Blastocystis Spp Research Articles

Blastocystis spp. Subtype Distribution from Human and Animals at the Thai-Myanmar Border: The Public Health Implication

Blastocystis spp. Subtype Distribution from Human and Animals at the Thai-Myanmar Border: The Public Health Implication

Standardization of molecular techniques for the detection and characterization of intestinal protozoa and other pathogens in humans.

Background: The intrinsic sensitivity limitations of basic parasitological methods, along with the particular biological characteristics of parasites, make these methods ineffective to differentiate morphologically indistinguishable species. Molecular detection and characterization techniques could be used to overcome these problems. The purpose of this work was to standardize molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, described in the literature, for the detection and molecular characterization of intestinal protozoa and other pathogens in humans. Methods: DNA was extracted from human or animal feces, previously washed or cultured in Boeck Drbohlav's Modified Medium. DNA extraction was performed with Machery-Nagel extraction kits. The standardization of the PCR, nested-PCR or RFLP techniques was carried out according to the literature. For each molecular technique performed, the sensitivity of the test was determined based on the minimun quantity required of DNA (sensitivity A) and the minimum quantity of life forms that the test detected (sensitivity B). Results: Sensitivity A was 10 fg for G. duodenalis, 12.5 pg for Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar, 50 fg for Cryptosporidium spp., 225 pg for Cyclospora spp. and 800 fg or 8 fg for Blastocystis spp. after performing a 1780 bp PCR or 310 bp nested PCR, respectively. The sensitivity B was 100 cysts for G. duodenalis, 500 cysts for E. histolytica or E. dispar, 1000 oocysts for Cyclospora spp. and 3600 or four vegetatives forms for PCR or nested PCR of Blastocystis spp., respectively. Conclusions: The molecular detection of protozoa and chromist was achieved and the molecular characterization allowed the genotyping of some of the parasites such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. This study summarizes the molecular techniques for epidemiological studies in humans and animals, and helps in the investigation of their transmission sources in countries where intestinal parasites are a public health problem.

Do Prevotella copri and Blastocystis promote euglycaemia?

Do Prevotella copri and Blastocystis promote euglycaemia?

Mixed invasion of H. pylory and Protozoa as a pathogenetic factor of diseases of the upper digestive tract

Modern research indicates a possible synergistic effect of bacterial-protozoal infestations in the pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract, among which special attention is paid to the problem of giardiasis. Other parasitic agents, in particular Blastocystis spp, are also gaining some significance. The aim is to study the prevalence of H. pylori and protozoal infestations in chronic gastroduodenal diseases and the influence on the indicators of enzymatic digestion. Materials and methods. We examined 244 patients (130 adults and 114 children) with clinical manifestations with abdominal pain and dyspeptic syndromes. All patients were examined by immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of H. pylori in the feces, coprological and protozoological methods. Results. In the group of patients with chronic gastroduodenal diseases, the H. pylori antigen in the feces was detected in 116 (47.5%) patients. During protozoooscopic examination of feces, the detection rate of Lamblia intestinalis was 22.9%, in Blastocystis spp. - 13.1%, Entamoeba coli 10.2%, Entamoeba spp. 9.4%. Protozoan invasion was detected in the groups of H. pylori + and H. pylori - patients: infection of Lamblia intestinalis was diagnosed in 27.6% and 18.8% of cases respectively (p<0.05), in Blastocystis spp. - in 16.4% and 10.2% cases (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of detection of non-pathogenic amoebas in these groups of patients. Mixed infection with H. pylori and pathogenic protozoa, along with increased manifestations of gastrogenic, ileocecal, enteral and acholian syndrome, signs of pancreatogenic and distal-colitic syndromes were detected. Monoinfection Lamblia intestinalis, signs of enteral, ileocecal, and acholia with signs of ileocecal syndromes were detected, and when monoinfection Blastocystis spp. signs of enteral and ileocecal syndromes were revealed. Conclusions. It is shown that intestinal protozoan and bacterial-protozoan mixed infection (H. pylori + L. intestinalis; H. pylori + Blastocystis spp.) can have a negative effect on enzyme digestion and are important etiopathogenetic factors of diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Prevalence of Select Intestinal Parasites in Alabama Backyard Poultry Flocks

