Background and purpose: 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. Conclusion: 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. © 2009 Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection.

Endemic diseases emigrants and immigrants Parasites Blastocystis hominis

immigrant Blastocystis hominis Blastocystis Infections human sex difference middle aged statistics feces analysis controlled study Entamoeba Taiwan Young Adult Humans Entamoebiasis male amebiasis Emigrants and Immigrants female risk factor Risk Factors Endolimax nana prevalence Article disease transmission blastocystosis parasite prevalence adult migration clonorchiasis age Trichuris Sex Factors Age Factors Endolimax Physical Examination intestine parasite Strongyloidea mixed infection