Blastocystis hominis is one of the most common parasites found in humans, yet most people—and even many doctors—have never heard of it. Because it often goes undiagnosed, it’s crucial to understand its potential effects and whether or not it requires treatment.
I’ve been diagnosing and treating Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) for over 25 years. This microscopic parasite can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In some cases, it may even lead to weight loss and loss of appetite due to poor digestion and nutrient absorption.
How Do You Get Blastocystis Hominis?
B. hominis is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene practices (such as not washing hands properly). This makes it easy to contract, especially in places where food safety and sanitation standards are lower.
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Why Some People Don’t Have Symptoms
One of the reasons B. hominis is so misunderstood is that not everyone infected experiences symptoms. Research has identified at least seven different subtypes of B. hominis, some of which appear to be harmless while others may cause digestive distress.
Unfortunately, standard lab testing does not differentiate between these subtypes, meaning you could test positive without knowing whether your specific strain is problematic. This uncertainty is one reason why many doctors dismiss B. hominis as harmless and don’t offer treatment.
How Common Is B. Hominis?
Millions of people worldwide carry this parasite. In many cases, it causes no symptoms and is considered part of the gut microbiome. However, for those who do experience symptoms, the impact can be severe, affecting daily life and overall health.
Should You Treat Blastocystis Hominis?
The medical community remains divided on this question. Since some strains cause symptoms and others don’t, many doctors assume that a positive test result is insignificant and decline to treat it. This leaves many patients struggling with persistent digestive issues without answers or solutions.
Additionally, B. hominis is known for being resistant to many standard medications. The most commonly prescribed drug, Metronidazole, may or may not be effective. Other antiparasitic drugs that have shown promise are not widely available in the U.S., making treatment options even more limited.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve tested positive for B. hominis and have ongoing digestive symptoms, it’s worth investigating whether treatment could help. However, if treatment doesn’t resolve your symptoms, another underlying issue could be the real cause of your discomfort.
At the Hello Doctor Today, we specialize in diagnosing and treating persistent digestive issues, including parasitic infections like B. hominis. If you suspect you have Blastocystis or have tested positive but don’t know what to do next. We’ll help you determine whether treating B. hominis is necessary—or if something else is behind your symptoms.
