Geospatial analysis and epidemiological aspects of human infections with Blastocystis hominis in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

• 발행기관: 한국역학회
• 저자명: Shabnam Asfaram Ahmad Daryani Shahabeddin Sarvi Abdol Sattar Pagheh Seyed Abdollah Hosseini Reza Saberi Seyede Mahboobeh Hoseiny Masoud Soosaraei Mehdi Sharif
• 간행물 정보: 『Epidemiology and Health』41, 1~6쪽, 전체 6쪽
• 주제분류: 의약학 > 면역학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2019.01.01

영문 초록

OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.

목차

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ORCID

REFERENCES

키워드

Blastocystis hominis Geographical information system Epidemiology Iran