Life cycle Dientameoeba Fragilis Flashcards
What is the classification of Dientameoeba Fragilis?
Extracellular anaerobic intestinal protozoa in the category flagellates
How is Dientameoeba Fragilis transmitted?
Direct fecal-oral route
Hypothetical transmission via entrobius eggs
What are the steps of the Dientameoeba Fragilis lifecycle in and outside of the human host?
- Trophozoites of D. Fragilis is found on in the feces of infected humans since it has no confirmed cyst stage.
- Transmission probably occurs through the fecal-oral route.
- Transmission might also occur in combination with helminth eggs, primarily Enterobius vermicularis but also Ascaris and others.
- After transmission occurs D. Fragilis trophozoites colonize the large intestine in mucosal crypts. Asexual reproduction occurs through binary fission and the trophozoites leave the body in the feces.
What type of life cycle does Dientameoeba fragilis have?
Direct lifecycle with the human as intermediate host
What is a reservoir for Dientameoba Fragilis?
Humans and other primates
What are the symptoms of Dientameoeba Fragilis infection?
Can cause gastrointestinal upset. The parasite does not penetrate the tissue so symptoms caused may be due to irritation which stimulates colonic motility.
Where is Dientameoeba Fragilis endemic?
Worldwide but infection appears to be more common in children.
How is Dientameoeba Fragilis diagnosed?
Infection is diagnosed through trophozoites in stained fecal smears under the microscope. The trophozoite stage is usually not detected if stool concentration methods are used. The D. Fragilis trophozoites can be easily overlooked or misidentified because they pill staining and their nucleus sometimes resemble those of (other parasites)
Other options for diagnosis are Feaces PCR or Faeces Parasite PCR in which multiple parasites can be detected.
