Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology is a significant problem in the United States. Using a real-time LightCycler PCR assay we detected Blastocystis in nine patients from a metropolitan area of Corvallis, Oregon who presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, joint pain, skin rash and psychiatric co-morbidity. Phylogenetic analysis identified six infections with Blastocystis sp. subtype 3, and one with subtype 1, using the standard Stensvold nomenclature. Most patients with subtype 3 had previously tested negative with conventional parasitological diagnostics, had been symptomatic for over 4 years, and reported antibiotic failure.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Animals
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Blastocystis / classification*
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Blastocystis / genetics
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Blastocystis / isolation & purification*
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Blastocystis Infections / epidemiology*
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Blastocystis Infections / parasitology*
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Child
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DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
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DNA, Protozoan / genetics
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DNA, Ribosomal / chemistry
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DNA, Ribosomal / genetics
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Female
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Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
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Gastroenteritis / parasitology*
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Genotype
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Oregon / epidemiology
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Phylogeny
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Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
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RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
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Sequence Analysis, DNA
Substances
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DNA, Protozoan
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DNA, Ribosomal
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RNA, Ribosomal, 18S