Blastocystis Hominis and IBS
Posted: Saturday, October 09, 2010
by Vita Li
Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in humans. It appears in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Although several reports have suggested that B. hominis could cause gastrointestinal disorders, the specific pathogenicity of this organism has not yet been defined. The clinical consequences of B. hominis infection are mainly diarrhea or abdominal pain with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, lassitude, dizziness, and flatulence.
These patients came from different residential areas of the city and diverse walks of life; however, a high prevalence of B. hominis would not reflect their personal hygiene. This study failed to show a significant association in any age group. Several reports have suggested that the association of persistent bowel dysfunction is likely to be associated with deeper penetration of the B. hominis and thus more severe mucosal inflammation. However, evidence of ulceration or invasion of B. hominis into the tissue could not be found by colonoscopy and biopsies in patients with IBS.
This might be consistent with the results that invasion of B. hominis took place only under certain condition in germ-free guinea pigs. Histopathologic examination of rectal and sigmoid colonic tissues with non-specific inflammation failed to demonstrate B. Hominis. This represents a mild increase in inflammatory cells for which there may not be a necessary and specific etiology, and may be part of the normal variation in population. In IBS patients, cysts of Entamoeba coli were also demonstrated on stool microscopy, which is associated with asymptomatic carriage.
Stool culture appeared to be more sensitive in diagnosing B. hominis infection than microscopy, which is consistent with the previous study. This prevalence study shows an association between B. hominis and IBS, although the study population was small. In some IBS patients, the presence of B. hominis may not be casual and responsible for diarrhea. A subgroup of IBS patients have persistently increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines that include interleukin-1, which by inhibiting absorption of sodium and water, could contribute to persistent diarrhea.
IBS patients had significantly high-levels of specific IgG antibodies against B. hominis. In one study, a significant proportion of IBS patients demonstrated B. hominis in their fecal samples. However, in view of its pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains, it requires further studies to confirm the pathogenic role of B. hominis in IBS in a larger sample size. Stool culture again has a higher yield for B. hominis than stool microscopy. In conclusion, B. hominis ha s a greater prevalence among people with IBS in comparison to those without IBS.
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T he medicinal plant extracts in plant medicine for IBS contain some of the most powerful antioxidants in existence. The clinical efficacy of the therapeutics has been proven in a number of studies. Components reduce gastro-intestinal hypersensitivity and act as an antispasmolytic tonic on spastic, gastro-intestinal muscle. In addition, a stimulating effect on reduced mucus-secretion, an inhibitory effect on enhanced gastric acid secretion and an anti-inflammatory effect have been shown. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org .
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