Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Protozoan Infections with Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Blastocystis and Dientamoeba among Schoolchildren in Tripoli, Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal protozoan infections are confirmed as major causes of diarrhea, particularly in children, and represent a significant, but often neglected, threat to public health. No recent data were available in Lebanon concerning the molecular epidemiology of protozoan infections in children, a vulnerable population at high risk of infection. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL
FINDINGS: In order to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of intestinal pathogenic protozoa, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a general pediatric population including both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. After obtaining informed consent from the parents or legal guardians, stool samples were collected in January 2013 from 249 children in 2 schools in Tripoli, Lebanon. Information obtained from a standard questionnaire included demographic characteristics, current symptoms, socioeconomic status, source of drinking water, and personal hygiene habits. After fecal examination by both microscopy and molecular tools, the overall prevalence of parasitic infections was recorded as 85%. Blastocystis spp. presented the highest infection rate (63%), followed by Dientamoeba fragilis (60.6%), Giardia duodenalis (28.5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (10.4%). PCR was also performed to identify species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium, subtypes of Blastocystis, and assemblages of Giardia. Statistical analysis using a logistic regression model showed that contact with family members presenting gastrointestinal disorders was the primary risk factor for transmission of these protozoa.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study performed in Lebanon reporting the prevalence and the clinical and molecular epidemiological data associated with intestinal protozoan infections among schoolchildren in Tripoli. A high prevalence of protozoan parasites was found, with Blastocystis spp. being the most predominant protozoans. Although only 50% of children reported digestive symptoms, asymptomatic infection was observed, and these children may act as unidentified carriers. This survey provides necessary information for designing prevention and control strategies to reduce the burden of these protozoan infections, especially in children.

Introduction

Parasitic infections, and in particular those caused by protozoa, are a major public health problem worldwide. They are among the most widespread human infections in developing countries, with children being the most vulnerable population [1].

In particular, intestinal protozoans, such as Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. intestinalis and G. lamblia), are major causes of diarrhea in children. Transmission of these protozoa is through the oral-fecal route following direct or indirect contact with the infectious stages, including human-to-human, zoonotic, waterborne, and foodborne transmission of both parasites [2], and airborne transmission for Cryptosporidium only [2,3]. Additionally, recent data from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) on the burden and etiology of childhood diarrhea in developing countries has shown that the apicomplexan protists Cryptosporidium spp. are nowadays one of the leading causes of moderate to severe diarrhea in children aged under 2 years [4,5]. In addition, Giardia duodenalis infects approximately 200 million individuals worldwide, and is particularly common among schoolchildren and in daycare centers [6]. In children under 5 years, G. duodenalis infection may produce severe acute diarrhea. Several studies have also suggested that long-term growth retardation can be a consequence of chronic Giardiasis [7].

Because of their significant public health and socioeconomic implications, both parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were included in the WHO’s “Neglected disease initiative” in 2004 [8].

Other parasites, such as Blastocystis spp. and Dientamoeba fragilis, are cosmopolitan protozoans found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Nevertheless, the exact contribution of Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis to pathogenicity has been controversial. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in humans varies, from 0.5%–24% in industrialized countries to 30%–76% in developing countries [9]. Recently, a Blastocystis spp. prevalence of 100% was found in a Senegalese population of children, being the highest prevalence ever reported worldwide for this parasite [10]. All cases were caused by subtypes (STs) 1, 2, 3 and 4, with a predominance of ST3. The prevalence of D. fragilis ranges from 1% to 52%, according to different geographic regions [11].

Recent studies support the pathogenic nature of both parasites. More than half of the children infected by Blastocystis spp. in Senegal presented various gastrointestinal disorders [10], and it is now accepted that the classic clinical features of infection with this parasite include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, flatulence, and acute or chronic diarrhea [12]. An association of Blastocystis spp. with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [13] and extraintestinal manifestations, such as urticaria, has also been suggested [14]. Moreover, invasive and inflammatory potential of the parasite has been reported [15].

Regarding D. fragilis, infection can be acute or chronic, and symptomatic patients exhibit abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and flatulence, as well as IBS-like symptoms [16]. Symptoms are observed in 20–58% of infected cases. It has been proposed that D. fragilis could be a heterogeneous species, with variants having similar morphology but different virulence [17].

