Subject: Child aged 13
Primary diagnoses: D.fragilis infection (found 18 months apart in stool tests) when initial treatment with Iodoquinol failed to relieve symptoms the diagnoses was acidic stomach and possible hormonal problems until D.fragilis was found in another stool test.
Length of illness: more than 2 years
Treatment: Iodoquinol and Vermox (D.fragilis is thought to be passed on via the human pinworm - Vermox is used to treat worms in the gastrointestinal tract).
Severity of symptoms: moderate to severe
Outcome: as at November 2000 still undergoing treatment

My daughter who is 13 has been suffering with stomach problems for 2 1/2 years. We had a fecal exam done about 18 months ago and they found dientamoeba in her stool. She was prescribed Diodoquin (iodoquinol) and Vermox (mebendazole).This seemed to do the trick, and the symptoms lessened. However, periodically, she would get the intense cramps, nausea, and tenderness in the lower right stomach area (we thought she had appendicitis), but this was ruled out and we kept on searching for the answer.

As she is only a child, it is very worrisome to watch her suffer, and keep missing out on things. After many visits to the paediatrician and paediatric gastroenterologist, who performed many intrusive examinations she was diagnosed with an acidic stomach and put on Prevacid twice a day. Her symptoms seemed to be alleviated for a little while, but worsened when she started her menstrual cycle, especially a few days before her period. We learned to live with this and the symptoms lessened.

Several weeks ago, she started up again (this coincided with the start of school, so naturally we assumed it was just her "nervous stomach"), but the symptoms this time are worse and some mornings she can barely get out of bed. Breakfast just never happens, as she cannot bear to look at food. She goes to school most days, but is in distress almost all the time. We have even been told that this relates to hormones!! Sounds logical when you tie it in with her periods.

We saw the Dr. last week, and he suggested another fecal sample. We complied and lo and behold they found Dientamoeba present. The Dr called last evening and said it was a fairly common parasite and as he did not have her chart with him, told us to look for pinworms and make another appointment. He did not remember her having this before, but I sure as hell did! I went to my file and located the Patient/Medication information for the Vermox and Diodoquin, and tomorrow, when I see him again, I will go armed with this information as well as the stories from the various people who have responded to your website!!

 Many thanks for the website Jackie and I will keep you posted.
S.

Thanks for asking, she is on Diodoquin and Vermex. No relief as yet, but we are not pinning all our hopes on this. At least it will give us some idea of what is really going on. Will keep you posted.
Thanks again, S

Hi Jackie:
........... My daughter has finished the course of medication, and she seems a little better, not much though, although she is not writhing in pain as she was some mornings! She is still nauseous and has moderate discomfort. Another fecal test has to be done and then we will know if the parasite is still active. That will be done next week.
Regards, S

Subject: Child
Primary diagnoses: Diarrhoea - tested for Giardia infection. D.fragilis found instead.
Length of illness: ?
Treatment: Paramomycin
Severity of symptoms: loose stools
Outcome: still symptomatic after treatment

Hi,
Thank you for the great info.

My 2 year old son had diarrhea for over a month before he was tested for giarrdia. He was diagnosed with D.F. He was treated for 7 days with paramomycin. He ended treatment three days ago. My 5 month old baby has had very loose stools...I tried to tell myself it was just because of being breast fed...but it really doesn't seem to be the case. Can a child that young be treated? I have seven children.
.....In the last few months it seems we have had quite a few "intestinal flu" bouts.
Thank you,
R.

Dear Jackie,
Hi! I'm sorry it took so long to reply. We've been out of town a lot.
My little boy (2yrs.) took the paramomycin and his diarreha still persists. We are taking a stool sample in tomorrow to see if the d.f. is still present. I waited a while to accept the fact that it wasn't clearing up. I hate to have him on any medication esp. something so strong. |
R

Dear Jackie,
Graham (my son) was retested and he still has DF. My husband has also been having a lot of cramping and gas. We may have him tested...... Graham is starting treatment when the meds come in.
I'll let you know what happens. ....
R.

Subject: Adult
Primary diagnoses: IBS
Treatment: Flagyl x 1; Iodoquinol x 2
Severity of symptoms: severe
Outcome: cured following treatment with Iodoquinol

Hi Jackie,

I couldn't believe it when I saw your website - five years I've had this thing.....only diagnosed recently though, symptoms have never changed from day 1....regularly vomit and feel ill mostly, can't eat much.....derpression plagues me as well! My doctor's never been much help..hasn't even heard of df. Checked out the net and found your site...thanks for all your work and great info.
M.

Hi again Jackie,

In reply to your question about treatment.....I was treated with metronidizol (sp?) once a couple of years ago, even though they found nothing in my test. Standard practice I guess - more to keep me happy though. Didn't help....I'm going to try and get hold of diodoquin.wish me luck - will keep you posted.
M.

Hi Jackie,

Good news. I finally found a doctor who knew how to treat me.......I took Iodoquinol twice. The first time my symptoms were a lot better but still there, so he gave me a second dose which seems to have cured me! Yipee!!! My stool tests from GSD were also clear of fragilis.

Hope you have managed to beat this horrible bug???
M