NEELA PENUMARTHY
HUMBIO 103
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| introduction |
| clinical presentation |
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| life cycle and morphology |
| management therapy |
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| EPIDEMIOLOGY |
Blastocystis hominis is found worldwide, and has an estimated prevalence of approximately 10-15% in developed countries and 30-50% in developing countries (Zierdt). In the United States it is recovered from 1-20% of stool specimens examined for ova and parasites (Blastocystis hominis Infections). Because transmission is believed to be via the fecal-oral route, the presence of the organism may be a marker for the presence of other pathogens spread by fecal contamination (Amin). More recent studies, especially those in tropical or developing countries, suggest waterborne transmission of the pathogen (Leelayoova). |
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B. hominis is found worldwide. image from http://www.pcbypaul.com/wpclipart/geography/earth/Globe.png |
