PREVALENCE OF BLASTOCYSTIS HOMINIS INFECTION IN TABRIZ IN 2009-2010

Blastocystis hominis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites in human and various animals which has a worldwide distribution and is often isolated from fecal samples in the parasitology laboratory. Given the relatively high prevalence and emphasis on pathogenic of Blastocystis hominis especially in immunocompromised patients in recent studies, this study was performed to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in Tabriz in 2009-2010. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the sample size was calculated 558 samples based on a statistical formula. stool samples from each of the cases were examined 3 times using direct examination with saline and lugol, staining with trichrome and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. A total of 558 cases, 146 (%26.17) had Blastocystis hominis positive and 412 (%73.83) had negative. The most common symptoms in cases that showed only Blastocystis hominis were abdominal pain (49.4%), anorexia (35.8%) and nausea (33%). Accordingly, Blastocystis hominis infection was the most common parasitic infection that in case of neglect can cause many problems for patients. Therefore, the use of appropriate diagnostic laboratory procedures in hospitals and medical centers can provide effective and accurate diagnosis that it will play an important role in the promotion of community health.