Blastocystis Hominis Infection Research Articles

A 11-year-old boy with Blastocystis hominis infection, presents as immune thrombocytopenia

BackgroundSome causes of first-line treatment failure for ITP are often closely related to infections. But parasitic infections are rarely mentioned and easily overlooked. The case is the first to describe a boy with immune thrombocytopenia associated with blastocystis hominis.Case presentationThe case involved a boy presenting with bleeding skin spots and ecchymosis and accompanied by intermittent epigastric pain and constipation. After a series of complete examinations, the platelet count was found to be decreased to 13 × 109/L and immune thrombocytopenia was diagnosed. After first-line treatment with gamma globulin and prednisolone, the thrombocytopenia remained unchanged. Blastocystis hominis was subsequently found in the patient's stool and then the treatment of metronidazole was provided. One week later, the patient's thrombocytopenia was completely relieved. He was followed up for six months and was found to have recovered well.ConclusionsThe screening for potential predisposing factors is very important for immune thrombocytopenia patients with poor response to first-line treatment, and the best treatment strategy should include the management of potential diseases.

Risk of infection in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa on biologics or other immunomodulators: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful skin condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life. Biologic agents, including anti-TNF agents and IL-17 inhibitors, have shown promise as treatment options for HS. However, there is concern about the increased risk of infections associated with these therapies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. We searched PubMed and Embase until February 1, 2023. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of any infectious complications. Secondary outcomes included serious and opportunistic infections in HS patients treated with biologics or other immunomodulators. Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria, comprising 1,696 patients. The pooled incidence rate for any infection was 24.2%, primarily consisting of mild respiratory and skin infections. Subgroup analysis based on the mechanism of action (MOA)showed a pooled incidence of 7.77% for anti-IL1, 14.24% for anti-PDE4, and 21.96% for anti-TNF. Notably, patients receiving anti-IL17 had the highest incidence rate of infection at 33.6%, but the relative risk compared to placebo was not significantly elevated (0.99, 95% CI: 0.86-1.14). Serious infections were rare, with pooled incidences of 0.39% for anti-IL17 and 0.03% for anti-TNF. Opportunistic infections were infrequent, with 10 reported cases, including eight oral candidiasis, one cryptosporidiosis, and one Blastocystis hominis infection. The use of biologic therapies in HS patients does not significantly increase the risk of infectious complications. Additionally, the occurrence of serious or opportunistic infections in HS patients treated with biologics appears to be minimal.

Site-Specific Incidence Rate of Blastocystis hominis and Its Association with Childhood Malnutrition: Findings from a Multi-Country Birth Cohort Study.

In this study, we investigated the potential association between the burden of asymptomatic Blastocystis spp. (Blastocystis hominis) infection and nutritional status among children under 2 years of age using the data collected from 1,715 children from eight distinct geographic locations, including Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Peru, Tanzania, Pakistan, Nepal, and South Africa. Childhood stunting, wasting, and underweight were the outcome variables, and B. hominis infection was the exposure variable of this present study. The presence of B. hominis in nondiarrheal stools was evaluated by TaqMan Array Cards. Site-specific incidence rates were estimated using Poisson regression, and multiple generalized estimating equation was used to assess the association between the B. hominis infection and nutritional status. The site-specific incidence rates of asymptomatic B. hominis infections per 100 child-months were higher in Tanzania, Peru, and South Africa when compared with the other study sites. Moreover, in terms of site-specific association, childhood stunting was significantly associated with asymptomatic B. hominis infection in Bangladesh (odds ratio [OR]: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26-2.08), India (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.46-2.16), Nepal (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.60-3.21), Peru (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.26-1.71), South Africa (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.35-1.83), and Tanzania (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 2.18-2.79) sites. Wasting was associated with B. hominis in the Brazil site only (OR: 3.19; 95% CI: 1.31-7.77). On the other hand, underweight was associated in the Bangladesh (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.48-2.42), Brazil (OR: 4.41; 95% CI: 1.57-12.4), Nepal (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.52-3.35), and Tanzania (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.42-1.99) sites. Our analysis further reveals that the presence of additional pathogens may play a pathogenic role in children who have B. hominis infection.

