Detection of Blastocystis hominis using Simple direct smear compared with Jones’ medium cultivation in Thatu Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province

Introduction: This study aimed to detect Blastocystis hominis for intestinal infection from participants in Thatu subdistrict, Chiang Khan district, Loei province. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires and laboratory examinations. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Research Institute of Rangsit University (RSPE01/2560). Results: Questionnaires were collected from 209 males (44%) and 263 females (55%). Participants with no intestinal symptoms (38.9%) and who consumed bottled drinking water (36.1%) accounted for the majority of responses. Total 475 of stool specimens were examined by simple direct smear and cultured in Jones’medium. Intestinal parasites infections were found in specimens which showed Blastocystis hominis infection rate were 5.05% in simple smear and 12.21% in cultivation. Jones’medium cultivation method was significantly tool for detection test (P<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first time study to minimize stools with micro-cultivation tubes. Most participants showed no intestinal symptoms but a positive cultivation found. Minimum stools with micro-cultivation tubes will be a useful tool to help investigation of intestinal parasite infection and confirmation with this applicable new diagnostic test.