Dientamoeba

Dientamoeba

 [di″ent-tah-me´bah] a genus of small highly active, usually nonpathogenic or mildly pathogenic ameboid protozoa parasitic in the large intestine of humans and certain monkeys. D. fragilis has been associated with human infection, which is manifested chiefly by diarrhea; abdominal pain; bloody, mucoid, or loose stools; and flatulence.

Dientamoeba

(dī″ĕn-tă-mē′bă) A genus of parasitic protozoa marked by possession of two similar nuclei.

Dientamoeba fragilis

A species of parasitic ameba inhabiting the intestine of humans. Persons infected may have diarrhea with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, and anal pruritus. This ameba has been found inside the eggs of pinworms. The eggs may act as a vector.