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This site has enabled me to monitor D.fragilis and B.hominis treatments globally over the past decade. One thing is clear — Blasto. is highly resistant to Flagyl, and herbal treatments are rarely, if ever, effective.
In 2001, because of this site, a Sydney gastroenterology clinic became interested in D.fragilis. When the clinic began using specialised stool collection and testing methods recommended in the published literature, not surprisingly they found that many of their previously undiagnosable patients had Blasto. or D.fragilis.
Finding that that Blasto. is largely resistant to Flagyl, they began to trial a number of drugs in various combinations. Their current three drug treatment — in use for more than two years — cures approximately eighty-percent of Blasto. infections. This result is an outstanding achievement against this hardy parasite. The outcome is based on the outcome of three fixed samples tested four weeks after the treatment.
The clinic also prescribe this combo. to treat Dientamoeba fragilis.
Treatment success stories here . More will be provided with the treatment info. Contact me for treatment details.
As acceptance of Blasto's pathogenicity grows, as it has with D.fragilis in recent years, it is becoming easier to find medical help. However too many people find themselves in this situation:
After four years of bloating, wind, mushy stools and chronic fatigue, an Australian man became aware — because of this site — that a single stool sample was unlikely to diagnose his symptoms if they were due to a parasite. The added expense of consulting a naturopath, so that he could submit three fixed samples to a specialist lab, paid off when he was diagnosed with B.hominis. After one treatment of Flagyl and two of Fasigyn he was still testing positive, yet despite these treatment failures his doctor, who was not entirely convinced Blasto. was to blame, refused to prescribe the three drug treatment:
"I guess my main problem is my doc is not willing to prescribe the treatment. I've asked on three occasions and he's said no every time. "
Sept. 2003, Canberra, Australia.
J, from Western Australia, also problems finding a dr who would prescribe the treatment:
"Thank you for sending the info for treatment of blasto. That said im having a few problems finding a g.p. who will give me a prescription for them. Every g.p. I have been to has been difficult and treated me like an idiot. They haven't heard of the drug combo, also they tell me that flagil is the best treatment and will get rid of blasto in a couple of days and that blasto will just go away by itself anyway.
One even said he would write me out a prescription for 'eye of newt' and told me i was being given imaginary drugs "
(Jan '06)
B, from the US, had spent $16,000 trying to cure his Blasto. infection, was also refused the treatment:
"If you will remember, we spoke SEVERAL months ago. I had been sick since this exact date one year ago, May 26, 2005. I have lost 16 pounds, it has affected the central part of my body from my ears being full and stopped up, to my head being so dizzy at times, it has affected my lower bowell. My appetite is RAVENOUS. I am hungry all the time. I have no energy, I sleep MAYBE 4 hours a night and when I wake up I am in HORRIFIC FEAR. It has been living hell. My doc decided NOT to prescribe the drugs you indicated. I was devastated. Jackie, I am so sorry I have not been able to send you a donation. I have lost almost everything I have." (USA. May 2006)
After finding my site, N. from Melbourne, Australia, suspected that his seven years of chronic health problems could be due to a parasitic infection - or two. He was right - specialised testing revealed D.fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.
I provided N. with the name of a GP in his town who prescribes the triple therapy. Desperate for treatment, and unable to wait eight weeks for the next available appointment, he accepted an earlier appointment with another doctor in the same clinic:
"Dr H. sent me away asking me to take glutamine, aloevera, probiotic, liver tonic, and good yeast. All this for $180. All
this despite giving him my full history and Blasto. results. Also despite me asking for (the specific treatment). Don't know if I should laugh or cry. I'm taking a few days off from work to relieve my mind as I'm just far too depressed to deal with it all." (May 2005)
Contact me for details about the three drug treatment, as well as other treatments prescribed by health professionals experienced in treating Blasto. and D.fragilis.
OTHER TREATMENTS:
Quick links:
Blasto. - a super bug?
Flagyl
Tinidazole
Nitazoxanide
Rifaximin
Ciproflaxin
combination Rifaximin & Nitazoxinide
Iodoquinol (Yodoxin)
Herbal treatments
Anti-yeast meds
Blastocystis hominis - a Super Bug?
The following examples show that B.hominis can be extremely drug resistant. I've heard from many other people with similar experiences:
Case 1:
1997 |
S. had bloating in her abdomen & an ache in lower left of abdomen. Also "much gurgling". Symptoms diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
In 1999 she experienced "chest aches, racing heartbeat & severe reduction in physical capacity". Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Myalgic Encephalopathy based on symptoms. |
May 2000 |
Several GSDL tests conducted, including stool test showing Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis & yersinia enterolitica.
