Parasitic infections among patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Clinic of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland between 2015 and 2018. Is there a relationship between protozoa infection and gastrointestinal symptoms?

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhoea is a common reason for hospitalization among travellers returning from the tropics. The aetiology is predominantly bacterial, but it can also be caused by parasites such as Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp.Aim: We analysed patients from the Poznan Tropical and Parasitic Clinic to evaluate the presence of parasitic infections and to find correlations between infections, journeys, and gastrointestinal symptoms.Material and methods: In our study we examined 2561 stool samples obtained from patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Department of Poznan Medical University, Poland. Microscopic examinations of samples were performed based on a direct thin smear in 0.9% NaCl, which allowed the assessment of the presence of protozoa life stages.Results: In 106 (4.14%) of the 2561 examined samples we detected parasites, mainly from people coming back from tropical areas (61.32%). Mostly we detected Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Fifty percent of patients suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms, so careful microscopic stool examination should be performed in every case in which intestinal pathology occurs, and certainly in travelling individuals.Conclusions: Traveling is a real risk factor for protozoa infection. The most common parasites detected in the stool are Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Parasitic coinfection should be taken into consideration as a pathologic agent in patients suffering from abdominal signs and persistent diarrhoea. Prolonged protozoa infection and its role in microbiota alterations requires further investigation.Parasitic infections among patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Clinic of

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Protozoal Infection in Zoo Animals in China

“…These common gastrointestinal protozoa have a global distribution and have the potential to infect various hosts, including humans, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, primarily through the fecal–oral route. Additionally, transmission can occur through the ingestion of contaminated food and water [ 4 ]. Symptoms in immunocompetent hosts are generally mild and self-limiting, whereas immunocompromised or deficient hosts may experience severe chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, and even face the risk of death [ 5 ].…”