Related Experiment Videos
Intestinal colonization of symptomatic and asymptomatic schoolchildren with Blastocystis hominis
1Department of Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbed.
Insights
Blastocystis hominis, a common intestinal parasite, was found in 20.3% of schoolchildren. Infection rates decreased with age, and symptoms included diarrhea and abdominal pain, with contaminated water suspected as the source.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant concern in pediatric populations worldwide.
- Blastocystis hominis is a frequently detected intestinal protozoan parasite, but its clinical significance and prevalence in school-aged children require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in primary school children.
- To investigate the relationship between age and Blastocystis hominis infection rates.
- To identify common symptoms associated with Blastocystis hominis infection in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,000 primary school children.
- Stool specimen analysis using wet-mount, formaline-ether concentration, and Sheather's flotation techniques.
- Microscopic examination with Trichrome and acid-fast stains; parental questionnaires for clinical data.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis hominis was identified in 20.3% (203/1000) of the children's stool specimens.
- Infection was more prevalent in younger children (6-7 years: 50%) compared to older children (10-12 years: 9.5%).
- Commonly reported symptoms in infected children included mild recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, and fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Blastocystosis is a common intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children.
- Age is a significant factor influencing Blastocystis hominis infection prevalence.
- Contaminated drinking water is a suspected source of infection, highlighting the need for improved sanitation and water safety measures.
Abstract:
A study of single stool specimens was done to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among 1,000 primary school children. A questionnaire was completed by each child's parents. Specimens were examined by using wet-mount preparation, formaline-ether concentration, and Sheather's flotation technique. Trichrome and acid-fast stains were done. Blastocystis hominis was observed in 203 (20.3%) of the specimens examined, and 175 specimens contained this organism in the absence of other pathogenic parasites. Older children had fewer B. hominis infections (6 to 7 years old, 50% infection rate; 8 to 9 years, 27.5%; 10 to 12 years, 9.5%). The most common complaints reported by 75 children harboring the parasite were a mild recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, and fatigue. Blastocystosis is quite common among schoolchildren. Contaminated drinking water is suspected to be the source of infection.