Comparing Paromomycin and Metronidazole for Treating Dientamoeba Fragilis in Adults

Paromomycin or Metronidazole for Symptomatic Dientamoeba Fragilis in Adults (COMFORTER Trial) - Protocol for a Superiority Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Sheba Medical Center · NCT06907498

This study tests whether the medication paromomycin works better than metronidazole for treating adults with gastrointestinal issues caused by Dientamoeba fragilis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSheba Medical Center Government
Locations1 site (Ramat Gan, Israel)
Trial IDNCT06907498 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of paromomycin versus metronidazole in treating symptomatic adults infected with Dientamoeba fragilis, a protozoan that can cause gastrointestinal issues. The study will be conducted as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, focusing on clinical improvement and microbiological eradication as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will assess quality of life and any adverse events related to the treatments. Participants will be adults over 18 with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and a positive PCR test for D. fragilis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and a positive PCR test for D. fragilis.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have hypersensitivity to the study drugs, or have received treatment with metronidazole or paromomycin in the last three months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for adults suffering from Dientamoeba fragilis infections.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been observational studies on D. fragilis treatments, this trial's direct comparison of paromomycin and metronidazole is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients over the age of 18, not including pregnant women - With persistent gastrointestinal symptoms (over one month).

* Without any other clear diagnosis to explain these symptoms according to medical records.
* With a positive PCR stool test for D. fragilis without any additional pathogen (patients with Blastocystis hominis in feces will not be excluded).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or to aminoglycosides
* Patients age below 18 years
* Metronidazole or paromomycin treatment in the last 3 months

Where this trial is running

Ramat Gan, Israel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dientamoeba Fragilis InfectionDientamoeba FragilisDiarrheaParomomycinMetronidazoleTreatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.