Blastocystis in Swiss children: a practical approach

Conclusion: Carriage ofBlastocystis is common; therefore, only children/teenagers at risk for a symptomaticBlastocystis infection should be tested. There is a good correlation betweenBlastocystis and chronic abdominal pain. Children with abdominal symptoms persisting over 4  weeks should have two different stool samples analyzed. No screening after travels/immigration is recommended.What is Known:•Blastocystis has a worldwide distribution.•The clinical significance is unclear.What is New:•Based on retrospective data, we recommend to only test children/teenagers with chronic abdominal pain for Blastocystis.•Two different stool samples should be examined by microscopy; serological investigations are not warranted.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research