COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 264
○ Animal contact (zoonotic potential)
Clinical Significance: Controversial; may cause irritable bowel-like
symptoms in some individuals while remaining asymptomatic in
others.
Unique Features: Exhibits significant genetic diversity with multiple
subtypes (genotypes) that may differ in pathogenicity.
Dientamoeba fragilis
Prevalence: Colonization rates range from 0.5-16% in developed
countries [10].
Transmission Mechanisms:
● Primary route: Fecal-oral pathway, often associated with
pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) transmission
● Secondary routes:
○ Person-to-person contact in institutional settings
○ Possible transmission via pinworm eggs
Clinical Significance: May cause irritable bowel-like symptoms,
including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence.
Unique Features: Lacks a cyst stage, making transmission dynamics
less understood; often coexists with Enterobius vermicularis
(pinworm).
Helminthic Parasites (Worms)
Helminths are multicellular organisms that generally do not multiply
within the human host. They are classified into three main groups:
Nematodes (Roundworms)
Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm)
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