{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Frequency, subtypes distribution, and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. in COVID-19 patients in Tehran, capital of Iran: A case-control study.
{Author}: Taghipour A;Pirestani M;Hamidi Farahani R;Barati M;Asadipoor E;
{Journal}: New Microbes New Infect
{Volume}: 51
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: Jan 2023
暂无{DOI}: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101063
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Recent theories on the possible interactions between the intestinal parasites and COVID-19 have stated that these co-infections may cause immune imbalance and further complications in the affected patients. Until now, there is no data about Blastocystis subtypes as an intestinal parasite in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the present work was done to evaluate the molecular prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and related risk factors in Iranian patients with COVID-19.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Stool samples were gathered from 200 COVID-19 patients and 200 control, being matched regarding age, gender and residence. Then, stool samples were surveyed by parasitological methods, including direct slide smear and formalin-ether concentration. In the following, PCR and sequencing were used to detect Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The frequency of Blastocystis spp. in patients with COVID-19 (7.5%; 15/200 by molecular method vs. 6%; 12/200 by microscopy method) was slightly higher than in individuals without COVID-19 (4.5%; 9/200 by molecular method vs. 4%; 8/200 by microscopy method), this difference was not statistically significant (P value = 0.57 for molecular method vs. P value = 0.81 for microscopy method). Regarding associated factors for Blastocystis spp., we found significant differences regarding the residence (rural), loose and watery stool with diarrhea, and duration of treatment (6 weeks <) in the COVID-19 group. Blastocystis ST3 was the most common subtype in the patients with COVID-19 and control group.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Based on this results, health education, improved sanitation and good personal hygiene are highly recommended to prevent Blastocystis in COVID-19 patients.