Prevalence of Blastocystis infection in humans in Türkiye: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although Blastocystis, a protozoan, is commonly found in all species of animals and in humans, there remains a lack of clear information about its epidemiology and routes of transmission. The aim of this meta-analysis study was to determine the changes in Blastocystis prevalence and subtype distribution in humans in Türkiye according to geographical regions. Databases were searched using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and TRDizin to identify studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in humans in Türkiye published from 2009 to 2023. As a result of this systematic search, 117 of 730 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of human Blastocystis infection in Türkiye was 13.08 %. The prevalence of the pool was higher in the Black Sea region, which is the most humid region in Türkiye, than in other regions. Blastocystis subtypes were identified in a total of 885 positive samples. The most common subtypes (ST) in Türkiye were ST3, ST1 and ST2, respectively. In addition to these ST4, ST5, ST6 and ST7 were also detected in humans in Türkiye. In conclusion, the prevalence of Blastocystis in humans is high in Türkiye, especially in the Black Sea region.

Investigation of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in the Hemodialysis Patients with ELISA Method

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to reveal the importance of toxoplasmosis as a risk factor in these patients. Methods: The study was carried out between 26.12.2013 and 01.01.2016 at Van Yüzüncü University Dursun Odabas the Medical Center on patients with chronic renal failure who entered HD. As the patient group in the study, 150 patients with chronic renal failure who underwent HD; as the control group, 50 people without any known chronic disease and who did not receive any immunosuppressive therapy were included. The ELISA method was used to determine anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibody levels. A questionnaire including risk factors that may cause the transmission of T. gondii was applied to the patient and control groups. Results: In the study, 89 out of total 150 HD patients (59.3%) were found anti-T. gondii IgG antibody seropositive and 4 were (2.7%) anti-T. gondii IgM antibody seropositive. Fourteen of 50 healthy individuals in the group (28%) were anti-T. gondii IgG antibody positive, while none in this group was anti-T. gondii IgM antibody positive. Statistical analysis demonstrated there were separate significant correlations between both anti-T. gondii IgG (p<0.01) and anti-T. gondii IgM antibody (p<0.05) frequencies with chronic renal failure. While there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody identification based on gender and age groups, there were significant differences between the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody based on both gender (p<0.05) and age groups (p<0.05). Some living conditions and habits of the patient group were evaluated statistically, and a significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between eating only raw meatballs and toxoplasmosis seropositivity. Conclusion: As a result, it was understood that the physicians who monitor of HD patients should assess toxoplasmosis among the risk factors.

Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning to Turkey with a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic

Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to.