Blastocystis Infections
Conditions
Keywords
Blastocystis, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome
Brief summary
Blastocystis is an anaerobic unicellular protozoal parasite infecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals. It is one of the most common enteric microorganisms with higher prevalence rates in developing than in developed countries. Feco-oral is the main route of transmission where low socioeconomic conditions, poor hygienic practices, close contact with animals, and drinking contaminated water act as major risk factors. Infection with Blastocystis was demonstrated in both symptomatic and asymptomatic people. For a long period, Blastocystis was considered a commensal organism with no pathogenic role, but recently, many studies linked it to different gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Association with irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer was also reported. This study aims to: \- Identify subtypes of human Blastocystis isolates in Sohag by using RFLP-PCR and provide additional information on the molecular epidemiology of this parasite in our locality.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTRFLP analysis of SSU rRNA
1. Genomic DNA will be extracted from Blastocystis-positive fecal samples using a specific DNA Stool Mini Kit according to the manufacturer's instructions and will be stored at -20°C until use. 2. PCR will be used to amplify a region of Blastocystis small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. 3. The amplified products for the SSU rRNA gene will be digested to determine the strain subtype of Blastocystis spp. using specific restriction enzymes.
Sponsors
Sohag University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Patients from outpatient clinics, Sohag hospitals.
Exclusion criteria
* Patients received antiparasitic drugs in the last two weeks
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The number of cases with subtypes of human Blastocystis isolates in Sohag | 14 weeks following the startpoint of the study. | by using RFLP-PCR |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The number of cases with Blastocystis infection is recorded. | 14 weeks following the startpoint of the study. | By molecular examination of stool samples from 100 patients |
Contacts
Primary ContactShimaa Refaey Mohamed Abd-Elal, assistant lecturer
Outcome results
None listed