Objective: To observe the reproductive modes of Blastocystis hominis and study the relation between this protozoa and bacteria.
Methods: Using the Iodine and Haematoxylin staining, the morphology of B. h from patients and RPMI 1640 medium were observed. The B. h positive mucous diarrheal specimens were cultured and identified any possible known pathogenic intestinal bacteria. B. h and colibacillus were co-cultured to observe the interaction between them.
Results: Four modes of reproduction for B. h were confirmed: binary fission, endodyogeny, multiple fission and budding. The fact that there was no other intestinal pathogens in half of the B. h positive specimens suggested B. h may cause disease independently. B. h and colibacillus were restrained each other.
Conclusion: B. h reproduces in at least four modes. B. h could be a pathogen and its pathogenesis may be related to micro-ecological changes.