Even so, we probably underdiagnosed the infection by examining only one stool sample from each patient. Culture contributes even more to the diagnoses of D. fragilis infection . Diagnoses by faecal culture of Dientamoeba fragilis infections in Australian patients with diarrhoea. Nongyao Sawangjaroen, et al. Journ. of Gastro.
Patients collect their stool specs.
Three specs. are collected on different days to increase the chance of detecting intermittent excretion of the protozoan. Oxner, Paltridge, Chapman, Bramwell Cook, Sheppard. New Zealand Med. 11 Feb. 1987. It is our impression that the variations in the reporting of D.fragilis reflect more the attention that is paid to the parasite and the technique that is used than to the actual incidence.