Blastocystis hominis and allergic skin diseases; a single centre experience

Introduction: Blastocystis hominis in stool samples of individuals with allergic cutaneous symptoms were evaluated to study a possible link between them.Methods: The study was done from June 2010 to December 2011, in dermatology and parasitology department of central laboratory, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Ministry of Health, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A total of218 stool sample for patients who attended dermatology clinic and diagnosed as chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, or pruritus of unknown origin were included in the study. Standard laboratory tests for the detection of allergic etiology were performed for all patients. Detection of Blastocystis hominis has been made by microscopic examination of stool samples by direct examination and concentration technique.Results: Overall, 30(13.7%) stool samples were infected by Blastocystis hominis with age group (26-35) and male predominace 15(6.9%) and 18(8.2%), respectively. No other allergic cause of urticaria was discovered.Conclusion: Blastocystis hominis could be the etiology of chronic urticaria.