Although much literature cites this parasite as a non-pathogen, there is much reason to believe that in some cases these "non-pathogenic" agents actually cause symptoms in patients, with no other infections or conditions that would explain their symptoms. Following is a list of a few references to support that statement: Cuffari C, Oligny L, Siedman EG, 1998 Dientamoeba fragilis masquerading as allergic colitis. J. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 26: 16-20., Feigin, RD, Cherry, James, Demmler-Harrison, GJ, and Kaplan, SL. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 6th Edition; Ch. 223, Amin, OM, 2002. Seasonal Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in the United States During 2000. Am J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 66(6), 799-803., Garcia LS, 2005. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology. Washington, DC: American Society for Microbiology. Pg. 9 and Corcoran G.D., O'Connell B., Gilleece A., Mulvihill T.E.: Entamoeba coli as possible cause of diarrhea. Lancet 1991; 338:254

BIOLOGY

CAUSAL AGENTS

Chilomastix mesnili, a nonpathogenic flagellate.

LIFE CYCLE

The cyst stage is resistant to environmental pressures and is responsible for transmission of Chilomastix. Both cysts and trophozoites can be found in the feces (diagnostic stages) . Infection occurs by the ingestion of cysts in contaminated water, food, or by the fecal-oral route (hands or fomites) . In the large (and possibly small) intestine, excystation releases trophozoites. Chilomastix resides in the cecum and/or colon; it is generally considered a commensal whose contribution to pathogenesis is uncertain. Animals may serve as a reservoir for Chilomastix.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

Worldwide.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Chilomastix mesnili is considered nonpathogenic. The presence of cysts and/or trophozoites in stool specimens can however be an indicator of fecal contamination of a food or water source, and thus does not rule-out other parasitic infections.

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS

Chilomastix mesnili is identified through the detection of cysts and/or trophozoites in stool specimens, both concentrated wet mounts and permanent stained smears (e.g., trichrome).

For more information view the source: Center for Disease Control

Recommended Test: Full GI Panel

Recommended Product: Freedom Cleanse Restore Parasite Cleanse

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