Blastocystis hominis--an emerging cause of diarrhoea in renal transplant recipients.

ABSTRACT

Blastocystis hominis is an intestinal protozoan that is emerging as an important cause of diarrhea in the immunosuppressed population. We report two cases of diarrhea caused by this organism in renal transplant recipients. The infection was diagnosed promptly by careful stool examination and treated successfully with metronidazole. These case report highlights the fact that unusual parasites like Blastocystis hominis should be looked for and treated in cases of diarrhea occurring in renal transplant recipients. This reduces the rate of post-transplant morbidity and mortality.