Frequency of Intestinal Parasites in Individuals With Immunosuppression and Certain Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: This study was carried out to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in immunosuppressed and some chronic diseases and to evaluate the effect of some living conditions on the distribution of parasites. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 300 patients aged 18-80 years with dialysis, diabetes or cancer. The control group consisted of 100 immunocompetent individuals without any chronic disease. Stool samples taken from patients and control group were analyzed by native-Lugol, zinc sulfate flotation, formol ether precipitation and modified acid fast staining methods after macroscopic examination. Results: Parasites were detected in 96 (32%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in three (3%) of 100 individuals in the control group. Eight parasite species, including five protozoa and three helminths, were identified in the study. 10.3% of the patient group had G. intestinalis, 8.7% B. hominis (5% abundant B. hominis), 8% E. coli, 6.7% Cryptosporidium spp., 6% A. lumbricoides, 3% Taenia spp., 1.7% C. cayetanensis and H. nana were detected in. In the study, parasite was detected mostly by formol ether precipitation method. In the study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the incidence of parasites and the use of animal husbandry and sewage system. Conclusion: It was concluded that parasitic agents are still an important health problem in immunosuppressed patients and that parasitic agents should definitely be considered by using multiplexing methods in this patient group. © 2023, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.