Complementary therapist suggested a homeopathic remedy for the Df. |
Aug 2000 |
On the basis of the May GSDL test, CFS practitioner prescribed:
Ciprofloxacin 500mg bd for 5 days combined with metronidazole (Flagyl) 800mg tds for 5 days followed by Diloxanide furoate 500mg tds for 10days |
Apr 2001 |
GSDL test showed Blastocystis hominis & pseudomonas aeruginosa |
Jul 2001: |
Treated on basis of April's results, plus the assumption that the Df had not been eradicated with: Paromomycin 250mg bd 6 days & doxycycline 100mg, once a day, 10 days.
Followed by nystatin to "clear yeasts"
Tested by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine:
Blastocystis hominis present |
Dec 2001 |
Samples sent to the UK's public testing laboratory specifically to check for Blastocystis hominis. Results: negative. |
Jan 2003 |
As S. was still symptomatic a new doctor prescribed:
Cefadroxil 500mg bd along with metronidazole 400mg bd,
both for 2 weeks followed by doxycycline 100mg for 2 weeks. |
Mar 2003 |
Stool samples sent to a private UK Lab (Parascope) which uses specific stool collection and testing methods necessary for detection of Blasto. and D.fragilis: Blastcystis hominis detected. |
June 2003 |
Nitazoxinide 500mg twice daily for 5 days,
Subsequent Parascope test: Bh still present in stool samples. |
July 2003 |
Septrin Forte bd plus Tinidazole 500mg bd, both for 10 days
Parascope test came back positive with "few" Blastocystis hominis present in stool samples. |
Sept 2003 |
Prescribed Septrin Forte twice daily plus Tinidazole 500mg twice daily combined for 10 days. "
Trembling & quivering"cleared up.
Parascope test came back with "moderate" Bh.
Trembling & quivering returned in November. |
Feb 2004 |
"I still have Bh after the above treatments for over 9 months. My symptoms are gurgling and a pot belly of bloating. My stools are mushy but I feel constipated all the time despite taking ground linseed & psyllium husks. I'm fortunate in that I don't have any pain, just occasional bouts of discomfort & a niggling ache". |
Case 2 :
M. from Ireland, diagnosed with Blastocystis hominis, described her symptoms as "overwhelming fatigue & profound exhaustion, fuzzy head, a toxic ill feeling although night sweats and headaches & weight loss".
L was prescribed 21 days of Rifaximin and Nitazoxinide combined. The treatment made a significant impact on her illness - "more of a difference than anything else I tried!". Unfortunately a short time after finishing the treatment her symptoms returned.
Testing revealed the parasite had survived.
A six week course of Ciproflaxin* was prescribed and post treatment testing revealed Blasto. hominis had survived.
More on Cipro. here
Case 3:
Over a twelve month period Blastocystis hominis survived the following drugs:
Biaxin + Flagyl (10days)
Flagyl + Tetracycline (10days)
Doxycline 10days.
Flagyl + Bactrim 10 days.
Fasigyn + Bactrim 10 days.
Fasigyn + Bactrim + Yodoxin 10 days.
(Stool samples positive after the above).
(2003)
Case 4
Over twelve months a US man was treated with Flagyl (750mg 3 x daily) combined with Iodoquinol (650 3 x daily) for 10 days, followed by 20 days of Iodoquinol on three occasions.
Bactrim (800mg) was added to Iodoquinol on the third treatment.
His stool samples were positive for B. hominis after each treatment.
He tested negative, and his symptoms disappeared, after a combo. of Nitazoxinide and Rifaximin .
Case 5:
J. from the UK, was prescribed a combinatin of Furazolidone, Iodoquinol and Bactrim (Septrin DS):
"My tests results have come back and, as I suspected, I am still very badly infected with Blasto. Although I guessed it was going to show that result it still made me feel very low for a while."
Jan 04
Case 6 :
A., from Sweden, was diagnosed with Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis.
He was prescribed 1,000mg of Nitazoxanide, combined with Iodoquinol and tetracycline for twenty days. On day twenty-one he stopped using Nitaz., but continued with Iodoquinol. Metronidazole for included for another for ten days.
A. experienced no side effects from the treatment. Some symptoms remained afterwards, gradually building over a six week period. Post treatment testing was positive for B. hominis, but negative for D.fragilis.
Case 7
H. from Australia was diagnosed with both B.hominis and D.fragilis.
He was prescribed:
Iodoqinol & doxycycline for 20 days together with Furazolidone & Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septrin DS, Septra) for 10 days.
H. felt "queasy" on the meds, and much better three days after finishing the treatment. His symptoms returned in full force a week later. Subsequent stool samples showed both parasites had survived.
Case 8:
A woman diagnosed with B. hominis provided this treatment history:
August 2001
Health got mysteriously bad.
2001-2003
Tried various things. Nothing seemed to help.
Spring 2003
Diagnosed with food allergies to milk, wheat, egg, and potato. At times over the past two years, if I do two many meds I become allergic to just about everything.
August 2003
Health got a lot worse. Life was complete misery.
