Epidemiology of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites among the immigrant population in northeastern Taiwan by routine physical examination for residence approval.
OBJECTIVE
Blastocystis hominis has not been reported as an endemic disease in Taiwan, but high prevalence rates have been found among immigrants. Due to the increasing number of immigrants in Taiwan, B. hominis may become a public health problem in Taiwan. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of B. hominis among immigrant populations.


METHODS
Stool examination data from the Immigrant Physical Examination for Residence Approval in 2006 were examined.


RESULTS
Among the 932 immigrants from 4 countries, 188 individuals (20.2%) were infected with B. hominis. The prevalence was higher among immigrants from Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, 26.4%; Vietnam, 20.6%; The Philippines, 19.3%) than among those from China (7.6%). Coinfection with intestinal parasites of fecal-oral transmission (Endolimax nana and Entamoeba hartmannii) was a risk factor for B. hominis infection (odds ratio, 16.9; 95% confidence interval, 6.84-43.55). No significant differences in prevalence for sex and age were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
To prevent local transmission and endemic spread of B. hominis, obligatory routine health screening for immigrant populations and early eradication of the infection are important policies for this high-risk group.
Lu
Chin Te
CT
Section of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Lo-Tung Poh-Ai Hospital, I-Lan, Taiwan. danctlu@mail.pohai.org.tw
Sung
Yen Jen
YJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000562:Amebiasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016776:Blastocystis Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D016845:Blastocystis hominis; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004709:Endolimax; D004747:Entamoeba; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult