DESCRIPTIVE FEATURES OF DIENTAMOEBA-FRAGILIS INFECTIONS

A total of 237 cases of Dientamoeba fragilis were identified by a stat e public health laboratory in 1985 and 1986. Dientamoeba fragilis was the only parasite found in about two-thirds of the cases. Compared to Giardia cases diagnosed in a similar time period, D. fragilis occurred more frequently in females and in children 5-9 years old; it was also more likely to be detected in spring and summer months. Giardia occur red more frequently in children 0-4 years old. Seventy-nine per cent o f 70 interviewed D. fragilis cases reported symptoms associated with i nfection; nearly 80% had diarrhoea or loose stools. Interviewed cases reported more household and non-household exposure to children 5-9 yea rs old than children of other ages. The difference in age and sex dist ribution of D. fragilis and Giardia cases may be related to the life c ycle and mode of transmission of the two protozoans.