In Lebanon, as in other developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections remain responsible for significant morbidity [18,19]. A previous Lebanese study based on microscopic analysis comparing findings for intestinal parasite prevalence at a major tertiary care center between 1997–1998 and 2007–2008 reported the following prevalences: 0% for Blastocystis spp., 0.1% for Cryptosporidium spp. and 16% for G. duodenalis in the first period, versus 17% for Blastocystis spp., 0% for Cryptosporidium spp. and 6% for G. duodenalis in the second period [20]. Recently, concerning Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., a prevalence of 19% and 11% respectively, was reported among hospitalized patients after molecular analysis of stool samples [21,22]. Concerning D. fragilis, no epidemiological data are available to our knowledge. In addition, little information is available in this country on the potential risk factors associated with these protozoan infections in children.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for transmission and to collect molecular epidemiological data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis in a population of children attending two schools of different socioeconomic levels in Tripoli, Lebanon.

Materials and Methods

Ethics statement

The authorization to conduct this study was obtained from the Lebanese Minister of Public Health (reference number 4–39716). Written informed consents were obtained from the parents or legal guardians of the children, after a clear explanation of the research objectives. This study was conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki).

Questionnaire survey

A standard questionnaire was completed by interviewing the child’s parents or legal guardians, who had given informed consent, in order to obtain a socioeconomic and demographic description including the age, gender, education, residence, occupation and estimated monthly income of the parents, behavioral habits (intake of fruits, vegetables and fast food), health conditions, presence of symptoms (i.e. abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea, headache and discomfort), family members with gastrointestinal disorders, history of previous hospitalizations and medical treatments. Environmental conditions, such as type of water supply, sewage disposal system and presence of domestic animals, were also investigated.

Study population and collection of samples

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tripoli (latitude 34° 26' 12 N, longitude 35° 50' 58 E), the largest city in northern Lebanon, and the second largest city in the country in terms of demographic and economic importance. The city, situated 85 kilometers (53 miles) north of the capital Beirut, has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and moderately hot summers. Tripoli’s population is estimated at 500,000 people. Stool samples were collected in 2 nearly schools of different socioeconomic status in Tripoli (Al Zahra’ School and Jil Alwa’ed School) (Fig 1) from two hundred and forty-nine children (149 boys and 100 girls aged between 3 and 16 years) in January 2013. The sample size corresponded to the total number of samples that could be collected for logistical reasons during a specific period of time. The participants were categorized into three groups according to age: under 5 years, between 5 and 9 years and over 9 years, and into two groups according to socioeconomic status: low socioeconomic status (LSES) and high socioeconomic status (HSES). The measure of SES was based on the income, education and occupation of the parents. One fresh stool sample per child was collected in a sterile container and transported immediately to the Department of Microbiology of the AZM Center in Tripoli.

Fig 1

Map of Tripoli, showing the location of Al Zahra’ and Jil Alwa’ed schools.

Parasitological analyses

All stool samples were examined macroscopically, and their characteristics, such as color, consistency, presence of blood, and presence of helminths were recorded. These specimens were also examined by direct-light microscopy (DLM) of wet mounts. For the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining was performed [23], and the slides were examined at 1,000× magnification. For quality control, all examinations were repeated twice by two experienced microscopists. No information was available about potential viral or bacterial infections in these stool samples.

