Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) commonly experience diarrhea at some time during their illness. A variety of enteric pathogens are identified in 50-80% of these patients, depending on the intensity of the diagnostic work-up that is done. In addition to the common enteric pathogens, several unusual enteric pathogens are recognized to cause diarrhea especially in HIV...

Blastocystis hominis is an enteric protozoan. It frequently found in children and may cause chronic diarrhea. The present cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from October to December, 2021 Wasit Province of Iraq. A total 100 stool samples both gender different ages (two years 60 years) suffering primary gastro-intestinal disorders. All were examined microscopically by direct...

When viewed from the top, Trichodina is circular; side views of the organism reveal a saucer or dome shape (Fig. 1). It has three rings of cilia (small, hair-like projections) encircling its body and oral cavity, which are used for locomotion and feeding. Its body is supported by a rigid ring of interconnected discs called a chitinoid or denticular ring (Fig. 2). Each disc has a thorn-like inne...

Enteric protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is a major cause of debilitating diarrheal infection worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Even though the clinical burden of this parasite is very high, this infection is categorized as a neglected disease. Parasite is transmitted through feco-oral route and exhibit two distinct stages namely - trophozoites and cysts. Mechanism and regulation of e...

Microbiologists have long been intrigued by the ability of parasitic organisms to adapt to changes in the environment. Since most parasites occupy several niches during their journey between vectors and hosts, they have developed adaptive responses which allow them to survive under adverse conditions. Therefore, the life cycles of protozoan and helminthic parasites are excellent models with whi...