Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have diarrhea associated with B. hominis, it's likely to be self-limiting. However, anytime you have diarrhea, you lose vital fluids, salts and minerals, which can lead to dehydration. Children are especially vulnerable to dehydration.
References
- Fact sheet: Blastocystis hominis infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/blastocystishominis/factsht_blastocystis_hominis.htm. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Ortega-Barria E. Blastocystis hominis. In: Long SS, et al., eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/203022604-3/1004582449/1679/264.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50263-0_4635. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Leder K, et al. Blastocystis species. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Stensvold CR, et al. Eradication of blastocystis carriage with antimicrobials: Reality or delusion? Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2010;44:85.
- Wanke CA. Travelers' diarrhea. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Wash your hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandWashing/. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Conner BA. Traveler's diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/travelers-diarrhea.aspx. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- Oral rehydration solutions: Made at home. Rehydration Project. http://rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade.htm#recipes. Accessed June 3, 2010.
- NSF standards and certification. Water Quality Association. http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=1897. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 10, 2010.

Find Mayo Clinic on