Asymptomatic intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants in Mexico City, Mexico

Abstract

Intestinal protozoan is still an important public health problem. We aimed to gain insight into the dynamics of intestinal protozoan infection with a view to describing the prevalence of intestinal protozoan in asymptomatic individuals in Mexico City, Mexico. The study population was primarily both in and out patients from four different hospitals who were referred for routine stool examination. Faecal specimens (510) were collected over a 3-weeks period from asymptomatic individuals. Specimens were tested for a range of protozoan infection using microscopic and partly Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Seven known intestinal protozoan were identified from 54 faecal specimens, a total carriage rate of 10.6%. Blastocystis hominiswere present in 22 specimens (4.31%), Entamoeba coli in 18(3.53%), Entamoeba disper in 8(1.57%), Entamoeba hartomanni in 2(0.39%), Giargia lambia in 2(0.39%),Iodoamoeba in 2(0.39%), and Endolimax nana in 1(0.2%). 10(2%) person were infected with two or more protozoa concurrently. These protozoa were all non-pathogenic, but are capable of discharging their cysts thus placing these asymptomatic carriers as potential distributors of intestinal protozoan infection. Considering the public health implication of asymptomatic carriers of intestinal protozoan infection, establishment of sustainable and regular de-worming programme in Mexico City coupled with health education messages on good hygienic practices are strongly recommend. Key words: Blastocystis hominis, Mexico, Entamoeba, protozoan fecal.