Dientamoeba Fragilis, a Cause of Illness

Abstract

Observations on some cases of Dientamoeba fragilis infection have led me to the assumption that this ameba may cause gastrointestinal disorder associated with considerable general debility. A report of a case which offered an unusual opportunity for accurate observations is presented.The patient, a physician, white male, aged 48, had been residing in Panama for about a year and a half. A year ago, when returning from an expedition to the “interior” he developed an acute colitis which lasted four days. During this disorder the stools were examined several times by competent men and found negative for amebae and other protozoa. Rest, liquid diet, and a few doses of bismuth subcarbonate were the only therapeutic measures required. There were no recurrences and the patient had no gastro-intestinal troubles, except a tendency to constipation, until the onset of the present illness. Several stools were examined during the course of the year and at no time did they show any protozoal or helminthic infection.