Detection of intestinal protozoa in paediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms by multiplex real‐time PCR. (17th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maas, L.; Dorigo‐Zetsma, J. W.; de Groot, C. J.; Bouter, S.; Plötz, F. B.; van Ewijk, B. E.; Bottieau, E.
• Is Part Of: Clinical microbiology and infection. Volume 20:Number 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2013-10-17
• Subjects: Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Diagnostic microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.01
• DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-743X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="clm12386-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The performance of a multiplex real‐time PCR for the detection of <italic>Blastocystis</italic>, <italic> Dientamoeba fragilis</italic>, <italic> Giardia lamblia</italic>, <italic> Cryptosporidium</italic> species and <italic>Entamoeba</italic> species in faecal samples was evaluated in an observational prospective study. Paediatric patients (0–18 years) presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and suspected of having enteroparasitic disease were included. A questionnaire on gastrointestinal symptoms and the chosen treatment was completed at the start of the study and after 6 weeks. Of 163 paediatric patients (mean age, 7.8 years), 114 (70%) had a PCR‐positive faecal sample. <italic>D. fragilis</italic> was detected most frequently, in 101 patients, followed by <italic>Blastocystis</italic> in 49. In faecal samples of 47 patients, more than one protozoan was detected, mainly the combination of <italic>D. fragilis</italic> and <italic>Blastocystis</italic>. Reported gastrointestinal symptoms were abdominal pain (78%), nausea (30%), and altered bowel habits (28%). Eighty‐nine of the PCR‐positive patients were treated with antibiotics. A significant reduction in abdominal pain was observed both in treated and in untreated patients. This study demonstrated that multiplex real‐time PCR detects a high percentage of intestinal protozoa in paediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, interpretation and determination of the clinical relevance of a positive PCR result in this population are still difficult.</p> </abstract>