[Blastocystis infection in symptomatic patients at the Regional Hospital of Temuco, Chile].

At the Regional Hospital of Temuco, 670 adult and children patients, with intestinal complaints, were studied to determine the prevalence of infection by enteroparasites or commensals in a general way, and by Blastocystis hominis in a particular attempt. A coproparasitological study was carried out using a modified Telemann method. Infection by parasites and/or commensals was demonstrated in 446 (66.6%) patients. The most frequent agent was B. hominis (35.8%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (22.5%) among the protozoa. The frequencies of helminths and commensals were 7.7 and 42.5% respectively. The endemic characteristics of intestinal infections by parasites was ratified and the prevalence of infection by B. hominis was proved to be higher in comparison to other zones of the country.