The Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Other Protozoan Parasites in Soldiers Returning from Peacekeeping Missions

Abstract

Abstract. Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal parasite found in humans living in poor sanitary conditions, living in tropical and subtropical climates, exposed to infected animals, or consuming contaminated food or water. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. hominis in Polish military personnel returning from peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In total, 1,826 stool samples were examined. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 17% of the soldiers. The examined stool samples most frequently contained vacuolar forms of B. hominis (15.3%) and cysts of Entamoeba coli (1.0%) or Giardia lamblia (0.7%). In 97.1% of stool samples from infected soldiers, we observed less than five developmental forms of B. hominis in the field of view (40 + ). The parasite infections in soldiers were diagnosed in the autumn and the spring. There was no statistical correlation between age and B. hominis infection. Our results show that peacekeeping missions in countries with tropical or subtropical climates could be associated with risk for parasitic diseases, including blastocystosis.

Detection of Blastocystis Hominis among Patients Attending Hospitals of Duhok City – Kurdistan Region – Iraq

“…and Giardia lamblia) were identified in 56 % of the candidates patients. On the other hand, Duda, et al (2015) in Szczecin, Poland reported only single infection with B. hominis without co-existence of any other parasite in their samples.…”

A Study on Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Among School Going Children in Haroti Region

“…Transmission of Blastocystis is suggested to be by the fecal-oral route via contaminated water or food, with sources being both humans and animals. [28] Among helminthic infection Hook worm eggs were seen in 7 children indicating its prevalence to be 3.53%. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were reported only in one child (0.50%) who was 14 years of age This patient did not have any history of immunosuppression and must have acquired the infection by walking bare feet in contaminated soil.…”

Health of Special Immigrant Visa holders from Iraq and Afghanistan after arrival into the United States using Domestic Medical Examination data, 2014–2016: A cross-sectional analysis

“…In Afghan populations, overall prevalence of intestinal parasites as high as 39% has been noted [42], and commonly reported parasites include Giardia (15%-59%) [42][43][44] and Ascaris (20%-35%) [41]. Blastocystis was found in 15% of Polish soldiers returning from peacekeeping missions in both Afghanistan and Iraq; the infections were presumably contracted in these regions [45]. Several parasites may not cause symptoms; however, others have the potential to cause complications.…”