Ülkü KARAMAN, Zeynep KOLÖREN, Emine AYAZ, Ümit GÜR

Epidemiology of Blastocystis spp. in primary school students at a central village of Ordu province

Blastocystis spp. is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans and its pathogenicity is still controversial. The epidemiology of this parasite varies depending on the socio-cultural, socio-economic and geographic circumstances. In this study, Blastocystis spp. was investigated in stool samples of a Primary School students’ in a Central Village in Ordu province who did not have any intestinal complaints. Before starting work, we were granted permission from National Education Directorate and the School Board. Blastocystis spp. was investigated in Primary School Students’ stool samples by direct microscopy and Trichrome staining. The stool samples which showed any form of Blastocystis spp. were evaluated as “microscopically positive” regardless of the number per microscope field. Eighty and 85 of the 165 students participating in working were male and female, respectively. As a result of the microscopic investigation, 45 (27.3%) students were identified as positive. Eighteen of the positive students (40%) were male and 27 (60%) were female. Direct microscopic inspection, sedimentation and permanent staining are routine methods used in diagnosis of Blastocystis spp. This study also evaluated trichrome staining for each stool samples. In our research, this parasite was identified in 27.3% of asymptomatic Primary School students’ stool samples. This suggests the parasite is relatively common in the region. Blastocystis spp. infects via the fecal-oral route. As a result, we presented recommendations for the enhancing personal hygiene, social education and the provision of water treatment for the students to protect themselves from infection with Blastocystis spp.

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