Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Infection with Intestinal Protozoa

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Johnathan M Sheele1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center & Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|September 16, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was linked to a significantly lower chance of detecting intestinal parasites in stool examinations. This study suggests PPIs may offer a protective effect against parasitic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) show in vitro antiprotozoal activity against certain parasites.
  • Clinical evidence supporting an antiprotozoal effect of PPIs is limited.
  • Metronidazole is a common treatment for intestinal protozoa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and the risk of intestinal parasitic infections.
  • To determine if PPIs reduce the likelihood of a positive stool ova and parasite (O & P) examination.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from a tertiary care academic medical center.
  • Data collected for patients undergoing stool O & P examination between January 2000 and September 2014.
  • Comparison of parasite detection rates between patients taking PPIs and those not taking PPIs, using chi-squared test with Yates correction.

Main Results:

  • A significantly lower prevalence of intestinal protozoa was observed in patients taking PPIs (0.3%) compared to those not taking PPIs (3.9%).
  • The odds of identifying protozoa in stool samples were substantially reduced for individuals on PPI therapy (P < .0001).

Conclusions:

  • Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with a statistically significant decrease in the detection of intestinal protozoa.
  • Findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for PPIs in managing or preventing certain intestinal parasitic infections.
Keywords:
Entamoeba histolyticaGiardia lambliaova and parasiteproton pump inhibitorprotozoastool

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