PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

During the past year, there have been important advances in the field of parasitic diseases of the gut. An immunodiagnostic test that allows the rapid identification of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica has been developed. Two new parasites that produce diarrhea have been characte rized. Cyclospora, a cyanobacterium-like organism, is prevalent worldw ide, affects immunocompetent individuals, and has been described as a cause of traveler's diarrhea. Encephalitozoon sp has been reported in patients with AIDS; however, unlike Enterocytozoon bieneusi, it has th e potential for systemic dissemination. Treatment of Trichuris trichiu ra has been demonstrated to rapidly correct the cognitive deficit pres ent in children with trichuriasis. Lastly, combined treatment of hydat id disease by percutaneous drainage plus albendazole has been shown to be an effective form of management.