Simple SummaryAs biosecurity is generally low in backyard chicken flocks, infections with various pathogens are common. This puts other poultry nearby, including commercial flocks, at risk. Some chicken pathogens can also infect humans and cause disease. In this study, backyard poultry flocks were tested for parasites. Eighty-four fecal samples, 82 from chickens and two from turkeys, from 64 backyard flocks throughout the state of Alabama were collected in the summers of 2017 and 2018. The most frequently observed parasites were coccidia, unicellular parasites capable of causing diarrhea. Eggs of various roundworms were observed in 20.3–26.6% of the flocks. These parasites were usually present in low numbers only. Other detected parasites were the flagellates Histomonas meleagridis and Tetratrichomonas gallinarum in 4.7% and 18.8% of flocks. Both can cause severe disease in poultry. Detected parasites that can cause disease in humans were Cryptosporidium spp. in 18.8% of the flocks and Blastocystis spp. in 87.5% of the flocks. The results will help to provide information that can be used to design outreach programs to improve the health and wellbeing of birds in backyard flocks.Keeping chickens as backyard pets has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. However, biosecurity is generally low in backyard flocks. As a consequence, they can serve as reservoirs for various pathogens that pose a risk for commercial poultry or human health. Eighty-four fecal samples, 82 from chickens and two from turkeys, from 64 backyard flocks throughout the state of Alabama were collected in the summers of 2017 and 2018. Coccidia oocysts were seen in 64.1% of flocks with oocyst counts in most samples below 10,000 oocysts per gram. Eggs of Ascaridia spp. or Heterakis gallinarum were observed in 20.3% of the flocks, and eggs of Capillaria spp. in 26.6% of the flocks. Egg counts were low, rarely exceeding 1000 eggs per gram. DNA extracted directly from fecal samples was investigated by PCR for other relevant parasites. The results showed that 4.7% of flocks were positive for Histomonas meleagridis, 18.8% of flocks for Tetratrichomonas gallinarum, 18.8% of flocks for Cryptosporidium spp. and 87.5% of flocks for Blastocystis spp. The results will help to provide information that can be used to design outreach programs to improve health and wellbeing of birds in backyard flocks.

Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital

Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intestinal protozoa in stool samples of immunosuppressed patients. A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients receiving chemotherapy because of solid organ tumour with haematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment because of rheumatic diseases, organ transplant patients and patients receiving treatment for HIV-related infections. Stool samples were examined by using the native-lugol method in which the stool concentration, modified Kinyoun acid-fast and trichrome staining methods and parasite presence were analysed. The stool samples were also examined for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Intestinal parasites were detected in 12% of all patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients were 7% Blastocystis spp., 2% Blastocystis spp. + Dientamoeba fragilis, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Entamoeba coli, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Giardia intestinalis and 1% G. intestinalis. Microsporidia spp. were detected in 4% of all patients by the IFAT method and in 8% of all patients by calcoflour staining method. In our study, the most prevalent parasite detected in the immunosuppressed patients was Blastocystis spp. The pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp. remains to be controversial, and their role in immunocompromised patients continues to remain unknown. Although these rates detected in our study are similar to the prevalence in the normal population, it is important to study these microorganisms in immunocompromised patients in terms of the associated decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Prevalence and characterization of Blastocystis spp. in central southwest of Iran.

Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites of human all over the world. Due to high prevalence and widespread species diversity of this parasite and the possibility of potential transmission of them to human, this study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis and characterize its subtypes (genotypes) in Shahrekord, central southwest of Iran. Microscopic examination showed that 6.4% (55/864) of the subjects were infected with Blastocystis spp. All of positive samples were sequenced successfully. The molecular methods showed that the infection was caused by four subtypes, including ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST7. The most common identified genotype of Blastocystis was ST3 (36.4%). The statistical analysis of data showed that there was no significant correlation between the prevalence of Blastocystis or its subtypes with age, gender, job, level of education, contact with animals, and clinical manifestations of infection in the patients. While the frequency of blastocystosis in this population seems to be less than many parts of Iran, but it can be argued that Blastocystis is still the most common intestinal parasite of human in this region compared with other intestinal parasites and it seems that the transmission of infection has an anthroponotic pattern.

Laboratory Model of Molecular-Genetic Interactions of the Protose Blastocystis Spp. With Bacteria Enterococcus Faecalis

Laboratory Model of Molecular-Genetic Interactions of the Protose Blastocystis Spp. With Bacteria Enterococcus Faecalis

Comparison of diagnostic methods (wet mount, trichrome staining, formol-ether, PCR, and xenic in vitro culture) for the detection of Blastocystis in stool samples in Urmia educational hospitals, the Northwest of Iran.

Blastocystis spp. is known as a common intestinal protozoan parasite in human and animals. The parasite has a worldwide distribution and is frequently detected in faecal samples in clinical parasitology laboratories. The goal of the study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of formol-ether technique (FECT), trichrome staining, xenic in vitro culture (XIVC), microscopy of faecal smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for detecting Blastocystis spp. in human stool samples. The prevalence of the parasite in the stool samples referred to educational hospitals was also determined. A total of 575 cases were assessed to detect the parasite. After collecting from patients referring to Urmia educational hospitals, the samples were examined by microscopy of faecal smears, trichrome staining, FECT, XIVC using Jones' medium, and PCR, to evaluate the presence of Blastocystis spp. Microscopy of faecal smears, trichrome staining, FECT, and PCR technique detected 94, 100, 96, and 44 positive cases, with the sensitivity of 71.3%, 74.4%, 74.4%, and 80.4% and the specificity of 99.6%, 99.1%, 100%, and 93.1%, respectively. XIVC method identified the highest number of positive cases (129 cases) among the other methods. Our findings indicates that XIVC technique is more sensitive method for the detection of Blastocystis spp. in human stool, as compared to direct smear, trichrome staining, FECT, and PCR methods.

Intestinal Microbioma and Malignant Diseases of the Body in the Background of Invasion Blastocystis Spp

Intestinal Microbioma and Malignant Diseases of the Body in the Background of Invasion Blastocystis Spp

Urban versus Rural Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Using Multi-Parallel qPCR in Colombia.

Stool samples from 122 children living in an urban slum (n = 72) and rural (n = 50) areas were analyzed using multi-parallel real-time quantitative PCR to determine intestinal prevalence parasites from two communities in Colombia. Findings indicated a prevalence of 86.1% Blastocystis spp., 62.5% Giardia intestinalis, 19.4% Cryptosporidium spp., 19.4% Ascaris lumbricoides, and 5.6% Trichuris trichiura in an urban slum; and 76% Blastocystis spp., 68% G. intestinalis, 20% Entamoeba histolytica, 50% A. lumbricoides, 46% T. trichiura, and 2% Strongyloides stercoralis in rural areas. Polyparasitism was higher in rural (58%) than urban (25%) areas (P = 0.001). Trichuris trichiura burden was higher in the rural area (P = 0.002). Over 40% of helminthic infections in rural areas had a heavy parasite burden by WHO classification. Over half of urban and rural children were infected with G. intestinalis and Blastocystis spp. Our data provide accurate epidemiologic surveillance for public health interventions.

