Author/Authors :
Elmi, Taher Department of Parasitology and Mycology - Faculty of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Amni, Fariba Department of Parasitology and Mycology - Faculty of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Rahimi Esboei, Bahman Department of Parasitology and Mycology - School of Medicine - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Gholami, Shirzad Department of Parasitology - Toxoplasma Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Akbariqomi, Mostafa Department of Molecular Medicine - School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mortazavi, Mohsen Gowhar’s Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Karaj, Iran , Barati, Mohammad Infectious Diseases Research Center - AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Tabatabaie, Fatemeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology - Faculty of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Objectives: Given the relatively high prevalence and emphasis on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp., especially in immunocompromised
patients and other at risked populations like military personnel, this study was carried out to investigate the prevalence
of Blastocystis sp. in the city of Karaj during 2014 - 2015.
Methods: In this descriptive study, 2500 stool samples were screened for Blastocystis sp. using microscopically examinations and
iodine-stained, wet-mount preparations and formalin-ether as a sedimentation method. Demographic information such as age,
gender, and symptoms of patients, were recorded in the questionnaire. Three stool samples were collected from each patient in
disposable plastic containers. Data were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test SPSS V. 24 software.
Results: From the total of 2500 cases, 345 (13.8%) cases were positive for Blastocystis sp., 56.5% of patients were male, and 43.5% were
female. A total of 33.3% of patients had a clinical symptom and 66.7% of patient had no clinical symptoms. Anorexia was the most
common symptom in patients with Blastocystis sp.
Conclusions: The use of appropriate diagnostic laboratory procedures in hospitals and medical centers can provide an effective
and accurate diagnosis that will play an important role in the promotion of community health; considering some unspecific signs
could help the health professionals to have correct diagnose.