Detection of Blastocystis Hominis by Method of Cultivation in The Feces of Orphanage Children in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Indonesia

Background: Blastocystis hominis is an intestinal protozoan that can infect humans and animals. The distribution coverage is very wide and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The incidence of blastocystosis due to Blastocystis hominis is higher in developing countries because it is associated with poor hygiene practice, inadequate sanitation, close contact with pets domesticated animals and or contaminated food. Blastocystis hominis infection can cause clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to chronic diarrhea, depending on the Blastocystis subtype and the patient's immune system. brief background of the topic and significance of the study.Objective: The aim of this study was to detect and determine the incidence of Blastocystis hominis infection in the feces of children at the Pekanbaru Orphanage using the culture method.Methods: The sample is the feces of children from nine orphanages in Pekanbaru. Detection of Blastocystis by the modified Jone's Medium culture method but using sheep's serumResults: A total of 95 children's stool samples were examined from 9 orphanages in Pekanbaru, it was found that 63 children (66.3%) were positive for Blastocystis hominis using the culture method, positive Blastocystis hominis was found more in boys (58.7%%) than girls, and based on age group, 6-12 years were found to be the age group with the most infection (84.1%). Generally, the source of drinking water in orphanages is refilled drinking water and all orphanages have cats as pets, and a few have chickens, birds, and goats as petsConclusion: High incidence of Blastocystis hominis can be detected in the feces of Pekanbaru orphanage children using the culture method.

Epidemiological and Biochemical changes of patients infected with Blastocystis hominis and Irritable bowel syndrome

This study was design to examined fecal samples of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to detect a relationship between Blastocystis hominis infection and IBS. This study was began at January till December 2015 in Kindi teaching hospital / Baghdad .380 patients with IBS and 55 apparently healthy people as control group after making sure of their medical history, clinical and laboratory examinations were done of all subjects which included direct smears examination of stool and culturing of parasite .
 Infection of B. hominis occurred in males at high rate at October (5.8%) and lowest rate during January (3.7%). Where as in females high rate infection was at August (5.8%) and lowest rate during January (2.1%) Blastocystis hominis infection rate in males represent nearly equal in villages and cities (31%,32% respectively) while in females the infection was higher in villages(21%) than in cities (16%).
 Incidence of Blastocystis hominis infection was the highest ( 11.0%) at age group 10-15 year. This study also detect that 65.3% of infections were diagnosed by direct smear preparation and 34.7% were diagnosed by culturing.
 There was a significant differences of total bilirubin levels in the IBS patient group compared to control group (p<0.001).This study represented no significant differences of urea and creatinine levels among patients when compared to control group (p ˂ 0.05).

Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children's hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants' demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ2 = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City. B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.

Identification of Intestinal Protozoa in Adults in Pasie Nan Tigo Sub-Distric Koto Tangah Padang

Intestinal protozoan infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, it is difficult to estimate the true problem of protozoal infections because cases are under-reported. This study aimed to identify intestinal protozoa in healthy adults. This study used a categorical descriptive research design and used a multistage random sampling technique. This research was conducted in Pasie Nan Tigo, Koto Tangah, Padang from July 2020 to December 2021 with a total of 61 samples obtained. Furthermore, the samples were examined using the direct stool examination method and with modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The results of this study were obtained, from 61 subjects the most age group was 45-49 years (27.9%), the most gender was female (88.5%), and the incidence of intestinal protozoal infection was 3.3% where only Blastocystis hominis found. The vacuole stage and cyst stage were found to be 50%, respectively. All samples examined were single infection. The conclusion of this study is that Blastocystis hominis infection is still found in healthy adults in Pasie Nan Tigo, Koto Tangah, Padang. Therefore, supportive therapy and measures to prevent infection transmission need to be carried out so that the incidence and morbidity rates can be reduced. 
 Keywords: Intestinal protozoa infections, healthy adult

Immunological evaluation of IL-10 concentration level in sera of digestive disorders patients infected with Blastocystis hominis infection in Al-Najaf city

Objectives: To evaluating the concentration level of IL-10 in serum of patients suffering from digestive disorders Blastocystis parasitic infection and compared with control group by using ELISA. Methadology: Case-control study design was conducted on 70 patients (33 males and 37 females) at Al-Sadr medical city and Al-Hakim General Hospital and Al-Sajad Hospital. A control group of 70 participitant (29 males and 41 females) who were without any history of disease were included. Their ages ranged between (6 - ≥ 60) years, during the period from the beginning of November 2021 to the end of February 2022. Results: The results showed (48.6%) of culture positive for B.hominis. The results of immunoassay showed mean difference ± standard error difference of IL-10 was (5.878 ± 10.462 Pg/ml) with a 95% confidence interval was (14.809-26.565) in intestinal disorder patients with significant difference (P˂0.001). Conclusion: Interleukin-10 concentration levels have a significant effect on the results of Blastocystosis patients suffering from digestive disorders.

