Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Dientamoeba fragilis is an intestinal protozoa whose pathogenic characteristics are increasingly recognized. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to specify the clinical, biological and epidemiological aspects of D.fragilis among children with gastrointestinal illness. METHODS: This study was conducted on 171 children attending Child Welfare Teaching Hospital for Pediatrics over a period of 8 months. Stool samples of each child were processed for direct wet smear, modified acid fast and Giemsa staining procedures. RESULTS: D. fragilis was observed in 41 (23.4%) case, 39(31.2%) among patients group and 1(2.2%) among control group. This parasite was predominant 15(28.5%) among age group (1-3) years. D. fragilis was associated with other intestinal parasites particularly Blastocystis hominis 8(20.5%), Entamoeba histolytica 5(12.8%), Enterobius vermicularis 3(7.7%) and Giardia lamblia 2(5.1%). Clinical signs included abdominal pain 31(79.4%), diarrhea 20(51.3%), anorexia 4(35.9%), fever 11(28.2%) and alternating of diarrhea and constipation 10(25.6%). DISCUSSION: D.fragilis is today classified in the group of flagellates and I share the opinion of the majority of the authors as to its real pathogenic capacity.