Diseases

Intestinal protozoa

Intestinal protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases and are mostly transmitted through contaminated water or food.

Characteristics, Transmission, and Diagnosis

Intestinal protozoa are single-celled organisms that can infect the human digestive tract. They belong to various taxonomic groups, including amoebas, flagellates, and sporozoites. These protozoa can cause various diseases, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions.

Transmission of intestinal protozoa typically occurs through contact with contaminated water or food, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Some species can also be transmitted from person to person, particularly in environments with close contact, such as communal facilities.

Diagnosis of intestinal protozoa is often achieved by detecting the parasites in stool samples through microscopic examination or, as we do in-house, through specific diagnostic tests such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and control the spread of infection.

Intestinal protozoa that can be tested for via a stool sample:

Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan that causes giardiasis. These parasites attach to the intestinal wall and impair nutrient absorption. The incubation period is usually 1 to 3 weeks. Diagnosis is often made by detecting cysts or trophozoites (the active form of Giardia) in the stool.

Entamoeba histolytica is an amoebic parasite that causes amoebiasis. The parasite can colonize the large intestine and cause tissue damage, leading to bloody diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by detecting cysts or trophozoites in the stool.

Cryptosporidium spp. are intracellular protozoa that cause cryptosporidiosis. They are particularly resistant to conventional disinfectants. Infection commonly occurs in people with weakened immune systems but can also affect healthy individuals. Diagnosis is made by detecting oocysts in the stool.

Blastocystis hominis is a controversial parasite, as its role as a pathogen is debated. Some studies suggest it can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, while others question this. Diagnosis is made by detecting cysts or trophozoites in the stool.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a common parasite associated with gastrointestinal complaints. It is a protozoan without a known cyst form.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a sporozoan parasite that causes the disease cyclosporiasis. Infection is often associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables. Diagnosis is made by detecting oocysts in the stool.

Our tests

Appropriate for Intestinal protozoa

Stool-PCR Parasites

Protozoa Multiplex-PCR

Analytes (Measurands) marked with a * are not accredited.
**Note: This procedure is not available in the USA.

Further informations

Intestinal protozoa

  • Giardia lamblia: Flagellated protozoan
  • Entamoeba histolytica: Amoebic parasite
  • Cryptosporidium spp.: Intracellular protozoan
  • Blastocytis hominis: Protozoan
  • Dientamoeba fragilis: Protozoan without a known cyst form
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis: Sporozoan parasite

  • Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocytis hominis: Contaminated water or food
  • Cryptosporidium spp.: Contact with contaminated water
  • Dientamoeba fragilis: Ingestion of trophozoites via contaminated food or water
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis: Consumption of contaminated fruits or vegetables

  • Giardia lamblia: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea
  • Entamoeba histolytica: Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever
  • Cryptosporidium spp.: Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
  • Blastocytis hominis: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
  • Dientamoeba fragilis: Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis: Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue

  • Giardia lamblia: Poor sanitation, close contact with infected individuals
  • Entamoeba histolytica: Poor hygiene, close communal settings
  • Cryptosporidium spp.: Weakened immune system, unsanitary environments
  • Blastocytis hominis: Controversial role as a pathogen, unclear transmission routes
  • Dientamoeba fragilis: Uncertainty about transmission routes
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis: Contaminated food, lack of hygiene