September 2003
Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Biggest problem was candida. Took a lot of Diflucan which worked moderately well. Tried Nystatin but it made my food allergies horrible. Health was still very poor.
January 2004
Diagnosed with moderate amount of Blastocystis Hominis. Tried Iodoquinol 30 for 10 days and followed by Bactrim (I think you call it Septrin) 20 for 10 days. Felt Moderately Better. Started taking crushed raw garlic and it messed my health up again.
Stool tested by Great Smokies - many Blastocystis Hominis.
April 2004
Went on a round of Amphotericin-B 200mg a day, Tinidazole 1000mg a day, and Furazolidone. This was followed by ten days of Bactrim and Iodoquino l together at the above doses.
Took some garlic. Felt a little worse again. Did five days more of Bactrim.
Felt moderately good for one to two months.
Stool returned positive for many Blastocystis Hominis.
July 2004
Went on Amphotericin-B, Tinidazole, and Furazolidone at above dosage for two weeks. Didn't feel much if any improvement.
August 2004
Went on A mphtericin-B, Bactrim, Iodoquinol, and Paramyocin (Humatin) for about two weeks. I do not have the exact numbers.Felt Moderately better
Stool test came back still with many blastocystis hominis.
Told doctor I thought that the Bactrim was what was helping. He thought I had a low grade infection.
September 2004 Went on Bactrim for 6 weeks. Felt the best I have but my food allergies were horrible.
End of November 2004
My symptoms started to creep back. Did a week of Bactrim.
Helped some, but not as much as before."
Case 9
A. from Sweden had battled digestive problems for 5 years:
"My biggest problems started after a trip to Asia five years ago, and I got the diagnosis, celiachy (celiac disease). However a gluten free diet did not seem to make me any better.
After having taken a comprehensive digestive stool analysis a year ago with the GSDL, it showed that my digestive system was not ok and it also showed me having many blasto and moderate dfragilis.
My first medication the recommended doses of flagyl for ten days and I got a little better and then worse again . Next test I did was one from a Swedish laboratory and they found that I still had both blasto and dfragilis. The next medication was some months later when I took Nitazoxinide + Iodoquionol (30 days) + Tetracycline , but I also included flagyl (10 days). The last week I was extremely weak, but some weeks after the treatment I was stronger and felt better than ever - and my system got worse when introducing carbs. I took yet another test with the same laboratory here in Sweden and this time they could only find that I had Blasto .
In the past eight months I have been extremely weak, and I don't seem to get any better. All of this time, I have kept a candida diet, tried most natural medicines and also two different kinds of medicines against fungus - but nothing has worked.
(2004)
Case 10
D. from Israel contacted in March 2005:
"After reading (the information on this site), I went to see my doctor and asked for a generic parasite stool test. B. hominis was found in my stool samples however my doctor believed it was non pathogenic."
The GP referred D. to a specialist for a gastroscopy, colonscopy. Blood work up was negative.
Despite his doctor's view that B.hominis is not pathogenic, he agreed to prescribe these drugs:
Iodoquinol, followed by metronidazole, followed by Bactrim and tinidazole.
D. also tried oregano oil, black walnut and others herbs.
Repeat stool testing showed B.hominis had survived the above treatments.
Flagyl (metronidazole):
During the eight years this site has been in existence only two people have reported clear stool samples and disappearance of symptoms after treatment.
Flagyl is often prescribed in case another undiagnosed organism, such as Giardia, is responsible for the symptoms.
Medical literature documents Blasto's resistance to Flagyl - see Zierdt's 1991 study panel left.
Many physicians still consider this drug the "gold standard" treatment for bowel infections.
Examples:
"Suprise, surprise I just got a result back from the Dr for a specimen I had in to see if my blasto had been treated effectively with flagyl and...they are still present in large numbers. It is a huge disappointment though at the time I did say to them I didn't want to do flagyl as I had heard it was not effective but they insisted we had to start with it. "
September 05
M was prescribed Flagyl (dosage not specified) for one month. Stool testing after treatment revealed low levels of Blasto. He also tried various herbal treatments without success.
Feb 2004 (USA)
"Lab. results show I still have Blasto. and D.fragilis after taking Flagyl 800 mg three times daily for ten days."
Sweden, Jan 2004
"I took 1500mg of metronidazole per day for two weeks in June for Dientamoeba fragilis. Stool tests I did four weeks following that treatment revealed that I have Blastocystis hominis. I obviously had it all along but the tests didn't reveal it. So for me, the Flagyl didn't work at all in fact, overall it has made me feel worse. I now have chronic fatigue, my energy is very limited, and my abdomen is always distended (before the metro. it wasn't as bad)".
