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Blastocystis Research Foundation



Blastocystis News

April 27, 2009 - Denmark's Staatens Serum Institute published study on Blastocystis infection in Denmark, identifying association with IBS, and noting presence of inflammatory bowel disease in patients.

March 27, 2009 - Pasteur Institute publishes study on Blastocystis infection in France (BRF co-authored study)

February 26, 2009 - Read BRF's letter in Lancet Infectious Diseases, "Emerging infectious diseases are not always obvious." 

February 18, 2009 - Dr. Charles H. Zierdt, 30+ year veteran of the NIH, joins BRF Board of Directors

January 15, 2009 - Notes from Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness meeting, April, 2008.  BRF's testimony is noted on page 19 (search for Blastocystis).

November 17, 2008 - Corvallis Gazette Times publishes article on impact of long-term Blastocystis infection on local family.

More Items (coming soon)

Carine

Received October 28, 2009

Listen to Carine's Audio Testimony (WAV File - 2 Megabytes)

My name is Carine.  I am calling from California.  You can make this audio available publicly. 

I have been sick for seven years with bouts of nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, loose floating stools, flatulence, abdominal pain, anal itching, headaches, and foggy head.

I went through seven doctors to find out what was wrong with me.  I spent a lot of time and money on finding out what is making me sick.  My symptoms got worse over time, and finally, last year, a stool test revealed the parasite Blastocystis hominis.

I had a colonoscopy as well that ruled out any cancer.  Since then I went to an infectious disease specialist.  I was given Flagyl twice for seven days each.  And lastly ten days of Nitazoxanide. 

At first the symptoms were better.  For the first time in years, I had a normal well formed stool again.   Then after three weeks, the symptoms reappeared, with loose floating stools and mucous, flatulence, pain especially in the right side of my abdomen.

I am due for another stool test which I already know will be positive for I exhibit the same symptoms again. 

I am desparate to find a cure for this disease for it has impacted my life in a very negative way. 

When I first had the symptoms, I was working, and had health insurance coverage.  The doctor recommended a colonoscopy.    Then I was sent to a proctologist.  Finally to a surgeon who removed an internal hermmorhoid.    But the diarrhea, long stringy stools, the anal itching and headaches......