Internal Medicine

P1: RLJ/OZN P2: KUF

0521779407-D-01 CUNY1086/Karliner 0 521 77940 7 June 13, 2007 7:41

486 Dientamoeba Fragilis Infection

tests

■Basic tests: blood: Usually normal. Eosinophilia occasionally repor-

ted.

■Basic tests: urine: normal

■Specific tests: Stool exam for O&P shows trophozoites.

■Other tests: None

differential diagnosis

■All causes of mild diarrhea

management

What to Do First

■Nothing

General Measures

■None

specific therapy

Indications

■Symptomatic patients

Treatment Options

■Iodoquinal for 3 weeks.

■or: Paromomycin for 7 days

■or: Tetracycline for 10 days

Side Effects & Complications

■All the medications can cause mild GI distress.

■Contraindications to treatment: absolute: allergy to medications

■Contraindications to treatment: relative: asymptomatic patient

follow-up

Routine

■Repeat stool examination if symptoms persist. Repeat stool exams

optional if symptoms disappear.

complications and prognosis

■Prognosis is good. Two or three courses of treatment sometimes

needed.