Correlation on the presence of Blastocystis hominis and tuberculosis from a provincial jail in the Philippines
Paper Details
Correlation on the presence of Blastocystis hominis and tuberculosis from a provincial jail in the Philippines
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is a single-celled intestinal parasite that belongs to the phylum Stramenopila. Many aspects of its nature and pathogenic potential are still poorly understood, despite its medical significance. This study presents a pilot investigation in the Philippines aimed at detecting Blastocystis hominis in a provincial jail, focusing on its correlation with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), and its implications on treatment progression across different phases. Fecal samples from participants were gathered and subjected to analysis through multiple detection methods, including in vitro cultivation using Modified Locke Egg Medium. Following microscopic examination, four instances of Blastocystis hominis were detected out of 67 samples analyzed. Statistical analyses using Pearson’s r Correlation and Pearson chi-square test in SPSS software revealed a significant correlation between Blastocystis hominis and tuberculosis treatment phase (p < 0.05). Specifically, inmates who underwent Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course showed notable correlation. The presence of Blastocystis hominis among individuals with a history of PTB signifies an ongoing health concern, especially pronounced among inmates who have undergone DOTS. Thus, this correlation underscores the increased susceptibility of individuals with a history of PTB to parasitic infections such as Blastocystis hominis. This study marks the first documented report of detecting Blastocystis hominis among tuberculosis-afflicted inmates in a provincial jail in the Philippines.
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Hannah Louselle B. Notorio Lei Ann E. Martin Gianne Jastine F. Manuel Jasmine P. Guintu Fhreya Vida Hernandez Janina Leigh R. Javier Graziella Marie P. Lomibao Kim Kyla D. Manongsong Mary Rose F. Lirio, 2025. Correlation on the presence of Blastocystis hominis and tuberculosis from a provincial jail in the Philippines. Int. J. Biosci., 26(2), 1-8.
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