Abstract
BackgroundBlastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. The clinical relevance of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya.MethodsA total of 380 stool samples were collected from outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya for routine stool examination. The presence of Blastocystis sp. was screened comparing light microscopy of direct smears against in vitro cultivation. Demographic and socioeconomic information were collected with a standardized questionnaire.ResultsThe overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 22.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher among patients aged ≥18 years compared to those aged < 18 years (29.4% vs 9.9%; x2 = 19.746; P < 0.001), and in males compared to females (26.4% vs 17.5%; x2 = 4.374; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis showed significant associations between Blastocystis infection and the occupational status (P = 0.017), family size (P = 0.023) and educational level (P = 0.042) of the participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the age of ≥ 18 years (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.21; 9.86) and occupational status (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.02, 4.70) as significant predictors of Blastocystis infection among this population. In those who had only Blastocystis infection but no other gastrointestinal parasitic infections, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was higher compared to those without Blastocystis infection (35.3% vs 13.2%; x2 = 25.8; P < 0.001). The most common symptoms among these patients were abdominal pain (76.4%), flatulence (41.1%) and diarrhoea (21.5%).ConclusionsBlastocystis sp. is prevalent and associated with gastrointestinal symptoms among communities in Sebha city, Libya. Age and occupational status were the significant predictors of infection. However, more studies from different areas in Libya are needed in order to delineate the epidemiology and clinical significance of this infection.
Highlights
Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries
The present study showed that occupational status of the participants was a significant predictor of Blastocystis infection, with those employed having a greater odds for infection compared to those unemployed
This study reveals a high prevalence of Blastocystis infection among individuals seeking health care in Sebha city in Libya
Summary
Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. Has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya. Blastocystis infection is widely distributed throughout the world with a high prevalence in developing countries in the tropics and subtropics [1,2]. Human infection is associated with poor personal hygiene, lack of sanitation, exposure to animals, In Libya, previous studies in Sebha, city showed that Blastocystis sp. Is not routinely performed in most Libyan laboratories, so the prevalence and predictors of Blastocystis infection are poorly known. In Libya, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated predictors of Blastocystis infection among outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya Given the lack of epidemiological information on Blastocystis sp. in Libya, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated predictors of Blastocystis infection among outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya
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