Efficacy of Calprotectin as A Marker For the Pathogenicity of Blastocystis Infection

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Blastocystis which is commonly found in the gastro-intestinal tract, has been recognized as a non-pathogenic organism for a few decades. It has a variable distribution. A high prevalence has been reported in developing countries (22.1-100%). In developed countries, the prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 23.1%. The high prevalence noted in developing countries is related to poor hygiene and lack of safe water and food .

Detailed Description
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Blastocystis which is commonly found in the gastro-intestinal tract, has been recognized as a non-pathogenic organism for a few decades. It has a variable distribution. A high prevalence has been reported in developing countries (22.1-100%). In developed countries, the prevalence ranges from 0.5% to 23.1%. The high prevalence noted in developing countries is related to poor hygiene and lack of safe water and food. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial because most patients carrying this parasite are asymptomatic. Several studies have considered Blastocystis sp. as a commensal micro-organism, while other results have showed the pathogenicity of the parasite. Calprotectin (CP), a calcium-binding protein, comprises 60% of cytosolic protein found in neutrophils. Fecal calprotectin (F-CP) concentration is an indicator of neutrophil migration into the intestinal lumen and is associated with intestinal inflammation.

Official Title
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Efficacy of Calprotectin as A Marker For the Pathogenicity of Blastocystis Infection

Conditions
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Blastocystis Infections

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Fecal Calprotectin ELISA kit


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients from outpatient clinics, Sohag hospitals. Exclusion Criteria: Patients taking antibiotics within the previous four weeks, and anti-parasitic drugs within the previous two weeks.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Group 1<br>Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and positive only for Blastocystis. | Diagnostic Test: Fecal Calprotectin ELISA kit<br>* Routine stool examination will be done in addition to certain concentration, staining and culture techniques. Fecal calprotectin will be evaluated using ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions.<br>|
| Group 2<br>Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and Blastocystis free. | Diagnostic Test: Fecal Calprotectin ELISA kit<br>* Routine stool examination will be done in addition to certain concentration, staining and culture techniques. Fecal calprotectin will be evaluated using ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions.<br>|
| Group 3<br>Healthy volunteers with neither gastrointestinal symptoms nor parasitological infections. | Diagnostic Test: Fecal Calprotectin ELISA kit<br>* Routine stool examination will be done in addition to certain concentration, staining and culture techniques. Fecal calprotectin will be evaluated using ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| level of fecal calprotectin | Evaluation of fecal calprotectin inflammation levels of Blastocystis hominis in patients with gastrointestinal troubles as compared to patients with gastrointestinal troubles but without Blastocystis hominis | 1 month | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Blastocystis, Calprotectin