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Asian Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2012 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 57-61
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Authors

E. Badparva

Y. Pournia

Sh. Fallahi

Keywords

Research Article

Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in Lorestan Province, West of Iran, 2010

E. Badparva, Y. Pournia and Sh. Fallahi
Blastocystis is a zoonotic and protozoan parasite whose pathogenesis has been proven in many studies in recent decades. It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and its prevalence rates differ in different countries and communities. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, particularly Blastocystis hominis, in Lorestan province of Iran. In this study, 2,838 fecal samples along with completed questionnaires containing epidemiological questions were gradually collected in a year and examined in clinical laboratories throughout the province using the direct method (Lugol-Normal Saline) and concentration method (Formalin-Ether). The results were recorded in the lower part of the questionnaire designed for this purpose both qualitatively and, in case of positive results, quantitatively. The data were analyzed statistically and the samples infected with Blastocystis hominis were kept in a freezer for molecular examinations. Out of the 2838 fecal samples, 139 cases (5%) were infected with Blastocystis hominis, out of which 42 and 58% were the samples from urban and rural residents, respectively. Moreover, 35% of the infected individuals were females and 65% were males, showing a statistically significant difference. In terms of age group, city and occupation, the age group of 70-79, Boroujerd and ranchers had the highest prevalence rates with 8.3, 20 and 8.3%, respectively. The prevalence of Blastocystis hominis infection in the province was 5% and this parasite was the second most prevalent parasite after Giardia lamblia. Its high prevalence in ranching occupation can be attributed to the zoonotic feature of the parasite. However, its high prevalence in older people can be considered as the secrets of the parasite, so more studies are needed. Since the parasite is highly polymorphic, more knowledge and experimentations are needed for its exact diagnosis. Its diagnosis can affect epidemiological results because the parasite may be the cause of unknown diseases.
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