title: Update on the pathogenic potential and treatment options for Blastocystis sp.
abstract: Although Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites, there is still much controversy surrounding the pathogenicity and potential treatment options for this parasite. In this review we look at the evidence supporting Blastocystis as an intestinal pathogen as shown by numerous case studies and several in vivo studies and the evidence against. We describe the chronic nature of some infections and show the role of Blastocystis in immunocompromised patients and the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and Blastocystis infection. There have been several studies that have suggested that pathogenicity may be subtype related. Metronidazole is the most widely accepted treatment for Blastocystis but several cases of treatment failure and resistance have been described. Other treatment options which have been suggested include paromomycin and trimethroprim- sulfamethoxazole.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia ; School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
authors.forename: Tamalee
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stark
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harkness
authors.affiliation: School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ellis
keywords: Blastocystis; Parasitology; Pathogenicity; Subtypes; Treatment failure