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Several studies have linked eradication of intestinal protozoa with resolution of chronic abdominal pain, but proof of causality has been lacking. Dutch researchers prospectively studied 220 consecutive children (mean age, 9 years) referred to a gastroenterologist for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP; Apley criteria of ≥3 bouts of pain affecting activities for ≥3 months). Stool samples collected on 3 separate days from 215 children showed protozoa (Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and/or Giardia lamblia) in 73 patients (34%); these children received appropriate antiprotozoal treatment.
Eradication of protozoa (confirmed with repeat 3-day stool testing 10 days after treatment) paired with resolution of RAP for at least 6 months was co…