Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Epidemiol Health. 2019;41:e2019009. doi: 10.4178/epih.e2019009. Epub 2019 Mar 28.
Blastocystis hominis is a very common large intestinal protozoan with global prevalence in humans and non-human hosts. No precise statistics exist regarding the geographical distribution of Blastocystis that would enable the identification of high-risk communities. Therefore, the current research aimed to characterize the spatial patterns and demographic factors associated with B. hominis occurrence in northern Iran.
The current study was performed among 4,788 individuals referred to health centers in Mazandaran Province, from whom stool samples were obtained. Socio-demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. Samples were examined by a direct wet mount, the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and trichrome staining. Moran local indicators of spatial association and a geographically weighted regression model were utilized to analyze the results.
Generally, the infection rate of Blastocystis parasites was 5.2%, and was considerably higher in the age group of 10-14 years (10.6%) than in other age groups (p=0.005). Our data showed important associations between the occurrence of B. hominis and age, residence, job, contact with domestic animals, anti-parasitic drug consumption, and elevation above sea level (p<0.001).
The current study characterized for the first time the infection rate and risk of B. hominis in the north of Iran, and produced a prediction map. It is expected that this map will help policymakers to plan and implement preventive measures in high-risk areas and to manage already-infected patients.
人芽囊原虫是一种非常常见的大型肠道原生动物，在全球范围内存在于人类和非人类宿主中。关于芽囊原虫的地理分布没有确切的统计数据，这使得无法确定高风险人群。因此，目前的研究旨在描述伊朗北部芽囊原虫发生的空间模式和人口统计学因素。
本研究在马赞达兰省的卫生中心对 4788 人进行了研究，从这些人那里获得了粪便样本。使用问卷收集社会人口统计学数据。使用直接湿载片、福尔马林-乙酸乙酯浓缩技术和三色染色法检查样本。利用莫兰局部空间关联指标和地理加权回归模型分析结果。
总体而言，芽囊原虫寄生虫的感染率为 5.2%，在 10-14 岁年龄组（10.6%）显著高于其他年龄组（p=0.005）。我们的数据显示，B. hominis 的发生与年龄、居住地、职业、与家畜接触、驱虫药的使用和海拔高度有关（p<0.001）。
本研究首次描述了伊朗北部地区芽囊原虫的感染率和风险，并制作了预测图。预计该地图将有助于决策者在高风险地区规划和实施预防措施，并管理已感染的患者。
