The Prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> Infection in Pediatric Patients with Malignancy: A Single-Center Study in Ahvaz, Iran
| Author | Roya Salehi Kahish | en |
| Author | Arash Alghasi | en |
| Author | Shekoufe Hadadi | en |
| Author | Marziyeh Abasi Nasab | en |
| Author | Aida Mafakherzadeh | en |
| Orcid | Roya Salehi Kahish [0000-0002-0601-6842] | en |
| Orcid | Arash Alghasi [0000-0003-3482-2195] | en |
| Orcid | Marziyeh Abasi Nasab [0000-0003-4308-1931] | en |
| Issued Date | 2021-01-05 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Blastocystis spp. is known as one of the few intestinal parasites, prevalent in more than 5% and 30 - 60% of the population in industrialized and developing countries, respectively. In this respect, immunocompromised individuals, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with malignancies, are at risk of the clinical symptoms of Blastocystis infection; however, the given condition is often self-limiting in healthy individuals. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Blastocystis infection in children with malignancies receiving chemo drugs. Methods: The current descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 stool specimens collected from patients with cancer admitted to the Oncology Ward of Shahid Baqaei 2 Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, for six months. A standardized questionnaire was filled out for all cases. Each specimen was also prepared using direct smear, the Lugol iodine staining, and the formalin-ether condensation method. Results: Blastocystis spp. was detected in 21.1% of the cases among them, 11.5% demonstrated gastrointestinal symptoms; therefore, a significant relationship was observed between Blastocystis infection and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: Patients undergoing chemotherapy should be screened for opportunistic parasitic infections such as Blastocystis to avoid potentially life-threatening outcomes. Besides, further studies are required to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/pedinfect.104068 | en |
| Keyword | <i>Blastocystis</i> | en |
| Keyword | Children with Cancer | en |
| Keyword | Chemotherapy | en |
| Keyword | Immunocompromised Individuals | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | The Prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> Infection in Pediatric Patients with Malignancy: A Single-Center Study in Ahvaz, Iran | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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