Prevalence and Risk Factors for Blastocystis Infection Among Children and Caregivers in a Child Care Center, Bangkok, Thailand

Duangnate Pipatsatitpong Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Duangnate Pipatsatitpong in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Saovanee Leelayoova Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Saovanee Leelayoova in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mathirut Mungthin Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Mathirut Mungthin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ratchaneewan Aunpad Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Ratchaneewan Aunpad in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tawee Naaglor Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Tawee Naaglor in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Ram Rangsin Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

Search for other papers by Ram Rangsin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

In September 2009, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate parasitic infections in a child care center in Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand. Of 503 children and staff members, 258 (51.3%) stool samples and questionnaires were obtained. The most common parasitic infection was Blastocystis sp. (13.6%). Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 was predominantly found (80.0%), followed by subtypes 2 (12.0%) and 1 (8.0%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection varied among different age groups. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in non-HIV-infected children aged < 10 and 10–19 years were 14.5% and 10.3%, respectively, which were not significantly different. All 31 HIV-infected children were not infected with Blastocystis sp. The most likely reason could be the result of properly using prevention measures for this specific group.

Author Notes

* Address correspondence to Ram Rangsin, Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, 315 Rachawithi Rd., Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. E-mails: rrangsin@pcm.ac.th or r_rangsin@yahoo.com

Financial support: This study was financially supported by research grants from Thammasat University, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine Research Fund, and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand.

Authors' addresses: Duangnate Pipatsatitpong, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand, E-mail: duangnate_pipat@hotmail.com. Ram Rangsin, Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mail: rrangsin@pcm.ac.th. Saovanee Leelayoova, Mathirut Mungthin, and Tawee Naaglor, Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mails: s_leelayoova@scientist.com, mathirut@hotmail.com, and tawee_narkloar@hotmail.com. Ratchaneewan Aunpad, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand, E-mail: aunpad@yahoo.com.

  • 1.

    Saksirisampant W, Nuchprayoon S, Wiwanitkit V, Yenthakam S, Ampavasiri A, 2003. Intestinal parasitic infestations among children in an orphanage in Pathum Thani province. J Med Assoc Thai 86: 263270.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Boondit J, Pipatsatitpong D, Mungthin M, Taamasri P, Tan-ariya P, Naaglor T, Leelayoova S, 2014. Incidence and risk factors of Blastocystis infection in orphans at the Babies' Home, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai 97 (Suppl 2): S52S59.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Thathaisong U, Siripattanapipong S, Mungthin M, Pipatsatitpong D, Tan-Ariya P, Naaglor T, Leelayoova S, 2012. Identification of Blastocystis subtype 1 variants in the Home for Girls, Bangkok, Thailand. Am J Trop Med Hyg 88: 352358.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Jantermtor S, Pinlaor P, Sawadpanich K, Pinlaor S, Sangka A, Wilailuckana C, Wongsena W, Yoshikawa H, 2013. Subtype identification of Blastocystis spp. isolated from patients in a major hospital in northeastern Thailand. Parasitol Res 112: 17811786.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Leelayoova S, Siripattanapipong S, Thathaisong U, Naaglor T, Taamasri P, Piyaraj P, Mungthin M, 2008. Drinking water: a possible source of Blastocystis spp. subtype 1 infection in schoolchildren of a rural community in central Thailand. Am J Trop Med Hyg 79: 401406.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Al FD, Hokelek M, 2007. Is Blastocystis hominis an opportunist agent? Turkiye Parazitol Derg 31: 2836.

  • 7.

    Hussein EM, Hussein AM, Eida MM, Atwa MM, 2008. Pathophysiological variability of different genotypes of human Blastocystis hominis Egyptian isolates in experimentally infected rats. Parasitol Res 102: 853860.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Abdulsalam AM, Ithoi I, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Surin J, Mak JW, 2012. Drinking water is a significant predictor of Blastocystis infection among rural Malaysian primary schoolchildren. Parasitology 139: 10141020.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Lee IL, Tan TC, Tan PC, Nanthiney DR, Biraj MK, Surendra KM, Suresh KG, 2012. Predominance of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 in rural communities, Nepal. Parasitol Res 110: 15531562.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Yoshikawa H, Abe N, Iwasawa M, Kitano S, Nagano I, Wu Z, Takahashi Y, 2000. Genomic analysis of Blastocystis hominis strains isolated from two long-term health care facilities. J Clin Microbiol 38: 13241330.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, 2009. INMU ThaiGrowth. Available at: http://www.inmu.mahidol.ac.th/thaigrowth/. Accessed September 1, 2009.

  • 12.

    World Health Organization, 2005. The Treatment of Diarrhoea: A Manual for Physicians and Other Senior Health Workers. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press, 343.

  • 13.

