It has been hypothesized that chronic renal failure (CRF) predisposes patients to infection with intestinal protozoa. We tested this hypothesis with a matched case-control study to determine the prevalence of these protozoa and their diarrhea associated symptoms among 50 patients with CRF (cases) from Taif, western Saudi Arabia. Fifty diarrheal patients without CRF were recruited in the study as controls. Participants were interviewed by a structured questionnaire and stool samples were collected. Samples were thoroughly examined with microscopy and three coproantigens detection kits. Enteric protozoa were detected in 21 cases and 14 controls.Blastocystisspp. were the most predominant parasite (16% in cases versus 8% in controls), followed byGiardia duodenalis(10% in cases versus 12% in controls) andCryptosporidiumspp. (10% in cases versus 6% in controls).Cyclospora cayetanensiswas identified in two cases, whileEntamoeba histolyticawas described in one case and one control. Intestinal parasitism was positively associated with the male gender, urban residence, and travel history. Clinical symptoms of nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain were significantly varied between the parasitized cases and controls (Pvalue≤0.05). Given the results, we recommend screening all diarrheal feces for intestinal protozoa in the study’s population, particularly those with CRF.
Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with chronic renal failure: a case control study