P. Australia. 2002
"I have been diagnosed as having this infection after successful identification by laboratory testing in Melbourne of two stool samples. These were taken AFTER full treatment for 7 consecutive days by Flagyl. "
D. 19 December 02
"I have been on at least four courses of metronidazole (Flagyl), as well as a course of iodoquinol. Nothing has worked, and a recent stool test says my levels are high as ever. "
Feb 2003
" I took metronidazole, tinidazole, secnidazole in high dosages. None of them worked - I am still positive for Blasto. ".
E. 19 March 03
"I was diagnosed with and treated (metronadizole) for DF about a year and a half ago. At the same time I was also diagnosed with blasto, but my doctor told me that it did not cause problems with the GI tract. I have recently (past month) had diarreah again, and tested for blasto. hom. once again. The doctor has prescribed metronadizole once again , and I've seen some improvement, although I'm afraid that once I'm finished with the medication, the diarreah will start again"
B. Dec 01
"I've been diagnosed with Blasto and was prescribed Flagyl. After I finished the course, stool's result still came positive for Blasto, and DF was found as well."
A. 20 April 02
"I've recently been diagnosed as having blasto and was prescribed 7 days of flagyl. After I got over the side effects of the flagyl, I felt terrific for about 2 days, then back into the pits.
I have previously (in the last couple of years) been treated for what has probably always been blasto (but was presumed to be giardia) with two lots of Fasigyn and two lots of flagyl. The former had a very radical effect on my body."
Posted by Mel,
March 4 01
"It was recently confirmed that I have the above (B.hominis). I went through the flagyl treatment and the results were that I was very ill on the medication and of course the symptoms returned. I had a stool test to confirm that there was still a slight colony present.
A. 25 May 02
"I just completed my third treatment for a variety of intestinal parasites. I gave another stool sample after treatment only to learn that I was not able to rid myself of the Blastocystis Hominis. So far I have taken Flagyl all three times . The first treatment included Flagyl only. The second treatment included a combination of Flaygyl and Yodoxin. I was prescribed
Flagyl and Paramomycin (sp?) this last time. It has been only three weeks since I completed that treatment. I received my results from the stool sample today and my Doctor has prescribed the combination of Yodoxin and Paramomycin since Flagyl doesn't seem to be working on the Blasto. "
M. 11 March 03
"My doctor and I have a good understanding. Her comment was that while many people have the Blasto parasite " very few ever show symptoms ". Considering that I was having symptoms without any other potential cause she treated me for the Blasto with a course of Metronidazole. After a ten day run after which I felt quite a bit better but not 100 per cent I was retested and still showed positive for Blasto but in reduced numbers.
S. 4 July 02
"My son, 17 yrs old, was found to have blastocystis hominis in August of 2002, by Great Smokies Lab. The DO we were seeing put him on Parex, an herbal formlation, for abt 6 weeks. Subsequent stool test showed parasite still there but weaker. Symptoms of bloating, excessive gas, stomach pain/acid continued came back as strong as before. Then we went to an MD who put him on Flagyl, but the subsequent stool sample showed he still had it.
E. 13 March 03
The following people were treated with Flagyl, but not retested after treatment. All experienced a return of symptoms shortly after finishing Flagyl:
"Hi Jackie, contacted you back in May 2001 with Blasto. I took 1 course Flagyl for 10 days with success whilst on the treatment then symptoms came back a little for about 1 week. Went back to Travel Dr (specialist in overseas parasites) told me to go away and pretend I never had it!! Still had like nervous stomach, fatigue, constant colds/flu weight loss of about 8 kilos." Kirsty, July 2002
"After I have seen several doctors and misdiagnosed with IBS, one test from Great Smokies Lab found that I was infected by Blastocystos Hominis, Candida Albicans, and two other bacterias more. I was medicated with flagyl, yodooxin, etc. However, all the symtoms came again. I feel weak, bloating, with bain fog. Please, somebody can say me where is possible to get a consious M.D that he know about this problem. Please, I'm desperate!!!!!!!!"
N. 21 July 02
"I have taken 400mg of Flagyl four times a day for fourteen days in the past on two different occasions. What a waste of time that was, all I got from it was being so very sick to my stomach, it did nothing to get rid of the Bh. My symptoms are bloating/flatulence/irritable bowel/nausea/now a back ache from ther bloated feeling."
M. 7 June 02
"I've suffered from chronic digestive problems since 1980. I can barely eat and I've lost a lot of weight. Except for one test just after I became sick it was only in 1996 that my doctor had me retested and Blasto. was found. I've been treated with Flagyl and Fasigyn heaps of times, all with some success, but the symptoms always comes back."
J. Dec '99
Have you been successfully treated with Flagyl? Please contact me.
Septrin combined with tinidazole or metronidazole (Flagyl)
Septrin plus Flagyl has been shown in a clinical setting as more effective than Flagyl. Previous exposure to either metronidazole or tinidazole reduces the effectiveness of this treatment.