    Yaicharoen R, Ngrenngarmlert W, Wongjindanon N, Sripochang S, Kiatfuengfoo R, 2006. Infection of Blastocystis hominis in primary schoolchildren from Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. Trop Biomed 23: 117122.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Rayan P, Verghese S, McDonnell P, 2010. Geographical location and age affects the incidence of parasitic infestations in school children. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 53: 498502.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Leelayoova S, Taamasri P, Rangsin R, Naaglor T, Thathaisong U, Mungthin M, 2002. In-vitro cultivation: a sensitive method for detecting Blastocystis hominis. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 96: 803807.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Roberts T, Barratt J, Harkness J, Ellis J, Stark D, 2011. Comparison of microscopy, culture, and conventional polymerase chain reaction for detection of Blastocystis sp. in clinical stool samples. Am J Trop Med Hyg 84: 308312.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    El Safadi D, Gaayeb L, Meloni D, Cian A, Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Delbac F, Dabboussi F, Delhaes L, Seck M, Hamze M, Riveau G, Viscogliosi E, 2014. Children of Senegal River Basin show the highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. ever observed worldwide. BMC Infect Dis 14: 164174.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Yoshikawa H, Dogruman-Ai F, Turk S, Kustimur S, Balaban N, Sultan N, 2011. Evaluation of DNA extraction kits for molecular diagnosis of human Blastocystis subtypes from fecal samples. Parasitol Res 109: 10451050.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Yaicharoen R, Sripochang S, Sermsart B, Pidetcha P, 2005. Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis infection in asymptomatic individuals from Bangkok, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 36: 1720.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Abdulsalam AM, Ithoi I, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Surin J, Mak JW, 2012. Drinking water is a significant predictor of Blastocystis infection among rural Malaysian primary schoolchildren. Parasitology 139: 10141020.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Anuar TS, Ghani MK, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Moktar N, 2013. Blastocystis infection in Malaysia: evidence of waterborne and human-to-human transmissions among the Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi tribes of Orang Asli. Parasit Vectors 6: 4051.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Suresh K, Venilla G, Tan T, Rohela M, 2009. In vivo encystation of Blastocystis hominis. Parasitol Res 104: 13731380.

  • 23.

    Zhou XB, Zhang X, Qiao JY, Cai J, Cheng S, Yuan Y, Li J, 2010. Encystation-survival of Blastocystis hominis in immunocompetent mice abdomen cavity. Parasitol Res 106: 13151320.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 24.

    Alemu A, Shiferaw Y, Getnet G, Yalew A, Addis Z, 2011. Opportunistic and other intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic in Bahir Dar city, north west Ethiopia. Asian Pac J Trop Med 4: 661665.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    Kulkarni SV, Kairon R, Sane SS, Padmawar PS, Kale VA, Thakar MR, Mehendale SM, Risbud AR, 2009. Opportunistic parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients presenting with diarrhoea by the level of immunesuppression. Indian J Med Res 130: 6366.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Hailemariam G, Kassu A, Abebe G, Abate E, Damte D, Mekonnen E, Ota F, 2004. Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS and HIV seronegative individuals in a teaching hospital, Ethiopia. Jpn J Infect Dis 57: 4143.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Teklemariam Z, Abate D, Mitiku H, Dessie Y, 2013. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among HIV positive persons who are naive and on antiretroviral treatment in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. ISRN AIDS 11: 324329.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Adamu H, Wegayehu T, Petros B, 2013. High prevalence of diarrhoegenic intestinal parasite infections among non-ART HIV patients in Fitche Hospital, Ethiopia. PLoS One 8: 72634.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29.

    Tian LG, Chen JX, Wang TP, Cheng GJ, Steinmann P, Wang FF, Cai YC, Yin XM, Guo J, Zhou L, Zhou XN, 2012. Co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites in rural area of China. Parasit Vectors 5: 36.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Nielsen NO, Simonsen PE, Magnussen P, Magesa S, Friis H, 2006. Cross-sectional relationship between HIV, lymphatic filariasis and other parasitic infections in adults in coastal northeastern Tanzania. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 100: 543550.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Nielsen NO, Friis H, Magnussen P, Krarup H, Magesa S, 2007. Co-infection with subclinical HIV and Wuchereria bancrofti, and the role of malaria and hookworms, in adult Tanzanians: infection intensities, CD4/CD8 counts and cytokine responses. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 101: 602612.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Pipatsatitpong D, Rangsin R, Leelayoova S, Naaglor T, Mungthin M, 2012. Incidence and risk factors of Blastocystis infection in an orphanage in Bangkok, Thailand. Parasit Vectors 5: 37.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    Thathaisong U, Worapong J, Mungthin M, Tan-Ariya P, Viputtigul K, Sudatis A, Noonai A, Leelayoova S, 2003. Blastocystis isolates from a pig and a horse are closely related to Blastocystis hominis. J Clin Microbiol 41: 967975.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    Parkar U, Traub RJ, Kumar S, Mungthin M, Vitali S, Leelayoova S, Morris K, Thompson RC, 2007. Direct characterization of Blastocystis from faeces by PCR and evidence of zoonotic potential. Parasitology 134: 359367.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35.

    Tan TC, Suresh KG, Smith HV, 2008. Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of Blastocystis hominis isolates implicates subtype 3 as a subtype with pathogenic potential. Parasitol Res 104: 8593.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 36.

    Elwakil HS, Talaat RM, 2009. Genetic analysis of Blastocystis hominis isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic human hosts in Egypt. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 39: 99109.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 679 584 67
Full Text Views 688 7 0
PDF Downloads 110 3 0
 
 
 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save