Prevalence and Risk Factors for Blastocystis Infection among Children and Caregivers in a Child Care Center,Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Authors: | Duangnate Pipatsatitpong Saovanee Leelayoova Mathirut Mungthin Ratchaneewan Aunpad Tawee Naaglor Ram Rangsin |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | In September 2009, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate parasitic infections in a child care center in Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand. Of 503 children and staff members, 258 (51.3%) stool samples and questionnaires were obtained. The most common parasitic infection was Blastocystis sp. (13.6%). Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 was predominantly found (80.0%), followed by subtypes 2 (12.0%) and 1 (8.0%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection varied among different age groups. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in non-HIV-infected children aged < 10 and 10–19 years were 14.5% and 10.3%, respectively, which were not significantly different. All 31 HIV-infected children were not infected with Blastocystis sp. The most likely reason could be the result of properly using prevention measures for this specific group. |
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