Blastocystis hominis infection in HIV/AIDS children with extraintestinal symptom: a case report

Background: Blastocystis hominis is an intestinal parasite that can induce both intra- and extraintestinal symptoms. This article aims to describe the symptom findings in cases of HIV children co-infected with B. hominis. Case Presentation: A 3-year-old boy with HIV/AIDS came with diarrhea and skin rashes. The direct smear technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, Jones medium culture, and trichrome staining were all used to investigate a single stool specimen from this patient. The results of the examination showed B. hominis infection with intensity <5/high power field (HPF). Extraintestinal symptoms such as skin rashes were not seen in this patient after appropriate treatment. Conclusion: B. hominis infection can cause extraintestinal symptoms such as a red rash on the skin. When a patient presents with a skin rash of unknown origin, having their stool tested for parasites is a concern.

Case report: pretibial myxedema combined with hyperthyroidism and blastocystis hominis infection

Case report: pretibial myxedema combined with hyperthyroidism and blastocystis hominis infection

MOLECULAR STUDY OF BLASTOCYSTIS HOMINIS ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF DIYALA GOVERNORATE.

The aim: To detect the infection rate of Blastocystis hominis in children less than 10 years old with diarrhea in Diyalaby polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, to determine the subtype of Blastocystis hominis by sequencing the product of the positive result, and to determine the association between Blastocystis hominis infection and different factors such as gender, age, the level of mother education and the presence or absence animals in their houses. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children with diarrhea at Al-Batool Teaching Hospital in Diyala governorate, during the period from November 2020 to April 2021, a total of 100 children 55 males and 45 females, then, stool samples were collected and examined by conventional polymerase chain reaction. Results: The rate of infection with the parasite Blastocystis hominis was 8%, 8 out of 100. The infection was higher among females 62.5% than to males 37.5%, while the positive result was higher in the age group less than two years 75%, the highest percentage occur with patient whose mothers were incomplete primary and primary education was reached 37.5% and 25%; respectively and the study showed the highest percentage was with those who kept animals at homes was 75%. Conclusions: According to the genetic analysis of the sequence of eight samples that were positive for Blastocystis hominis parasite using the conventional polymerase chain reaction and they were back to the subtypes 3.

Possible Association and Risk Factors of Blastocystis Infection and Colorectal Cancers in Western Iran

Background: Recently, infection has been considered one of the most important causes of cancers because a large number of cases of cancer with infectious origin was reported. Objectives: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in patients with colorectal cancer in comparison to healthy individuals. Methods: The present descriptive case-control study was performed on 67 healthy individuals and 67 patients with colorectal cancers attending the general hospitals of Lorestan Province, Western Iran from October 2017 to August 2018. Colorectal cancers were diagnosed by an experienced gastroenterologist. A fresh stool specimen was collected from each subject in a sterile labeled container. The collected specimens were tested microscopically using saline and iodine wet preparations, then stained with trichrome stain according to the manufacturer’s instruction to find the cases of B. hominis forms. The DNA of the samples was extracted and specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Results: Among the colorectal cancer patients, B. hominis was found in 16 (23.9%) patients, whereas of 67 healthy participants, 6 (9%) cases were found, indicating a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the prevalence B. hominis among the participants in the case and control groups. By the multifactorial logistic regression models, agriculture activity (0.24; 95% CI: 0.075 - 0.809), as well as consumption of unwashed fruit and vegetables (0.136; 95% CI: 0.040 - 0.459), were significantly related to the prevalence of B. homonis infection. All 22 positive samples (16 patients and 6 (9%) healthy people) were also positive by PCR method, indicating the presence of B. hominis and accuracy of microscopic examination, extraction, and PCR reaction. Conclusions: The obtained findings revealed that B. hominis may strongly link with human colorectal cancers given novel information about the important role of B. hominis in the progress of colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, more investigations are required to obtain accurate information about this suggestion.

Advances in the research of comorbidity of Blastocystis hominis infections and other diseases

Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite. Most individuals with B. hominis infections have no apparent clinical symptoms; however, a few patients, notably those with co-infections or impaired immune system function may present abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and even death. This paper reviews the co-infections of B. hominis and other pathogens and comorbidity of B. hominis infections and other diseases, so as to provide insights into the management of B. hominis infections.

