Gorillas are a host for Dientamoeba fragilis: an update on the life cycle and host distribution

Abstract

Dientamoeba fragilis is a gastrointestinal protozoan that has a workldwide distribution and is emerging as a common caise of diarrhea. As D. fragilis has a propensity to cause chronic illness with symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) it is not surprising that some patients with D. fragilis are misidagnosed as having IBS. In contrast to mosrt other pethogenic protozoa verylittle is known about its life ycle, epidemiology and mode of transmission. What role animal reservoirs play in the transmission pf this parasite s unknown.