Intestinal Protozoan and Molecular Diagnosis

Seyma Isik (Author)

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Intestinal protozoan are single-celled organisms that live as parasites in the human gastrointestinal system and can cause various infections. These protozoa are especially prevalent in developing countries and can lead to serious health issues in regions with inadequate hygiene conditions. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water and food. Giardia [...]

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    Work TypeBook Chapter
    Published inMolecular Approaches in Medicine
    First Page83
    Last Page108
    DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053359524.5
    Page Count26
    Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
    Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing

    Intestinal protozoan are single-celled organisms that live as parasites in the human gastrointestinal system and can cause various infections. These protozoa are especially prevalent in developing countries and can lead to serious health issues in regions with inadequate hygiene conditions. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water and food. Giardia infection presents with symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating, and is treated with metronidazole. Entamoeba histolytica is common in tropical and subtropical regions, transmitted through contaminated water and food, and causes bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to liver abscesses and is treated with metronidazole. Blastocystis sp. is widespread globally and is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas, and it is treated with metronidazole. Cryptosporidium spp. is more common in immunocompromised individuals and children. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food and causes severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration; it is treated with nitazoxanide. Cyclospora cayetanensis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted through contaminated water or food. It causes watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss; it is treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. These protozoa are diagnosed through microscopic examination of stool samples, antigen tests, and serological tests. However, molecular detection methods have made significant advancements in the diagnosis of protozoa. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Real-Time PCR are molecular techniques that detect the DNA or RNA of protozoa with high sensitivity and specificity. These methods play a critical role in the early diagnosis of infections and the determination of appropriate treatment methods. PCR confirms the presence of protozoa by amplifying specific DNA regions, thereby accurately identifying the type of infection. Real-Time PCR, on the other hand, quantifies the infection, providing information about the severity of the infection. To prevent protozoan infections, it is important to adhere to hygiene rules, use clean drinking water, and prepare food properly. Disinfecting and ensuring the safety of water sources should be widespread, especially in rural and developing areas. Additionally, public health education to increase awareness of personal hygiene and sanitation is crucial in preventing protozoan infections. These preventive measures and protection methods play a significant role in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of protozoan infections.

    Seyma Isik (Author)
    Van Yuzuncu Yil University
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4773-7689
    3Bio. Şeyma IŞIK was born on October 16, 1999 in Van, Turkey and started my education life here. He successfully completed his undergraduate education at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. He is currently doing his master’s degree in Medical Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine of the same university and is about to complete his first year. I completed my internship experience at Dursun Odabaş Medical Center. During this process, he improved his professional skills as well as gaining laboratory experience. He also developed his skills such as leadership, responsibility, empathy and flexibility through my membership and volunteer work in various non-governmental organizations. He currently works at Solver R&D company and produces projects in the academic field.

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