Socio-demographic determinants associated with Blastocystis infection in Arequipa, Peru

Blastocystis is one of the most common protozoa in the human gut and is a zoonotic parasite related to unhealthy living conditions. This parasite shows a broad distribution, unclear symptomatology, and undefined pathogenicity. In Peru, studies report the presence of Blastocystis in many regions, but the highest prevalence levels are reported in Arequipa. The aim of this study was to link Blastocystis infection with social determinants of health. We recruited and survey 232 participants from infected and uninfected homes. All samples were analyzed by direct microscopy and confirmed with methylene-stained stool smear. We found a human Blastocystis prevalence of 51.3% in the study sample. We also found statistical associations between Blastocystis infection and the use of alternative non-domiciliary water supplies as well as the use of latrine for body-waste disposal, suggesting these are risk factors for human Blastocystis infection.