The following are Septrin (Bactrim) & metronidazole or tinidazole success stories:
"This plan worked like a champ and I am symptom free! My big symptom was lethargy/fatigue (plus GI issues - greatly varying stools) and it's such a pleasure to have that gone.
Your website and advice are a real asset to the world. Thanks"
JC, Boulder, USA
Oct 02
A. from Denmark became sick after a trip to the Phillipines in March 2002. It took several stool tests to diagnose Blasto. A described "weight loss (8 kg), stomach pain, swollen stomach, diarrhoea (now and then)". His doctor advised him there is no cure. He requested treatment info and in June 2002 wrote again:
Dear Jackie!
Things are fine here! I have completely recovered. After 3 days of treatment I already felt much better! I finished the treatment after ten days as ordered by you. I have a little problem with air in my stomach but it seems that this declining as well.
So thanks again!
Kind Regards A.
19 June 2002
Sue, from New Zealand suffered from "nausea, tiredness, constant gnawing feelings in my stomach, and bouts of diarrhoea. I also had lots of aches and pains and my head always felt like I was in a fog....tremors, shakes, nausealike sea-sickness, feeling cold, light headedness on the verge of blacking out".
She "lost a lot of weight" and suffered fatigue so severe she "could hardly walk across a room".
During one particularly bad attack her symptoms were alarming enough for her family doctor to send her to hospital for tests. Blood, heart & sugar tests were negative. She was diagnosed with stress and sent home. A specialist gastroenterologist performed a gastroscopy which was negative.
Finally she found a gp who suggested stool testing may reveal the problem and high levels of B.hominis were found.
Sue recovered with this treatment.
Click here to read the full story.
"Recently diagnosed with Blasto (3 of 4 level). I did a parasitology report looking for Candida (for which I have been treating myself) only to discover a 0 on Candida and high levels of Blasto. I know nothing of this protozoa and can use any help in links, treatments, etc ."
L. March 02
"Jackie - The meds worked exceptionally well with no side effects. THANK YOU!"
Sept. 02
J. contacted me after being diagnosed with B.hominis. He suffered digestive symptoms and: "Anxiety, panic, overwhelmed w/ fear but of nothing in particular, couldn't catch my breath, chest tight, stomach in knots, out of control, disoriented, scared, depressed, thoughts of suicide & extreme dizziness"
J. has allowed me to include his diary kept during his Blasto. infection.
Click here to read.
Bactrim/Flagyl worked where Flagyl in this case:
"After the meds my symptoms seemed to change. I had much worse diarrhea (many more times a day and more watery). The nausea was also there but different (not as extreme).
After I'd been off the meds for about a week and had these "different" but similar symtoms I did another stool sample. They told me I had Clostridium difficile (aka. cdiff) at that time. Then they prescribed Flagyl to get rid of the cdiff. That took another 10 days or so. Then I got better. "
September 2002
Experiences with Nitazoxanide (Alinia):
This drug has been around for a number of years, but was very difficult to obtain. The drug to be used in people who were HIV positive, until 2001 when it was approved for use as a treatment for diarrhoea.
The drug is readily available in the USA with a doctor's script.
It is available in Australia from a compounding pharmacist - contact me for details.
In Canada it is available via the Canadian government's Drug Access Scheme.
Contact
Romark Labs for more info.
Nitazoxanide is available over the counter in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
"Three years ago I had a back operation and have experienced a lot of fatigue ever since. At first I thought it was a natural reaction to the operation and healing and also periomenopause. Last year Blasto. was discovered and I have been researching options ever since. Looking back I realize that I have had rectal itching since I first went to Mexico in 1972. Stool samples showed Blastocystis last year.
I did a parasite cleanse. I was also on a candida diet. There was no improvement. Another three stool samples in January have again shown Blastocystis. "
February 02
"I took Nitazoxanide for 10 days. Again, I felt better for a bit, but am now back to feeling shit. Once again, the follow-up stool test has come back showing that B Hominis is thriving inside me."
J. 25 Nov. 2002
"Both my partner and I are infected with Blastocystis hominis, several treatments with Flagyl did not help eradicating the organism. We then were prescribed Nitazoxanide but that only relieved the symptoms and to date we are still positive for Blastocystis"
8 April /2003
"Just thought I would let you know that I was prescribed a 7 day dose of Nitazoxanide. Unfortunately I received the results today and you guessed it, I still have Blasto."
S. 25/11/02
Pierre, from the UK, took Nitazoxinide for 7 days (exact dosage not specified). He had no side effects from the treatment.
After finishing treatment his symptoms improved:
"Today I pass stools everyday instead of every couple of days. So that's an improvement. However, I must say that I started eating regularly fruits and more cereal which can only help.
I actually have had trouble digesting food for many years. The NTZ probably helped me out, but its quite difficult to evaluate the effect it actually had on me, because I still have digestive problems especially with starches (bread, cereals). However I seam to notice an improvement, which hopefully will still improve over time."