DNA extraction, species identification and subtyping

All stool specimens were used for molecular detection of Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., D. fragilis and G. duodenalis. DNA was extracted from approximately 250 mg of stool samples using the QIAmp DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany), according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. The DNA was eluted in 100 μl of elution buffer (Qiagen) and stored at −20°C until use. The 18S rRNA detection was performed by nested PCR for Cryptosporidium spp. [24] and by real-time PCR for Blastocystis spp. [25], D. fragilis [26] and G. duodenalis [27], as previously described. To further identify Giardia assemblages, the triose-phosphate isomerase (TPI) gene was amplified by nested PCR as previously described [28]. Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis-positive PCR products were purified and directly sequenced on both strands by Genoscreen (Lille, France) or Beckman Coulter Genomics (Essex, United Kingdom). The sequences obtained were aligned using the BioEdit v7.0.1 package (http://www.mbio.ncsu.edu/BioEdit/bioedit.html), then compared with gene sequences of these parasites available from the NCBI server (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/), using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). Blastocystis spp. STs were identified by determining the exact match or closest similarity against all known STs, according to the updated classification of Alfellani et al. [29]. Specimens genotyped as C. parvum or C. hominis were further subtyped using nested PCR in order to amplify a fragment of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, as described previously [30].

The amplified DNA fragments were purified and sequenced on both strands, then analyzed by alignment of gp60 sequences with reference sequences retrieved from GenBank using the ClustalX program (http://www.clustal.org/). C. parvum and C. hominis gp60 subtypes were named by counting the number of trinucleotide repeats of TCA (A), TCG (G), and TCT (T), and the ACATCA repeat (R) after the trinucleotide repeats [31].

All sequences were uploaded to NCBI GenBank (accession numbers KU311720-KU311975).

Statistical analyses

Statistical analyses were performed using Stata software, version 13 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, US). The tests were two-sided, with a type I error set at α = 0.05. Quantitative data was presented as the mean ± standard deviation or the median [interquartile range]. The categorical data was presented as frequency and associated proportions. The differences across groups were compared using (1) the Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test when the conditions of the t-test were not met for continuous variables (assumption of normality studied using the Shapiro-Wilk test and homoscedasticity by the Fisher-Snedecor test), and (2) the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical parameters. Logistic regression models were created to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval considering parasite infections as the main outcome. Analyses were based on parasite detection using molecular tools.

Results

Prevalence of protozoan infections

A total of 249 schoolchildren (149 male, 100 female) were included in this study. Among them, 157 belonged to the LSES group (mostly children from the Al-Zahra’ School) and the remaining 92 to the HSES group (mostly children from the Jil Alwa’ed School). The age of the participants was between 3 and 16 years (mean age: 10.3 ± 2.7) (Table 1).

Table 1

Demographic characteristics of the study population.

	Non-infected children (N = 37)	Infected children (N = 212)
Age (median)	8.48 ± 0.50	9.5 ± 0.21
Gender
Male	20	129
Female	17	83
Children in the LSES group	19	138
Children in the HSES group	18	74

LSES: low socioeconomic status, HSES: high socioeconomic status

Overall, based on PCR and light microscopy examination, 85% (212/249) of the children were found to be positive for at least one intestinal parasitic infection. Out of a total of 212 infected schoolchildren, the distribution of parasitic infections in males and females was 61% (129/212) and 39% (83/212), respectively. When socioeconomic status was considered, the prevalence was as follows: 65% (138/212) of children in the LSES group and 35% (74/212) in the HSES group. No significant statistical differences regarding parasitic infections related to gender or socioeconomic status were observed. The demographic characteristics of the study population are shown in Table 1.

After molecular analysis of the samples, Blastocystis spp. had the highest infection rate (63%), followed by D. fragilis (60.6%), G. duodenalis (28.5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (10.4%). As expected, the prevalence of these protozoans was lower in microscopic examination of wet mounts (51.6%, 0%, 14.4%, and 5.6% respectively). Other intestinal parasites were also detected by DLM, as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.6%), Entamoeba coli (2.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.4%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.4%).

Mixed infections with two parasites were found in 35.7% of children (89/249). The most common dual infection was with Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis, with a prevalence of 68.5% (61/89). In addition, 11.6% (29/249) of children exhibited triple parasitic infections with Blastocystis spp., D. fragilis and G. duodenalis. Other cases of mixed infections are shown in Fig 2.

Fig 2

Distribution of single and mixed parasitic infections in schoolchildren in Tripoli.

Single, double, triple and quadruple infections are shown. Prevalences of Blastocystis spp., D. fragilis, Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis are based on molecular diagnosis.