Blastocystis hominis: A Pathogenic Parasite

Background: Blastocystis hominis is recognized as a common intestinal parasite. Some studies have reported the effect of phenotypic, serologic, and biochemical indices on the parasites’ pathogenic characteristics. Objectives: This study aimed to introduce B. hominis as a pathogen, trying to change views about this parasite and introduce it as a parasite important in medical sciences. Methods: An open-ended, language-restricted (English) search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases (from 1990 to 2018) using specific search criteria to identify Blastocystis spp. Results: The search of the literature retrieved 158 published articles on Blastocystis spp. Among these articles, the ones related to the pathogenicity of B. hominis were selected for further investigations. Results obtained in this study showed that the number of articles within five-year periods had an increasing trend. Also, studies of B. hominis have mainly investigated its pathogenic characteristics, accounting for 37.34% of the studies. Conclusions: This study showed comprehensive reasons for proving the pathogenesis of the parasite. It is hoped that further studies would fill the existing gaps regarding this parasite and identify its true identity as a medically important parasite.

Detection of Intestinal Parasites and Genetic Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Hedgehogs from China.

Microsporidia are a group of unicellular and opportunistic intestinal parasites in which Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a frequent species causing microsporidial infections in humans. Many domesticated and wild animals have been shown to be hosts of E. bieneusi and other microsporidia. The role of hedgehogs in the ecology of microsporidia is unclear; therefore, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi, Cryptosporidium, and Blastocystis spp. in hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) collected from Hubei Province in Central China. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA indicated that 9.8% (4/41) hedgehogs were positive to E. bieneusi, but none (0/41) was positive to Cryptosporidium and Blastocystis spp. Phylogenetic analysis showed the strains detected from the hedgehogs belong to four novel genotypes (EA1-EA4), which were most closely related to type IV of group 1c. This study demonstrated that hedgehogs are hosts of E. bieneusi and may play a role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in the process of being caught and slaughtered.

Enteric parasitic infection disturbs bacterial structure in Mexican children with autoantibodies for type 1 diabetes and/or celiac disease

BackgroundIntestinal bacterial dysbiosis and increased gut permeability are associated with higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) or celiac disease (CD). There is a lack of information on parasitism involved in gut disturbance of predisposed children. We evaluated the effect of enteropathogenic parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. G. lamblia, and Blastocystis spp.) on the bacterial structure of feces from children with autoantibodies for T1D or CD. Participants included 37 children under 18 years of age, from whom stools were analyzed for enteric parasites by qPCR and 22/37 for bacterial profile by sequencing the V3–V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene. Dietary, clinical, and socioeconomic data was recorded.ResultsPathogens parasitized 28/37 participants, Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent (62.2%), followed by both Cyclospora cayetanensis and Blastocystis spp (37.8%). There were no dietary differences (p > 0.05) attributable to parasitism. Co-infected participants with Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora did not differ (p = 0.064) from non-infected participants in bacterial alpha phylogenetic diversity. The same parasites’ co-infection was associated with a decreased abundance of the Ruminococaceae (p = 0.04) and Verrucomicrobioceae families, of the Akkermansia genus (p = 0.009). There was a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (p = 0.02) in infected than in uninfected participants.ConclusionsCryptosporidium and Cyclospora affected the bacterial structure at family and genus levels, decreasing the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in children with auto-antibodies for T1D or CD, which could increase the risk of illness onset.

Comparison of Three Parasitological Stool Examination Methods with the Formalin-Ethyl Acetate Procedure for the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites in Humans

