303:Paromomycin