Abstract Background and Aim: Previous reports regarding the clinical significance and pathogenicity of Blastocystis hominis have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Blastocystis and gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompetent individuals.
Methods: We monitored over 2800 healthy people for a period of 15 months, and took stool specimens during both asymptomatic periods and during periods of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Results: After exclusion of individuals who had simultaneous identification of other fecal pathogens, we compared the proportions of asymptomatic versus symptomatic individuals positive for Blastocystis and found no significant difference (P = 0.5). Symptom status did not correlate with parasite abundance. We found that some individuals were likely to have Blastocystis detected during both asymptomatic and symptomatic periods, possibly suggesting carriage of the organism.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we found no correlation between clinical symptoms and the presence or absence of Blastocystis among this healthy cohort.
Copyright 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.