The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Is Not Greater Among Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Population-based Case-control Study

D fragilis and Blastocystis were detected in a greater proportion of fecal samples from the asymptomatic background population in Denmark than from subjects with IBS symptoms. These findings indicate that these parasites are not likely to have a direct role in the pathogenesis of IBS. Longitudinal studies are required to understand their role in gastrointestinal health.