Dientamoeba fragilis


Di·ent·a·moe·ba frag·i·lis

(dī'ent-ă-mē'bă fraj'i-lis), A species of small amebalike flagellates, formerly considered a true ameba, now recognized as an ameboflagellate related to Trichomonas, parasitic in the large intestine of humans and certain monkeys; may be nonpathogenic, but believed to be capable of sometimes causing low-grade inflammation with mucous diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbance in humans.

Di·ent·a·moe·ba frag·i·lis

(dī'ent-ă-mē'bă fră-jil'ŭs) A species of small amebalike flagellates related to Trichomonas, parasitic in the large intestine of humans and certain monkeys; usually nonpathogenic, but sometimes causing low-grade inflammation with mucous diarrhea.

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. See also: Dientamoeba