Aims: The objective was to compare the sedimentation spontaneous in tube technique (SSTT), the direct smear, the zinc sulfhate (surface film and sediment analyzed) methods with the formalin-ethyl acetate method as the reference standard.&#x0D; Study Design: This a cross-sectional study performed in two populations around Chapala lake, Jalisco, Mexico.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Sample Department of Medical Sciences and Life, University Center of the Ciénega, University of Guadalajara, Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico.&#x0D; Department of Physiology, Health Sciences University Center. University of Guadalajara, Jalisco. México, between June 2018 and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Sample: We included a total of 297 samples and were analyzed by the direct smear, the zinc sulfhate (surface film and sediment analyzed), the SSTT and formalin-ethyl acetate methods.&#x0D; Results: The SSTT was able to detect 40% of intestinal parasites, very good agreement for Entamoeba complex, Entamoeba coli, and Ascaris lumbricoides kappa index=0.697, 0.791, 0.696, respectively and excellent agreement for Giardia lamblia kappa index = 0.843. Regarding the isolation of Blastocystis spp, only a poor agreement was found among all techniques. The SSTT was able to detect multiple parasites with a sensitivity of 82.90% and specificity 83.80 kappa index= 0.649.&#x0D; Conclusion: The SSTT showed a very good agreement for the diagnosis intestinal polyparasitism which could represent another alternative for the concentration and identification protozoans and intestinal helminthes in low-resource settings.

Gut eukaryotic communities in pigs: diversity, composition and host genetics contribution

BackgroundThe pig gut microbiome harbors thousands of species of archaea, bacteria, viruses and eukaryotes such as protists and fungi. However, since the majority of published studies have been focused on prokaryotes, little is known about the diversity, host-genetic control, and contributions to host performance of the gut eukaryotic counterparts. Here we report the first study that aims at characterizing the diversity and composition of gut commensal eukaryotes in pigs, exploring their putative control by host genetics, and analyzing their association with piglets body weight.ResultsFungi and protists from the faeces of 514 healthy Duroc pigs of two sexes and two different ages were characterized by 18S and ITS ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The pig gut mycobiota was dominated by yeasts, with a high prevalence and abundance of Kazachstania spp. Regarding protists, representatives of four genera (Blastocystis, Neobalantidium, Tetratrichomonas and Trichomitus) were predominant in more than the 80% of the pigs. Heritabilities for the diversity and abundance of gut eukaryotic communities were estimated with the subset of 60d aged piglets (N = 390). The heritabilities of α-diversity and of the abundance of fungal and protists genera were low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.28. A genome wide association study reported genetic variants related to the fungal α-diversity and to the abundance of Blastocystis spp. Annotated candidate genes were mainly associated with immunity, gut homeostasis and metabolic processes. Additionally, we explored the association of gut commensal eukaryotes with piglet body weight. Our results pointed to a positive contribution of fungi from the Kazachstania genus, while protists displayed both positive (Blastocystis and Entamoeba) and negative (Trichomitus) associations with piglet body weight.ConclusionsOur results point towards a minor and taxa specific genetic control over the diversity and composition of the pig gut eukaryotic communities. Moreover, we provide evidences of the associations between piglets’ body weight after weaning and members from the gut fungal and protist eukaryote community. Overall, this study highlights the relevance of considering, along with that of bacteria, the contribution of the gut eukaryote communities to better understand host-microbiome association and their role on pig performance, welfare and health.

Assessment of the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among patients at the Laboratory of Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin in the years 1983–2012

Abstract Introduction: Intestinal parasitoses are among the most common parasitic diseases in Poland. The aim of this study was to assess their prevalence in patients of the Laboratory of the Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology (LDBMP) of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (PMU) in the years 1983–2012. Materials and methods: The analysis concerned the results of parasitological surveys conducted between 1983–2012 in 9760 patients. Parasitological diagnosis was performed by standard faecal examination method (direct swab) and/or perianal swab. Results: During the study period, 486 cases of infection with intestinal parasites were recorded. The mean prevalence of intestinal parasites was 4.98%, and the percentage of infected patients ranged from 8.8% in 1993 to 0% in 2002. The most frequently detected parasitic species were: Entamoeba coli (1.52%), Giardia lamblia (0.95%), Blastocystis spp. (0.89%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.79%), and Taenia saginata (0.36%). In the period 2003–2012 the most prevalent parasites were Blastocystis spp., E. coli, and E. vermicularis. An increase in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections from 2009–2012 was associated with an increase in the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the patients of the LDBMP in the years 1983–2012 was lower in comparison with other Polish regions. The high prevalence of 2 protozoan species – potentially pathogenic Blastocystis spp. and non-pathogenic E. coli – among intestinal parasites detected in the years 2003–2012 may indicate improvement in the epidemio-logical situation regarding intestinal parasitoses in patients of the LDBMP in comparison to the 1980s and 1990s.

