Investigation of the Prevalence Rate of Blastocystis sp. in Children with Cancer in Sanandaj City

Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan that can infect humans and a wide range of animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. The prevalence of Blastocystis species is relatively high in developing countries and has been reported as the most common parasite in Iran. In recent years, various studies have shown the importance of its pathogenicity in humans. Blastocystis sp. infection is associated with skin lesions and a variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in children with cancer in Sananadaj City by PCR method.

To determine prevalence  rate of Blastocystis sp infection in children with cancer, 93 fecal samples from available cancer patients were collected from the hospitals in Sananadaj City on the basis of census method from 2019 to 2021. The samples were analyzed by molecular method (PCR) using primers in the barcoding region of 18 rRNA gene for Blastocystis sp. amplification.

The results of PCR showed 15 cases (16.1%) had 600 bp fragment for Blastocystis sp.Statistical analysis showed that Blastocystis sp.had no significant correlation with infection and residential place (Pvalue = 0. 48), age (Pvalue = 0.88) and contact to animals (Pvalue =0.83).

According to the results of this study, Blastocystis sp. is prevalent in cancer patients in Sananadaj city. These data can play an important role in the development of studies and research on Blastocystis sp.  infections in cancer patients. In general, determination of the prevalence rate of the infection and identification of the different types of Blastocystis sp.  in children with cancer and reporting these data to regional and national health officials can be beneficial in order to adopt a more appropriate treatment strategy and provide health strategies to control this infection.