Prevalence and Characterization of Blastocystis hominis in Mosul City
Author(s):
Ruaa Waad Saleh , Reeda N. Hamoo
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is an important and globally prevalent intestinal parasite, particularly in developing
countries such as Iraq. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of B. hominis in stool samples of
patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy individuals using microscopic methods, to identify the
parasite’s morphological forms, to assess its association with other intestinal parasites, and to study the
parasite’s growth rate in Jones’ medium.The present study was conducted from September 2025 to
January 2026 and included 220 stool samples, comprising 70 samples from healthy individuals and 150
samples from patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Microscopic examination and cultivation in Jones’
medium were used for parasite detection.The overall prevalence of B. hominis was 22.72% using
microscopic examination. Among patients with gastrointestinal disorders, infection was observed in
51.43% of males and 48.57% of females, while among healthy individuals, the prevalence was higher in
females (60%) compared to males (40%). The most affected age group among patients was 15–30 years
(31.43%), whereas among healthy individuals, the highest prevalence was observed in the 45–60 years
age group (33.33%). The lowest infection rates among patients were recorded in the 45–60 and ≥60 years
age groups (11.43%), and among healthy individuals in the 15–30 and ≥60 years age groups (13.33%).
Additionally, higher infection rates were recorded in urban areas among both patients (57.14%) and
healthy individuals (60%), compared to rural areas (42.86% and 40%, respectively). High prevalence of
B. hominis was observed in stool samples of patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy
individuals. The vacuolar form was the predominant morphological stage, followed by the granular and
cyst forms, while the amoeboid form was observed at lower rates. The study also indicated that mixed
infections of B. hominis with other intestinal parasites were more common than single infections.
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