
Blastocystosis in Iran: Epidemiological characteristics and Clinical manifestations
969-972
Correspondence
Gholamreza Roshandel, MD,
Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences. E-
Add:Number77,Qabooseieh passage,Valiasrstreet, Gorgan, Golestan province, Iran.
Tel: +98 171 2240835,Fax: +98 171 2269210
mail: roshandel_md@yahoo.com.
Context: Previous studies showed that blastocystis hominis may lead to some diseases and symptoms such as flatus, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and nausea. But in some others the disease causing effect of this organism has not been determined.
Aims: The goal of this study is to determine the clinical signs and some epidemiological characteristics of blastocystis in the West of Iran in 2004 and 2005.
Settings and Design: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional one.
Methods and Material: The stool samples of 274 cases from Hamedan province (west) of Iran were tested for blastocystis infection. The samples positive for blastocystis were selected. These patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire to gather clinical and socio-demographic information.
Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between variables.
Results:This study has shown that 58 people (21%) were Blastocystis carriers. The most common clinical symptom was abdominal pain (84.5%). It was more common in primary and elementary schools students than in other educational levels. Diarrhoea was observed mostly in cases younger than 10 years and individuals between 11 and 20 years.
Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence of blastocystis infection in Iran, like other developing countries, is quite high. So, it is recommended to conduct further studies to fully determine its characteristics and consider it as a potential disease- causing parasite in approaching gastrointestinal diseases.