Clinical manifestations and risk factors for transmission

In total, 125 out of 249 children had symptoms at the time of the survey. Among parasitized children, gastrointestinal symptoms were common (55%). Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever were reported in 51% (108/212), 28% (60/212), 11% (23/212), and 6% (12/212) of children, respectively. Of the total of 157 Blastocystis spp., 151 D. fragilis, 71 G. duodenalis and 26 Cryptosporidium spp.-infected children, 45%, 47%, 69%, and 27% respectively, were asymptomatic.

A logistic regression model was created to identify the risk factors for transmission of these intestinal parasitic infections. The overall presence of abdominal pain (OR: 5.4, CI: 2.1–13.4, P<0.001) and diarrhea (OR: 4.5, CI: 1.3–15.1, P: 0.009), and having members of the same household with gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 9.6, CI: 2.2–40.9, P<0.001) were significantly predictive of the risk of intestinal parasitic infections in children.

Distribution of protozoan infections among children according to risk factors is shown in Table 2. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed the presence of abdominal pain (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.1–3.2, P: 0.02) and contact with parents having gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.0–3.4, P: 0.03) to be the main factors significantly associated with Blastocystis spp. infection.

Table 2

Distribution of protozoan infections among schoolchildren in Tripoli according to risk factors.

		Blastocystis spp.		Dientamoeba fragilis		Giardia duodenalis		Cryptosporidium spp.
Risk factor		Prevalence *% (N)	P-value; OR (IC95%)	Prevalence *% (N)	P-value; OR (IC95%)	Prevalence *% (N)	P-value; OR (IC95%)	Prevalence *% (N)	P-value; OR (IC95%)
Age	< 5 years	61.5% (8/13)	1.0; 0.93 [0.3–2.9]	53.8% (7/13)	0.77; 0.74 [0.2–2.3]	23.1% (3/13)	0.76; 0.74 [0.2–2.8]	38.4% (5/13)	0.006; 6.4 [1.9–21.3]
	≥ 5 years	63.1% (149/236)		61% (144/236)		28.8% (68/236)		8.9% (21/236)
Sex	Male	66.4% (99/149)	0.18; 1.4 [0.9–2.4]	63.1% (94/149)	0.34; 1.3 [0.8–2.2]	31.5% (47/149)	0.20; 1.5 [0.8–2.6]	10.7% (16/149)	0.85; 1.1 [0.5–2.5]
	Female	58% (58/100)		57% (57/100)		24% (24/100)		10% (10/100)
Socioeconomic status	Low	66.2% (104/157)	0.18; 1.4 [0.8–2.4]	63.7% (100/157)	0.23; 1.4 [0.8–2.4]	36.3% (57/157)	<0.001; 3.2 [1.6–6.1]	10.8% (17/157)	0.83; 1.1 [0.5–2.6]
	High	57.6% (53/92)		55.4% (51/92)		15.2% (14/92)		9.8% (9/92)
Contact with animals	Yes	36.8% (7/19)	0.01; 0.3 [0.1–0.8]	57.9% (11/19)	0.80; 0.9 [0.3–2.3]	15.8% (3/19)	0.20; 0.4 [0.1–1.6]	15.8% (3/19)	0.43; 1.7 [0.5–6.2]
	No	65.2% (150/230)		60.9% (140/230)		29.6% (68/230)		10% (23/230)
Raw fruit and vegetable consumption	Yes	64.6% (126/195)	0.33; 1.4 [0.7–2.5]	62.1% (121/195)	0.39; 1.3 [0.7–2.4]	32.3% (63/195)	0.01; 2.7 [1.2–6.2]	9.7% (19/195)	0.49; 0.7 [0.3–1.8]
	No	57.4% (31/54)		55.6% (30/54)		14.8% (8/54)		13% (7/54)
Treated water supply in household	Yes	58.3% (35/60)	0.38; 0.8 [0.4–1.4]	56.7% (34/60)	0.47; 0.8 [0.4–1.5]	13.3% (8/60)	0.003; 0.3 [0.1–0.7]	13.3% (8/60)	0.40; 1.5 [0.6–3.6]
	No	64.6% (122/189)		61.9% (117/189)		33.3% (63/189)		9.5% (18/189)
Members of the same household with gastrointestinal symptoms	Yes	72.8% (56/77)	0.03; 1.9 [1.0–3.4]	72.8% (56/77)	0.01; 2.2 [1.2–3.9]	51.9% (40/77)	<0.001; 4.9 [2.7–8.9]	14.3% (11/77)	0.18; 1.7 [0.8–4.0]
	No	58.7% (101/172)		55.2% (95/172)		18% (31/172)		8.7% (15/172)
Digestive symptoms	Yes	68.8% (86/125)	0.06; 1.6 [0.9–2.7]	64% (80/125)	0.27; 1.3 [0.8–2.2]	42.4% (53/125)	<0.001; 4.3 [2.8–8.0]	15.2% (19/125)	0.01; 3.0 [1.2–7.4]
	No	57.3% (71/124)		57.3% (71/124)		14.5% (18/124)		5.6% (7/124)
Abdominal pain	Yes	71.1% (81/114)	0.02; 1.9 [1.1–3.2]	65.8% (75/114)	0.13; 1.5 [0.9–2.5]	44.7% (51/114)	<0.001; 4.7 [2.6–8.5]	13.2% (15/114)	0.20; 1.7 [0.8–3.9]
	No	56.3% (76/135)		56.3% (76/135)		14.8% (20/135)		8.1% (11/135)
Diarrhea	Yes	71.4% (45/63)	0.11; 1.7 [0.9–3.1]	60.3% (38/63)	0.95; 1.0 [0.5–1.8]	42.9% (27/63)	0.004; 2.4 [1.3–4.4]	22.2% (14/63)	<0.001; 1.7 [0.8–3.9]
	No	60.2% (112/186)		60.8% (113/186)		23.7% (44/186)		6.5% (12/186)
Fever	Yes	46.2% (6/13)	0.24; 0.5 [0.2–1.5]	53.8% (7/13)	0.61; 0.7 [0.2–2.3]	46.2% (6/13)	0.2; 2.3 [0.7–7.0]	38.5% (5/13)	0.006; 6.4 [1.9–21.3]
	No	64% (151/236)		61% (144/236)		27.5% (65/236)		8.9% (21/236)
Vomiting	Yes	63% (17/27)	0.99; 1.0 [0.4–2.3]	59.3% (16/27)	0.88; 0.9 [0.4–2.1]	37% (10/27)	0.37; 1.6 [0.7–3.6]	14.8% (4/27)	0.50; 1.6 [0.5–5.0]
	No	63.1% (140/222)		60.8% (135/222)		27.5% (61/222)		9.9% (22/222)

