How do you treat Blastocystis hominis?

How do you treat Blastocystis hominis?

Treatment

1. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax)
2. Combination medications, such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, others)
3. Anti-protozoal medications, such as paromomycin or nitazoxanide (Alinia)

Can Blastocystis hominis be cured?

Blastocystis sp. is a parasite which does not need to be cured with the antibiotics that cause side effects, such as metronidazole (MTZ).

What is the infective stage of Blastocystis hominis?

The cyst form (3–5 µm) is postulated to be an infectious stage, but not confirmed. The predominant form found in human stool specimens is referred to as the vacuolar (or central body) form and is of variable size (5–40 µm, occasionally much larger). Replication appears to occur via binary fission.

How long does it take to recover from parasite?

Symptoms generally last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. In people with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to illness such as HIV), symptoms may last longer. Healthcare providers can prescribe the appropriate antiparasitic medications to help reduce the amount of time symptoms last.

What does Blastocystis hominis do to the body?

Watery or loose stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anal itching, weight loss, constipation, and excess gas have all been reported in persons with Blastocystis infection. Many people have no symptoms at all. The organism can be found in both well and sick persons.

Can you see Blastocystis hominis in stool?

Blastocystis is found in the intestines of many people, some without ever having symptoms. Some studies have shown that people with poor immune systems have higher rates of identification of Blastocystis in their stools.

What is the treatment for Blastocystis hominis?

Potential medications for treating Blastocystis hominis include: 1 Antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax). 2 Combination medications, such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, others). 3 Anti-protozoal medications, such as paromomycin or nitazoxanide (Alinia).

What is Blastocystis hominis?

The stool test came back positive for a parasite called Blastocystis hominis, which is this microscopic protozoa/amoeba. Blastocystis hominis is very common, and many of our patients that I see with this had picked it up when they traveled to the islands. This patient went to The Bahamas quite a bit.

Can Blastocystis go away on its own?

If you have blastocystis without signs or symptoms, then you don’t need treatment. Mild signs and symptoms may improve on their own within a few days. Potential medications for treating blastocystis infection include: Antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax)

Which medications are used to treat Blastocystis infection?

Several drugs have been used against Blastocystis infection, the most common still being metronidazole (MTZ), as the first-line treatment, followed by nitazoxanide (NTZ), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), ketoconazole, and tinidazole as secondary treatments.