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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2015; 28(02): 079-086
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1547335
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Parasitic Colitis

Elizabeth M. Hechenbleikner
1   Department of Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Jennifer A. McQuade
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington, Virginia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 May 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Over one billion people worldwide harbor intestinal parasites. Parasitic intestinal infections have a predilection for developing countries due to overcrowding and poor sanitation but are also found in developed nations, such as the United States, particularly in immigrants or in the setting of sporadic outbreaks. Although the majority of people are asymptomatically colonized with parasites, the clinical presentation can range from mild abdominal discomfort or diarrhea to serious complications, such as perforation or bleeding. Protozoa and helminths (worms) are the two major classes of intestinal parasites. Protozoal intestinal infections include cryptosporidiosis, cystoisosporiasis, cyclosporiasis, balantidiasis, giardiasis, amebiasis, and Chagas disease, while helminth infections include ascariasis, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, enterobiasis, and schistosomiasis. Intestinal parasites are predominantly small intestine pathogens but the large intestine is also frequently involved. This article highlights important aspects of parasitic infections of the colon including epidemiology, transmission, symptoms, and diagnostic methods as well as appropriate medical and surgical treatment.

Keywords

parasitic intestinal infections - protozoa - helminths - coccidia - ciliates - flagellates - amoebae - Chagas disease - nematodes - schistosomes
 

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