Author/Authors :
SANKUR, Funda Microbiology Laboratory - Training and Research Hospital - Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey , AYTURAN, Seniz Microbiology Laboratory - Training and Research Hospital - Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey , MALATYALI, Erdogan Dept. of Parasitology - Faculty of Medicine - Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey , ERTABAKLAR, Hatice Dept. of Parasitology - Faculty of Medicine - Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey , ERTUG, Sema Dept. of Parasitology - Faculty of Medicine - Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
Abstract :
Background: Blastocystis is a common protozoon that inhabits human intestinal
tract and has a worldwide distribution. This study aimed to determine
subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis among school-aged children in a western
city of Turkey between Mar and Jun 2014.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school
children in Mugla between Mar and Jun 2014. Overall, 468 stool samples
from children were examined by direct microscopy and inoculated into Jones
medium. Blastocystis partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU-rDNA)
was amplified and sequenced from culture positive isolates. Subtypes were
determined according to closest or exact match at GenBank and Blastocystis
ST (18S) database.
Results: The positive rate of Blastocystis was 7.4% (n=35) with xenic in-vitro
culture (XIVC). The subtypes could be identified for 33 (94.2%) isolates; 12
(34.2%) were ST3, 11 (31.4%) were ST1, 9 (25.7%) were ST2, one was (2.8%)
ST7. No relationship was found between Blastocystis infected and noninfected
cases in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, none of
the possible risk factors was related to Blastocystis infection.
Conclusion: Subtypes in children was similar to those reported in most of
the studies that found ST3 as the most common subtype.
Keywords :
Blastocystis , Subtype , Children , Turkey
