Dientamoeba fragilis is more prevalent than Giardia duodenalis in children and adults attending a day care centre in Central Italy

Parasite

and E. Pozio¹  S.M. Cacciò¹  M. Lalle¹  G. Fonzo²  M.L. D’Annibale²  D. Crotti² 

[1] Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità,Rome,Italy;Sezione di Microbiologia e Parassitologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, Presidio Ospedaliero “R. Silvestrini”,Perugia,Italy

关键词: PCR;    diagnosis;    Giemsa stain;    parasite;    Dientamoeba fragilis;    Giardia duodenalis;   

Others  :  808787
DOI  :  doi:10.1051/parasite/2005122165

 received in 2004-11-15, accepted in 2004-12-21,  发布年份 2005

【 摘 要 】

Giardia duodenalis is a well recognised enteropathogen, while Dientamoeba fragilis is rarely detected and consequently it is not recognised as an important human pathogen. In 2002-2003, a survey has been carried out on enteroparasites in faecal samples of outpatients attending a day care centre in the town of Perugia (Central Italy). To improve the detection level, at least three samples from each patient were collected at different days and within two hours from defecation. The coproparasitological examination has been carried out by direct microscopic examination, faecal concentration, and Giemsa and modified Ziehl-Nielsen stainings of faecal smears. The genotypes of Giardia duodenalis isolates were determined by PCR of the β-giardin gene. Of 1,989 enrolled people (966 children, 1,023 adults), 165 persons (8.3%; 153 adults, 15.0%; 12 children, 1.2%), were positive for parasites, but only 112 adults (73.2% of those infected) and eight children (66.7% of those infected) harboured D. fragilis and G. duodenalis. Both the Assemblages A and B were detected in 18 G. duodenalis isolates examined at the β-giardin gene. The higher prevalence of D. fragilis infections than that of G. duodenalis is probably related to the method used, a procedure, which is rarely followed in laboratories for the diagnosis of enteric parasites. These epidemiological data suggest that when faecal samples are examined after a period of time and without Giemsa staining, most D. fragilis infections goes undetected.

【 授权许可】

   
© PRINCEPS Editions, Paris, 2005