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections and Related Morbidity in Pediatric Patients on Regular Hemodialysis in Ain ‎Shams University Pediatric Hospital, Cairo, Egypt ‎

Background and study aim: Opportunistic parasitic infections have been documented to cause serious complications among ‎immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Therefore, this study ‎aimed to determine the prevalence of common parasitic infections and associated morbidity among the ‎HD pediatric patients at Ain Shams University Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit‎‎. Patients and Methods: ‎A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 HD patients and 20 apparently healthy ‎individuals from January 2018 to March 2019. Stool samples were examined for parasites using direct ‎smear, formol ether concentration, and staining with modified Ziehl- Neelsen stain. The serological ‎analysis for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG and complete blood count was performed. The results were ‎correlated with the history, physical, and demographic data of the study groups‎.‎ Results: The overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitoses among patients with HD was a little bit higher than ‎the control group (70% versus 60%, respectively) but this was statistically insignificant. Blastocystis ‎hominis (30%), Entamoeba histolytica (28%), and Giardia lamblia (20%) were the most frequent ‎among children with HD, with a statistically significant difference in Blastocystis hominis infection ‎rates between patients and their counterparts. Moreover, the overall Toxoplasma gondii ‎seroprevalence rate among patients with HD was (22%) and the anti-Toxoplasma IgM was (2%)‎‎‎. Conclusion: The overall rate of opportunistic parasitic infections and related clinical symptoms in children with ‎HD was slightly more frequent than in the control group. So, stool examination for intestinal parasites ‎and Toxoplasma gondii screening should be incorporated into routine clinical care for children with ‎HD‎‎‎.

Study on the mechanisms of the intestinal tight-junction destruction caused by Blastocystis hominis infection in rats

To explore the mechanism of the intestinal barrier damage caused by Blastocystis hominis infections in rats. Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, of 6 rats in each group. Rats in each infection group were orally infected with B. hominis trophozoites at a density of 2 × 108 parasites per rat, and the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate buffered saline solution. The 7-hour urine samples were collected 1, 3, 6 and 9 weeks post-infection for the measurement of the intestinal permeability. Then, rats were sacrificed using the cervical dislocation method, and the cecum specimens were collected for the detection of the intestinal epithelial cell permeability. The expression of tight junction-related Occludin and Claudin - 1 genes and apoptosis-related Bcl - 2 and Bax genes was quantified in cecum epithelial cells using the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, and cell apoptosis was detected in the rat cecum using the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The median urinary lactolose to mannitol ratios were 0.29, 0.72, 0.44, 0.46 and 0.38 in the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H = 12.09, P < 0.05). B. hominis invasion and epithelial injury were observed in intestinal epithelial cells of rats infected with B. hominis, and transmission electron microscopy displayed the destruction of tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells. The relative expression of Occludin, Claudin-1, Bcl-2 and Bax genes was 1.04, 0.62, 0.71, 0.68 and 0.96; 1.03, 0.61, 0.63, 0.76 and 0.86; 1.08, 0.70, 0.75, 0.74 and 1.03; and 1.00, 1.57, 1.33, 1.35 and 1.10 in the control group and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and all differences were statistically significant (F = 2.86, 2.85, 3.37 and 4.45, all P values < 0.05). The median number of positive staining cells were 1.00, 13.00, 9.00, 3.50 and 1.00 in rat cecum specimens in the control group, and the 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-week-infection groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H = 22.95, P < 0.01). B. hominis infection may cause an increase in the rat intestinal permeability through triggering the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells to destroy the tight junction between intestinal epithelial cells, thereby destroying the intestinal barrier function.

Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among AIDS patients in Nanchang City

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among AIDS patients in Nanchang City during the period between May and September, 2016. B. hominis infection was detected in patients'stool samples using a PCR assay, and the CD4+ T cell count was measured in subjects'blood samples. In addition, the risk factors of B. hominis infection in AIDS patients were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A survey was conducted in Nanchang City from May to September 2016. A total of 505 AIDS patients were investigated, and the prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.16%. Univariate analysis revealed that B. hominis infection correlated with the occupation (χ2 = 8.595, P = 0.049), education level (χ2 = 14.494, P = 0.001), type of daily drinking water (χ2 = 10.750, P = 0.020), root of HIV infections (χ2 = 8.755, P = 0.026) and receiving anti-HIV therapy (χ2 = 23.083, P = 0.001) among AIDS patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified daily direct drinking of tap water as a risk factor of B. hominis infections [odds ratio (OR) = 7.988, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.160, 55.004)] and anti-HIV therapy as a protective factor of B. hominis infection [OR = 0.183, 95% CI: (0.049, 0.685)]. The prevalence of B. hominis is 4.16% among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. Daily direct drinking of tap water is a risk factor, and anti-HIV therapy is a protective factor of B. hominis infection among AIDS patients living in Nanchang City.