High levels of Blasto. were found in four samples tested 25 days after finishing Nitaz.
August 03
"I took Nitazoxanide for 10 days. Again, I felt better for a bit, but am now back to feeling shit. Once again, the follow-up stool test has come back showing that B Hominis is thriving inside me."
J. 25 Nov. 2002
"My illness began in late January 2003. I felt bloated, slightly nauseated and developed a mild but persistent diarrhea. I was first treated with lomotil and then, after stool samples revealed the presence of Blasto, with Flagyl. The Flagyl had little effect on the the blasto or my symptoms, in fact I felt much worse during and immediately after the 10 day course of 750mgs three times a day
I took the course of Alina (Nitazoxinide) May 24,25,26. The retest took place on June 16. I am scheduled for a another stool test next week and will let you know the results. If they indicate further testing I will keep you informed" (see update below)
D. (USA) June 2003
"The last test was positive and I was given another round of Alinia, although my doctor is convinced that the B. hominis will eventually disappear of it's own accord."
D (USA) July 2003
HAVE YOU BEEN TREATED SUCCESSFULLY WITH THIS DRUG?
SHARE YOUR STORY contact me.
Rifaximin:
Rifaximin, which is only available from the Italian manufacturer, was successful in eradicating B.hominis in the following study:
In HIV-1 infected patients severe enteritis and chronic diarrhea are often documented as a consequence of multiple opportunistic infections. We analyzed 48 HIV-1 positive patients for the presence of intestinal pathogenic protozoa. Patients with CD4 > or = 200/mm3 showed a higher prevalence of a single pathogenic protozoa than patients with CD4 < or =200/mm3, who showed the presence of multiple protozoal infections. Patients who proved positive for only a single protozoa, Cryptosporidium or Blastocystis, were also positive, by stool culture, for the presence of Proteus mirabilis (3 samples), Citrobacter freundii (3 samples), Escherichia coli (one sample) or Enterobacter cloacae (one sample). Treatment with rifaximin (600 mg, 3 times a day, for 14 days) was efficacious in resolving the clinical symptoms and clearing protozoan infections in HIV-1 infected patients with CD4 > or = 200/mm3, who presented enteric and systemic symptoms due to Criptosporidium or Blastocystis associated with enteropathogenic bacteria.
Intestinal protozoa in HIV-infected patients: effect of rifaximin in Cryptosporidium parvum and Blastocystis hominis infections.
J Chemother 1999 Oct;11(5):391-5
Amenta M, et al |
The drug can be obtained from the following international pharmacy based in Germany.
A prescription is necessary to buy the drug.
Metropolitan Pharmacy
Flughafen, Zentralbereich
85356 Muenchen
Tel: ++49-89-97592954
Fax: ++49-89-97592956
email: info@metpharmacy.de
Rifaximin & Nitazoxinide combined:
Read here how this combination cured a four year Blasto. infection, misdiagnosed for the first two years as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Ciproflaxin:
Info. about Cirpo. is available from the US Food & Drug Administration Centre for Research
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/cipro/cipro_faq.htm
and this Wall Street Journal article has important info. about Cipro.;
http://www.drugawareness.org/Archives/4thQtr_2001/record0041.html
The following are examples of people who have been helped by this drug.
"Dear Jackie,
Your site was helpful to my battle with B Hominis. Thanks for all the effort you put into this site. I'm almost back to 100% after a 10 month battle.
Just in case you want more data, I'll give you a brief summary of my history.
11/05
I returned from a trip to rural Africa. I began having upper GI problems by the middle of Nov. Mostly acid reflux and the feeling that my stomach lining was inflamed, thus creating a tender bloating that is different from a more typical gassy bloating. At first I thought it was from my Lariam RX (malaria ).
Restricted diet -- no alcohol, fat, caffeine, spicy food. Ate mostly bread & rice. Pepcid AC & antacids little help. Constant symptoms.
12/01
Dx -- giardia and treated with 250 mg flagyl 3xday
1/02
Giardia gone, stool sample normal, but symptoms remain. Prevacid and bland diet keep symptoms from being overwhelming. Prevacid was a definite help. Chinese herbal medicne no help.
2-3/02
All the standard upper & lower GI scans, x-rays etc,. negative
4-6/02
B Hominis test positive in 1 of 3 stool samples. Got standard advice that B hominis is not the problem. Got scoped from top & bottom and all was negative.
7/02
B Hom treated with flagyl 750mg 3xday & cipro 500mg 2xday for 3 weeks. Started feeling a little better after 2 weeks of treatment. No side effects from the drugs.
8/02
Slow improvement. Stopped the Preavid. Started to expand diet, and by end of the month was back to a near normal diet.
Thanks again for your work It gave me a great perspective on my situation and helped me manage the medical community."
S. 27 September 02"
Trevor was also diagnosed with Blasto. and despite the reluctance of his drs to treat this organism he was prescribed Fasigyn (similar to Flagyl) for 4 days.