Blastocystis spp. subtype 10 infected beef cattle in Kamal and Socah, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia.

Background and Aim:Blastocystis spp. is a gastrointestinal parasite that can infect both humans and animals and has the potential to become a zoonotic parasite. This study analyzed a subtype (ST) of Blastocystis spp. that had infected beef cattle in Kamal and Socah, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:Fresh stool samples were collected from 108 beef cattle at Kamal and Socah, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia. Blastocystis spp. were detected both morphologically and genetically based on the 18S rRNA gene. The morphology of Blastocystis spp. from the stool samples and cultured samples were observed under a light microscope. Blastocystis spp. from 20 positive cultures were amplified through polymerase chain reaction, and the resultant sequences were identified by ST.Results:One hundred and eight (100%) fecal samples from the fresh or cultured stools were positive morphologically for Blastocystis spp. Molecularly, all 20 of the samples selected for DNA analysis were found to be Blastocystis spp. ST 10.Conclusion:Based on morphological and molecular detection, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. infection in beef cattle within Kamal and Socah, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia, was high. About 100% were non-zoonotic parasites. This was the first report of Blastocystis spp. ST 10 found in infected beef cattle in Kamal and Socah, Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia.

Intestinal Polyparasitism in a Mexican Family and Morphological Diversity of the Ascaris Lumbricoides Eggs

Intestinal polyparasitism represents a public health problem. It is more prevalent in developing countries like Mexico and children are the most affected. It has been associated with several factors, including the number of family members. However, intestinal polyparasitism in the family is underestimated. After explanation of the study and informed consent, the family was invited to provide three stool samples which were analyzed by direct and concentration methods as well as methods such as Graham and Kato Katz. The prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism in the family was 100%. The protozoa and helminths identified were: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar /Entamoeba moshkovskii, Blastocystis spp, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Ascaris lumbricoides y Enterobius vermicularis. The father and one of the children presented 6 parasites. The 5 year-old children presented severe infection by Ascaris lumbricoides, with 68,436 eggs per gram of faeces. Most of the participants reported more than two gastrointestinal symptoms. A morphological diversity of the Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found in the family. The differentiation between infertile eggs of this helminth and detritus transcends for a reliable diagnosis. This case of familial intestinal polyparasitism shows the need for the timely diagnosis of intestinal parasitosis for specific treatment and the prevention of complications as well as for implementation of health education.

Food protozoa safety assessment and risk in school restaurants in Armenia, Colombia

AbstractThis work assessed the risk of protozoa in 10 school restaurants in Armenia (Quindío, Colombia) by analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis, and Cyclospora cayetanensis DNA in the food, water, and living and inert surfaces of school restaurants and in stools of children who ate at these restaurants. Of the 213 food, water, and surface samples, 6.6% were positive using PCR to test DNA for Blastocystis; 3.8% for Cryptosporidium spp; 0.9% for G. duodenalis; and 0% for C. cayetanensis. In 187 stool samples analyzed via microscopy from children who attended the restaurants, 40 (21.4%) were positive for Blastocystis and 21 (11.2%) were positive for Giardia spp. Via PCR, 20 (10.7%) were positive for Cryptosporidium and 0 (0%) for C. cayetanensis. A higher positivity in children's stools for Blastocystis spp was correlated with lower compliance in property conditions and for higher positivity of Giardia spp in children's stool was related to lower knowledge by food manipulators. Inspection scores can identify restaurants with higher risk for protozoa infection.