*: Diagnosis by molecular biology (nested PCR and real-time PCR)

In the group composed of 151 D. fragilis-infected children, univariate logistic regression analysis showed that contact with members of the same household having gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 2.2, CI: 1.2–3.9 P: 0.01) was the only risk factor associated with the presence of this parasite (Table 2). D. fragilis-infected children were 4 times more likely to be infected with Blastocystis spp. (OR: 3.6 CI: 2.1–6.3, P<0.001).

The logistic regression analysis found significant associations between G. duodenalis infection and eating raw vegetables and fruits (OR: 2.7, CI: 1.2–6.2, P: 0.01), contact with members of the same household having gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 4.9, CI: 2.7–8.9, P <0.001), and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR:4.3, CI: 2.8–8.0, P <0.001), such as abdominal pain (OR:4.7, CI:2.6–8.5, P <0.001) and diarrhea (OR:2.4, CI:1.3–4.4, P: 0.004). On the other hand, HSES (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.2–0.6, P<0.001), eating outside of the home (OR = 0.3, CI: 0.1–0.7, P: 0.003), and drinking treated water (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1–07, P: 0.003) were protective factors against G. duodenalis infection (Table 2).

The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that children aged under 5 years had a 6 times higher risk of Cryptosporidium spp. infection compared with older children (OR: 6.4, CI: 1.9–21.3, P: 0.006). Eating outside of the home (OR: 2.4, CI: 1.1–5.6, P: 0.04) and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 3.1, CI: 1.2–7.6, P: 0.01), especially diarrhea (OR: 4.1, CI: 1.8–9.5, P <0.001) or fever (OR: 6.4, CI: 1.9–21.3, P: 0.006), were other factors significantly associated with this infection (Table 2).

