Epidemiology of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites among the immigrant population in northeastern Taiwan by routine physical examination for residence approval.

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.