"Many doctors here in Zurich told me not to treat the Blasto, rather to leave it go away by itself"
Because the treatment made no difference to his fatigue and digestive complaints and he was unable to gain weight, he was prescribed Cyprofloxacin 2 x 500mg a day for for 6 weeks, and took good quality probiotics during and after the treatment.
"After 6 weeks, all the weight I had lost returned, muscle built up around my joints again...I feel much better now and my stool is completely normal, no flatulence, no odour.".
Trevor provided his treatment information because "I know how bad this bloody BH can make a person feel.........if what I have learned can help others please share it."
March 2003
IODOQUINOL (Yodoxin) ..alone and with other drugs
(Important info. about Iod. on the manufacturer's site here)
Feedback to this site shows that Blasto. readily survives this drug.
Here is an unusual example of a cure using Iodoquinol combined with Flagyl:
I am cured! But the drugs were awful. I had Yodoxin and Metronidazole (Flagyl) at the same time. I was throwing up on the 10th day of treatment. Then my tongue turned green and I had to take something for thrush. Luckily, I have a wonderful doctor who keeps up with the current therapeutic options. Anyway the whole ordeal was worth it because I am now fine and have been fine for several months. The other thing that I did was to take healthy intestinal bacteria three times a day that I found at the health food store. "
Flagyl alone, then in combination with Iodoquinol (Yodoxin), followed by Iodoquinol & Humatin (Paromomycin) failed to clear Blasto. from this person's samples, or relieve his symptoms:
"I just completed my third treatment for a variety of intestinal parasites. I gave another stool sample after treatment only to learn that I was not able to rid myself of the Blastocystis Hominis."
M. March 2003
A successfull outcome using Iodoquinol and Flagyl combined:
"I was happy to find your website. My husband and I have had blastocystis hominis since last November. My worst symptom was a nasty flatulence while my husband had runny bowels. I am on 3 x 210mg Yodoxin 3 times a day (20 days) and 3 x 250 metronidozole 3 times a day (10 days). This cure is worse than the disease. I am so sick from these medications (nausea, loose stools, dizziness, lethargy) that I can barely get through the day. But I am on the 7th day of treatment and encouraged because my evil flatulence is gone. I am keeping my fingers crossed."
"Just to follow up, I took 10 days of the metronidozole and the yodoxin and kept getting sicker and sicker (excessive dizziness and lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, nausea) and by the night after my 10th day (last Sunday) I was up for a few hours dry heave vomiting. Since I was done with the metro anyway my doctor told me to discontinue the yodoxin because of my reaction. Although I am not sure if one drug was more responsible than the other for my reaction. By the way did I tell you that my tongue is slimy greenish looking (seriously, is this a yeast infection?). Also I have a sore back where I think my kidneys are, maybe they got stressed out a little. Or maybe I am overreacting."
J 6 July 01
Follow up email:
Here is what I took for B.hominis: Metronidazole 750 mg three times each day for 10 days Yodoxin 630 mg three times each day prescribed for 20 days but I was throwing up by the 10th day and the doctor wanted me to stop taking it. Anyway it worked and I seem to be fine! Best wishes to you (by the way I had a course of metronidazole a few months before the above regime and apparently that alone did not work)
J – 3 Nov 01
The same treatment above failed in this case:
"I just completed my third treatment for a variety of intestinal parasites. I gave another stool sample after treatment only to learn that I was not able to rid myself of the Blastocystis Hominis. So far I have taken Flagyl all three times. The first treatment included Flagyl only. The second treatment included a combination of Flaygyl and Yodoxin. I was prescribed Flagyl and Paramomycin (sp?) this last time. It has been only three weeks since I completed that treatment. I received my results from the stool sample today (pos. for Bh) and my Doctor has prescribed the combination of Yodoxin and Paramomycin since Flagyl doesn't seem to be working on the Blasto. "
M. 11 March 03
Iodoquinol and Flagyl combined was unsuccessful in eradicating B. hominis in this case:
" I was so fortunate to have doctor who was willing to let me try the treatment you suggested. My symptoms improved right away. I finished the treatment and gradually my symptoms got worse again. Tests show that the d. fragilis is gone, but I still have Blasto. hominis."
.......and finally the author of this site was prescribed Iod. + Flagyl to treat D.fragilis. Four weeks after treatment ended three fixed samples were negative. I was Blasto. positive three weeks later after submitting three purged samples.
Tinizadole (chemically similar to Flagyl):
Feedback to this site is that failures with this drug are as high as with Flagyl:
Two days of Tinidazole failed to clear the Blasto. this woman's stool samples:
"I have Blastocistis Hominus and Dientamoeba Fragilis. My doctor first gave me two doses of Tinidazole. (2 days worth) This made me feel better for about ten days then I got sick again and have both bugs still present."
