Search

Background: Blastocystis sp., located in the large intestine, is one of the most common zoonotic parasites. Risk factors affect its prevalence and pathogenicity, and it causes gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the Blastocystis sp. prevalence and its relationship with gastrointestinal disorders, in patients referred to laboratories, and provide some prevention strategies. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 1,000 stool specimens were collected from patients referred to Ilam, Iran laboratories from 2018-2019. Wet mount method was conducted on samples, and suspected specimens were confirmed using trichrome staining. The demographic and clinical information was recorded in a questionnaire. Finally, the results were analyzed using the SPSS. Results: Blastocystis infection was detected in 81 out of 1,000 patients (8.1%) including 61 (75.3%) males and 20 (24.7%) females. and illiterate people were more at risk. The prevalence in rural was more than urban areas, and it was more in the age group of 31-50 year. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between Blastocystis sp. and risk factors (age, sex, level of education, and residence) and clinical symptoms (stomach ache and nausea) (P<0.05), but interestingly there was no significant relationship between bloating and diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Giardiasis is one of the most important health problems around the world and its prevalence has been reported in various regions. Furthermore, it causes long-term digestive disorders and can spread rapidly if there is no hygiene. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia in people referred to laboratories of Ilam, Iran, and to provide strategies for prevention. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 stool specimens in Ilam labs in 2017. These were randomly collected from the laboratories along with demographic information. Subsequently, all samples were examined microscopically by using saline and iodine mount on grease-free slides. Furthermore, suspect specimens were examined using trichrome staining. Finally, the results were analysed using statistical software SPSS 20. The data were then compared with the Chi-square test. Results: The results revealed that 84 (8.4%) of 1,000 samples were infected with the Giardia parasite. The frequency of the giardiasis in the age group of 20-30 years was higher than in other age groups and in males it was more as compared to females. Conclusion: The present study revealed that despite improving public health, Giardiasis is still a health problem. There are some useful strategies for reducing Giardia infection, for instance: proper planning, public health education, and providing safe drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxocariasis, also known as Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) syndrome, is a parasitic disease caused by the ascaris larva migrans of dogs and cats, especially Toxocara canis. The eggs of this parasite enter the human body through contaminated food, water, and soil. Aim: To determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil of public parks in Ilam city, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 40 soil samples (100 grams per sample from the depth of 3 to 5 cm) were randomly collected from 10 public parks of Ilam city in the summer season of 2018. After washing, grinding, and separating large particles from the samples, parasitic eggs were isolated using 150-micron filters and sucrose flotation method. The data was analysed using SPSS 20 software. Results: Five of ten parks (50%) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. From 40 soil samples collected from the public parks, 16 (40%) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. Most of the contaminated samples were collected from walking and flowering areas in all the parks. Microscopic studies showed an average of 1-4 Toxocara spp. eggs per microscopic field in each sample indicating 4 to16 eggs per 100 grams of soil in each contaminated park. Conclusion: Due to the high level of contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in Ilam city parks, it is necessary to prevent dogs and cats from entering to lawns and playgrounds in public parks by fencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]