Mapping gut parasitism patterns in a cohort of Egyptians

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: El-Wakil E.S.; Zalat R.S.; El-Badry A.A.

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Nature Research

Publication Date: 20 June 2023

Volume / Issue: Volume 13 / Issue 1

Article No.: 9961

ISSN: 20452322

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36320-z

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 37340037

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

El-Wakil E.S., Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile St., Giza, 12411, Egypt; Zalat R.S., Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile St., Giza, 12411, Egypt; El-Badry A.A., Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51–13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented. © 2023, The Author(s).

Keywords

Blastocystis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Egypt; Egyptian people; Entamoeba histolytica; Giardia lamblia; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Phylogeny; cross-sectional study; genetics; Giardia intestinalis; human; intestine infection; parasitology

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 12

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