Progress of researches on animal models of Blastocystis hominis infections

Blastocystis hominis is a common parasitic protozoa in human and animal intestines; however, its pathogenicity remains controversial. Construction of animal models is of great significance to investigate the pathogenicity, pathogenic mechanisms and drug screening of B. hominis. Experimental animals, mode of infections, parasite strains and host immune status are important factors affecting the successful modeling of B. hominis infections in animals. Hereby, we review the progress of researches on animal models of B. hominis infections, and summarize the influencing factors and application of animal models of B. hominis infections, in order to provides insights into the selection of animals models of B. hominis infections.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid-Tissue Lymphoma of the Descending Colon in a Patient with Blastocystis hominis Infection: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extra nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma that has been associated with chronic infections. It affects especially stomach, but other organs of gastrointestinal tract can be also involved. Colon MALT lymphoma is a very rare disease. We report a case of large bowel MALT lymphoma diagnosed as a result of weight loss and positive occult fecal blood test. Blastocystis hominis infection was detected in fecal analysis. We hypothesize chronic parasitic infection could be related with the development of the lymphoma.

Improving Hashimoto's thyroiditis by eradicating Blastocystis hominis: Relation to IL-17.

Background:Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder that causes significant morbidity. Interleukin (IL)-17 was identified as a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of HT. Blastocystis hominis (BH) is a very common infection and has been shown to be associated with several diseases. Our aim was to determine serum IL-17 level in HT patients with and without BH infection and the effect of eradicating BH in patients with HT.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted on 20 HT patients not infected with BH (group I), 20 HT patients infected with BH (group II), and 20 healthy patients (group III). Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and IL-17 were performed by ELISA method and were repeated in group II after 6 weeks of eradication of BH.Results:Patients with HT showed a significantly higher serum IL-17 compared with controls. IL-17 was significantly higher in HT patients infected with BH compared with HT patients not BH infected (mean 6.93 ± 2.83 pg/ml versus 3.25 ± 1.55 pg/ml, p = 0.003). After BH eradication TSH, anti-TPO, and IL-17 were significantly decreased (mean 14.76 ± 11.11 µIU/ml versus 9.39 ± 7.11 µIU/ml, p < 0.001; mean 308 ± 175.6 IU/ml versus 295.4 ± 167.1 IU/ml, p = 0.006; and mean 6.93 ± 2.83 pg/ml versus 6.45 ± 2.48 pg/ml, p < 0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis after treating BH infection showed that IL-17 was significantly negatively correlated with FT3 (adjusted p = 0.002) and significantly positively correlated with anti-TPO (adjusted p = 0.045).Conclusion:Treatment of BH infection ameliorates HT through reduction in IL-17, anti-TPO, and TSH.Clinical trial registration number:PACTR201909495111649

Prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City

To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and the inpatients were surveyed by questionnaires. After obtaining the informed consent from the inpatients or legal guardians, the stool and blood samples were collected and examined by microscopy and PCR from April 17 to May 1, 2018. The univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the B. hominis infection. A total of 198 hospitalized patients were investigated, and the infection rate of B. hominis was 10.61% (21/198), and the infection rate of the females (12.10%) was higher than that of the males (8.11%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection was 19.23% in the age group of 10 to 20 years, followed by 17.74% in the age group of 60 years and above, and the lowest rate was 2.38% in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The difference in infection rates of B. hominis among the different age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The infection rate of B. hominis in the people who used dry pail latrines was 33.30%, which was higher than that of the people who used water flush toilets (9.10%) (P < 0.05). The genotypes of B. hominis were ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7, and ST6 and ST3 being the most predominant genotypes which accounted for 47.62% (10/21) and 38.10% (8/21) respectively, and among the infected males, the genotypes were only ST3 and ST6. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among the factors affecting B. hominis infection, only keeping pets was a risk factor [OR = 3.798, 95% CI (1.245, 11.581), P < 0.05]. A high prevalence of B. hominis infection is found in the inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, the predominant genotypes are ST6 and ST3, and keeping pets may be one of the main risk factors.