1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran 2. Parasitology and Entomology Department, Medical Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction
Blastocystis homonis is a protozoan intestinal parasite in humans and various mammals. pathogenesis, genetic diversity, and available treatment options of this parasite is not clearly known. humans can acquire blastocystis.sp infections through several transmission routes like waterborne or food borne transmission.
Methods
The data of this descriptive cross-sectional study was obtained from 2000 patients referred to health centers and laboratories from october 2016 to november 2017 in karaj. stool specimens had been detected by routine microscopic examination with saline or lugol.
Results
The prevalence of blastocystis. hominis in the total sample was 0.12% (240/2000). out of 240 infected patients, 121 (50.41%) were males, and 119 (49.58%) were female. the distribution of b. hominis infection was high in adults aged between 30 to 40 years.
Conclusion
Blastocystis hominis is one of the most prevalent protozoan parasite found in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, and also in healthy individuals. to find the real prevalence of the disease, an extensive parasitological research should be done into the connection between the diseases and symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. also molecular techniques could be used to determine the route and source of infection.