K. March 02
Experiences with both Flagyl and Tinidazole appear on the medical mismanagement pages.
Anti-Yeast Meds
B.hominis was reclassified from an intestinal yeast to a protozoa for a number of reasons. One was it's lack of response to anti-yeast medications amphotericin, nystatin, Diflucan, Sporanox, and Nizoral.
Herbs
Herbs often reduce symptoms, but the effect is usually temporary. Because herbs are often accompanied by a diet restricted of carbohydrates, it's impossible to determine how much the herbs contribute to the reduced symptoms.
One thing is clear from the emails received to this site for the past eight years is that herbs are rarely the answer.
The following result is typical using herbal treatments to eradicate Blasto:
"I believe that I contracted Blasto 30 years ago when I first went to Mexico. This is because I have had mild symptoms all this time that could never be diagnosed and treated. After an operation in 1998 I felt chronically fatigued and still do. I believe that the operation lowered my immune system and the Blasto could then cause fatigue. Last year I had a stool test that indicated Blasto. Since that time I have gone through a complete herbal regime including Undecenoic Acid and general parasite cleanse with Ann Louise Gittleman's company Unikey. (last October) Guess What Came to Dinner is one of her books. More recently I took emulsified Oregano Oil recommended by Great Smokies Lab. Also I have used acupuncture, Chinese herbs, severe grain/fruit free diet (except for quinoa), energywork, craniosacral, chiropractic, therapy, "Terminator" zapper, Prill water, biofeedback....Fortunately I do not have candida that often accompanies Blasto. Nothing cleared the Blasto yet. "
e-mailed by Jane, 1 July 02
"My son, 17 yrs old, was found to have blastocystis hominis in August of 2002, by Great Smokies Lab. The DO we were seeing put him on Parex, an herbal formlation, for abt 6 weeks. Subsequent stool test showed parasite still there but weaker. Symptoms of bloating, excessive gas, stomach pain/acid continued came back as strong as before."
E. 15 March 03
"I have been suffering from Gastrointestinal complaints for a number of years now plus general weakness and fatigue. My doctor diagnosed me as having IBS and also mild Chrohns disease but I have recently found out that i am carrying the Blastocystis Hominis parasite in my system.
This was found through having a stool test done with Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory and i was told i may have picked it up on a trip to India in November 1999.
I have since followed a 50 day program of severe carbohydrate free diet and a 40 day program of Black Walnut and Wormwood Herbal supplement. When i was re-tested Blastocystis was still there. Also, as soon as i began to eat the Carbs again my systems got worse."
D. March 03
"I was diagnosed with blastocystis hominis last October by Great Smokies lab and have been taking Paraguard recommended by nutritionist and the lab in two lots since (Nov - Jan and March to August). I am still taking one tablet a week. According to the nutritionist the paraguard should have killed the bug months ago but says I have a very resistant infection. I have felt so ill with the die-off from this drug with the the debilitating tiredness and the effect on my liver. "
H. 20 August 03
D. relieved his symptoms of Blasto. hominis using the above, after a combo. of Flagyl + Septrin failed:
"I took Artestatin (chinese herbal formula) for about 2 months (6 tablets per day) along with emulsified oil of oregano....when the battle did'nt end after 7-8 weeks, I added a very dense tea of Coptis Root one day (probably way too strong / concentrated) and the battle seemed to subside dramatically for a few days, then I drank some more, and a few days later I drank yet another batch and then my stools returned to normal (6 out of 7 days) for the last month"
5 August 02
Thus far, I only have loose stools and diarrhea once a week or less. I have consumed Coptis Tea ( a more dilute tea this time) a few times in the six weeks my stools returned to normal.".
11 August 02
In this case herbs increased the symptoms:
"I have been diagnosed through Great Smokies Diagnostic laboratory in the US with 'many' blastocystis hominis....(symptoms are extreme fatigue and brain fog) i have taken natural medicines through my accupuncturist- Candibactin-BR (2 tabs 2 times a day) a Berbine formula, alongside **Probioplex (1 tsp 2 times a day) to kill and to keep the b.hominis from 'sticking' to my intestinal wall. The treatment created such extreme fatigue and greater mental fog that i could not function and quit taking it within 3 weeks. My doctor wanted me to take this for 3-4 months"
L. 19 March 03
**Probioplex is a probiotic.
It is possible that an increase in symptoms occurred because the probiotics fed the parasite. More info. here.
In the following case higher levels of Blasto. were diagnosed after alt. therapies were combined with dietary restrictions:
"I have tried a very stirct dietary approach to treat Blasto, and also added some remedies like grapefruit seed extract, curcumin etc. After three months of trying this I got retested. Blasto has gone from MODERATE to MANY in amount acc. to the test. I also now have Candida Krusei in big amounts." (Dec 05)
Have you recovered after using alt. therapies? Email me.
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