Species identification and subtyping

The real-time PCR products of the 157 samples positive for Blastocystis spp. were all sequenced on both strands. With 99% to 100% sequence identity to the reference sequences, 138 isolates corresponded to single infections by one ST, and 3 different STs were identified as follows: ST3 (46.3% of isolates), ST2 (28.3%) and ST1 (25.4%). For the remaining 19 samples, sequence chromatogram analysis revealed the presence of double traces, suggesting mixed infection by different STs that were not identified.

In addition, the PCR products of the 26 samples positive for Cryptosporidium spp. were successfully sequenced on both strands. Among them, 20 isolates (77%) were identified as C. hominis, while 6 isolates (23%) were identified as C. parvum, all with more than 99% sequence identity to homologous sequences. Cryptosporidium spp. other than C. parvum and C. hominis were not found. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene identified the C. hominis isolates as belonging to two subtypes: IaA18R3 (4/20) and IbA10G2 (16/20). All of the C. parvum isolates were identified as the IIaA15G1R1 subtype.

The Giardia assemblage was successfully determined by sequencing of the TPI gene from 67 of the 71 isolates previously identified by 18 rRNA PCR. DNA sequencing of the TPI gene failed for the 4 others samples. Assemblage B was found in the majority of the samples (64/67), followed by assemblage A (2/67) and a mixed-assemblage infection (1/67).

Discussion

This study demonstrates that protozoan parasitic infections are very common among a community of children living in Tripoli, independent of their socioeconomic status. Such a prevalence is high, considering that the study was performed in an urban area and relied on the collection of a single stool sample per child, instead of the ideal three consecutive samples. A recent study among schoolchildren primarily in rural Malaysia reported a prevalence of parasitic infections of 98% [32].

The most frequent intestinal parasites detected were Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis, followed by G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. These 4 protozoans were detected by molecular tools, which are advantageous due to their high sensitivity and specificity. DLM was performed in order to detect co-infection with additional parasites such as helminths, which were identified with a lower prevalence. Although microscopic detection of helminths is widely used as a diagnostic method, microscopy is not very sensitive when infections are light, especially in asymptomatic persons. In addition, specific techniques for the diagnosis of certain nematodes such as Enterobius vermicularis were not used.

In the present study, 63% of children were found to be infected with Blastocystis spp. after molecular identification. In a previous survey of our group, a lower prevalence of 19% was found in a population of Lebanese symptomatic and asymptomatic patients after microscopic examination of stools [22]. Today, Blastocystis spp. is considered an under-reported parasite, with a worldwide distribution and a prevalence far exceeding that of other intestinal parasites in the human population [33,34]. Indeed, its prevalence can reach 100% in developing countries and has been reported at between 1.5% and 20% in industrialized countries [10,33]. The current prevalence of Blastocystis spp. among schoolchildren was high, as observed in other countries such as Senegal (100%) [7], Egypt (33%) [35], Syria (28%) [36], the USA (23%) [37], and Pakistan (17%) [38], even if detection methods in these studies are not the same.

Using PCR tools, the prevalence of D. fragilis reached 61%. A previous study using microscopic techniques reported a prevalence of 38% of D. fragilis in adult workers in the food sector, in the same geographic area of Lebanon [19]. In addition, in our study, we found a significant association between Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis co-infection in children (P<0.001). An association between these two protozoans has recently been reported in children presenting gastrointestinal symptoms in the Netherlands [39] and in asymptomatic people in two poor communities in Brazil [40].

G. duodenalis is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease outbreaks associated with drinking water [41,42]. The prevalence found in our study (29%) is considerably higher than that in other Middle Eastern countries with similar standards of living or in European countries (e.g. Italy, Germany, the UK, Portugal) [43]. In addition, the current prevalence of giardiasis in Lebanon is six times higher than that observed in 2004 (5%) [18]. Nevertheless, the higher sensitivity of molecular tools for the detection of this parasite could likely explain this difference. Even if diagnostic tools were different, recent studies in asymptomatic children around the world reported giardiasis prevalence of 1% in the USA [37], 1% in Italy [44], 1% in the United Kingdom [45], 2% in Germany [46], 7% in Portugal [47], 7% in Pakistan [38], 15% in Syria [36], 16% in Spain [48], 18% in Yemen [49], 32% in Russia [50], and 57% in Cuba [51].

