| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3423118 | Trends in Parasitology | 2014 | 5 Pages |
•At least two different modes of transmission of Dientamoeba fragilis have been proposed.•Vector-borne transmission by pinworm and direct transmission by a cyst have been suggested.•Based on current evidence it is not possible to prove the mode(s) of transmission.•Suggestions for experimental work to close the gap of knowledge are given.
Recently, conflicting evidence has been published on the mode of transmission of the trichomonad Dientamoeba fragilis. Detection of D. fragilis DNA inside Enterobius vermicularis eggs agrees with the prediction of Dobell in 1940 that the eggs of a nematode act as a vector for transmission. However, the identification of a cyst stage of D. fragilis in the stool of rodents infected with a human isolate has also been reported, and this implies a life cycle similar to those of most other intestinal protistan parasites. Herein we discuss the recent data, identify gaps in the experimental evidence, and propose a method for determining which view of the life cycle of this organism is correct.
