Blastocystis Infections
Conditions
Keywords
Blastocystis, Calprotectin
Brief summary
Blastocystis which is commonly found in the gastro-intestinal tract, has been recognized as a non-pathogenic organism for a few decades. It has a variable distribution. A high prevalence has been reported in developing countries (22.1-100%). In developed countries, the prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 23.1%. The high prevalence noted in developing countries is related to poor hygiene and lack of safe water and food .
Detailed description
Blastocystis which is commonly found in the gastro-intestinal tract, has been recognized as a non-pathogenic organism for a few decades. It has a variable distribution. A high prevalence has been reported in developing countries (22.1-100%). In developed countries, the prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 23.1%. The high prevalence noted in developing countries is related to poor hygiene and lack of safe water and food. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial because most patients carrying this parasite are asymptomatic. Several studies have considered Blastocystis sp. as a commensal micro-organism, while other results have showed the pathogenicity of the parasite. Calprotectin (CP), a calcium-binding protein, comprises 60% of cytosolic protein found in neutrophils. Fecal calprotectin (F-CP) concentration is an indicator of neutrophil migration into the intestinal lumen and is associated with intestinal inflammation.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTFecal Calprotectin ELISA kit
* Routine stool examination will be done in addition to certain concentration, staining and culture techniques. * Fecal calprotectin will be evaluated using ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Sponsors
Sohag University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Patients from outpatient clinics, Sohag hospitals.
Exclusion criteria
* Patients taking antibiotics within the previous four weeks, and anti-parasitic drugs within the previous two weeks.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| level of fecal calprotectin | 1 month | Evaluation of fecal calprotectin inflammation levels of Blastocystis hominis in patients with gastrointestinal troubles as compared to patients with gastrointestinal troubles but without Blastocystis hominis |
Contacts
Primary ContactShimaa Refaey Mohamed AbdElal, Assistant Lecturer
Backup ContactKhoulood Zakaria Hashem Abd-Elhafez, Assistant Lecturer
Outcome results
None listed