_The name of Blastocystis Hominis is not one but two definitions.
_
Blastocystis hominis
The first relates to 'Blastocystis' that is a single-cell parasite that's found predominantly inside the intestines of humans, primates, domestic/farm animals, rats, fish, reptiles and also insects (for example cockroaches).
Blastocystis hominis
The 'Hominis' name was attributed to the specific type that infected human beings; it was when it was believes by scientists that there is a separate types of Blastocystis parasite that affects each type of living organisms.
This way, the parasite infecting human being became Blastocystis Hominis, while the one which infected rats was called Blastocystis ratti. Later, it had been learned that the parasite that infected humans isn't a separate species; rather the real difference between the various types of Blastocystis is due to genetic differences rather that preference of host.
After many research studies about this parasite, the medical fraternity arrived to the consensus there are nine different subtypes with this particular parasite, understanding that all these nine subtypes can infect humans in addition to animals alike. In 2007, a 10th strain is discovered in China, but until date it's not yet clear whether this is a ramification of the already classified nine sub-types or even a different one which could then be counted since the tenth one.
Considering that the new findings negated the fact that there was anybody specific strain that infected humans exclusively, the naming of Blastocystis Hominis was substituted with 'Blastocystis sp subtype nn', where the 'nn' stood for the number of the particular classified sub-type (1-9).
Is parasite harmful for humans?
The so-called Blastocystis Hominis enters the gastro-intestinal tracts through the fecal-oral route. The cycle starts whenever a cyst from the Blastocystis parasite in ingested. This settles inside the intestine and develops cysts as well as other types of this parasite, which can be excreted to the external environment. The parasite enters the intestines of animals and humans through infected food (raw or undercooked meat, unwashed hands, contaminated water, etc) as well as the cycle starts again.
Don't assume all who host the parasite develop symptoms. The condition that sometimes develops post incubation is called Blastocystosis. The fundamental symptoms that characterize this complaint are - acute abdominal cramps, weight reduction, flatulence, unexplained fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, and feelings of doom and gloom. Animals on most occasions manifest diarrhea. Humans can be cultivated depression, headaches, skin rashes and intestinal inflammation.
The diagnosis of the diseases requires - inside the opinions of experts - special microscopic equipment for identification. Based on these experts, pathologic study of stool culture could possibly be successful in the detection of the parasite only 83% of that time period.
Exactly what are some effective prevention measures?
Considering that the parasite is transmitted through ingestion, it's imperative that hygiene emerges paramount importance when visiting less developed countries (or regions), drinking untreated or impure water, eating raw food, and stuff like that.
Research has shown how the genetic characteristics are geographically localized; for example, the Blastocystis subtype 2 is more prevalent in Japan, while Blastocystis subtype 1 is found most often in China. The subtype 3 is generally prevalent is places where water is untreated or treated just with chlorination and ozone treatment.
Blastocystis hominis
The first relates to 'Blastocystis' that is a single-cell parasite that's found predominantly inside the intestines of humans, primates, domestic/farm animals, rats, fish, reptiles and also insects (for example cockroaches).
Blastocystis hominis
The 'Hominis' name was attributed to the specific type that infected human beings; it was when it was believes by scientists that there is a separate types of Blastocystis parasite that affects each type of living organisms.
This way, the parasite infecting human being became Blastocystis Hominis, while the one which infected rats was called Blastocystis ratti. Later, it had been learned that the parasite that infected humans isn't a separate species; rather the real difference between the various types of Blastocystis is due to genetic differences rather that preference of host.
After many research studies about this parasite, the medical fraternity arrived to the consensus there are nine different subtypes with this particular parasite, understanding that all these nine subtypes can infect humans in addition to animals alike. In 2007, a 10th strain is discovered in China, but until date it's not yet clear whether this is a ramification of the already classified nine sub-types or even a different one which could then be counted since the tenth one.
Considering that the new findings negated the fact that there was anybody specific strain that infected humans exclusively, the naming of Blastocystis Hominis was substituted with 'Blastocystis sp subtype nn', where the 'nn' stood for the number of the particular classified sub-type (1-9).
Is parasite harmful for humans?
The so-called Blastocystis Hominis enters the gastro-intestinal tracts through the fecal-oral route. The cycle starts whenever a cyst from the Blastocystis parasite in ingested. This settles inside the intestine and develops cysts as well as other types of this parasite, which can be excreted to the external environment. The parasite enters the intestines of animals and humans through infected food (raw or undercooked meat, unwashed hands, contaminated water, etc) as well as the cycle starts again.
Don't assume all who host the parasite develop symptoms. The condition that sometimes develops post incubation is called Blastocystosis. The fundamental symptoms that characterize this complaint are - acute abdominal cramps, weight reduction, flatulence, unexplained fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, and feelings of doom and gloom. Animals on most occasions manifest diarrhea. Humans can be cultivated depression, headaches, skin rashes and intestinal inflammation.
The diagnosis of the diseases requires - inside the opinions of experts - special microscopic equipment for identification. Based on these experts, pathologic study of stool culture could possibly be successful in the detection of the parasite only 83% of that time period.
Exactly what are some effective prevention measures?
Considering that the parasite is transmitted through ingestion, it's imperative that hygiene emerges paramount importance when visiting less developed countries (or regions), drinking untreated or impure water, eating raw food, and stuff like that.
Research has shown how the genetic characteristics are geographically localized; for example, the Blastocystis subtype 2 is more prevalent in Japan, while Blastocystis subtype 1 is found most often in China. The subtype 3 is generally prevalent is places where water is untreated or treated just with chlorination and ozone treatment.