Regarding Cryptosporidium spp., this apicomplexan protozoan is one of the most common intestinal parasitic pathogens in the world [52]. Cryptosporidiosis rates are higher in children and immunocompromised patients than in the healthy adult population [53]. However, cryptosporidiosis prevalence varies in different countries: between 1% and 5% in children with diarrhea in developed countries, reaching 49% in developing countries [53,54,55]. Although varying in technical diagnostic tools, the prevalence that we found in children in Lebanon (10%) was in the same range as that observed in Yemen (10%) [31], but lower than that found in others Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan (19%) [56] and Egypt (49%) [55].

Our results based on conventional microscopy showed that infection with E. histolytica/dispar is prevalent in Lebanon at the present time. Previous studies among presumably older healthy subjects in 2004 reported a prevalence of 2% [57]. It is also more prevalent than in other Middle Eastern countries, such as Syria (0.01%) [36], Qatar (0.3%) [58] and Iran (0.4–2%) [59,60], and in other developed [37] and developing countries [61]. Nevertheless, the parasite is less common than in other developing countries like Pakistan (14%) [38], Yemen (17%) [49], and India (18%) [62]. In a recent study to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. histolytica in individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms in a rural area of southern Ethiopia, a prevalence of 3.3% was found [63]. The fact that we did not use PCR to detect this parasite strongly suggests that the actual prevalence of these enteric species is likely to be an underestimate.

In a case-control study investigating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica and G. duodenalis among children < 2 years of age, with and without diarrhea, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, an overall high prevalence of these parasites was observed. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was more commonly found among young Tanzanian children with diarrhea and G. duodenalis infection was frequently asymptomatic [64]. Concerning the high prevalence of co-infections of pathogenic and nonpathogenic parasites, our results are comparable to those of other studies [65,66]. The observed polyparasitism could be explained by shared risk factors for parasite infection, such as poor sanitation and hygiene behavior and the fact that the transmission route of these parasites is mainly through the fecal-oral pathway [66].

Clinical manifestations and associated risk factors

In total, 125 children out of 249 had symptoms at the time of the survey. In relation to the main clinical features of infections, it was found, as expected, that diarrhea was significantly common among G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.-infected children, but no significant association with this symptom was observed regarding Blastocystis spp. or D. fragilis infections. The interactions and confounding effects that are not evident in a simple comparison of the two groups could also explain the absence of significant associations. Nevertheless, a positive association regarding Blastocystis spp. and abdominal pain suggests a pathogenic role for this parasite of controversial clinical significance [67]. Even if children harboring D. fragilis presented more gastrointestinal symptoms, no significant association was found between this parasite and gastrointestinal disorders in children. Recent studies described that D. fragilis has struggled to gain recognition as a pathogen, despite the evidence supporting its pathogenic nature [68]. Interestingly, the 124 other children were asymptomatic for protozoan infection and may be carriers responsible for transmission. Consistently, a study among Spanish children attending day care facilities showed that both G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were asymptomatic in 82% of cases [48].

Concerning the risk factors for protozoan infections, our data analysis found that protozoan parasites could infect both genders in all age groups. However, an age of less than 5 years was significantly associated only with Cryptosporidium spp. infection. The reason for this high prevalence is likely due to the immature immunity of young children exposed to this opportunistic parasite [69]. As reported by other authors, no association was found between either gender or age and prevalence of G. duodenalis infection [47]. It is not yet fully understood why age plays a role in the frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. infection, but is not associated with the frequency of giardiasis [70].

Intestinal parasites are usually considered poverty-related diseases [71]. However, no significant association was identified between socioeconomic status and the overall rate of parasitic infections in our study population. Nevertheless, the prevalence of G. duodenalis was significantly higher in LSES infected children. Interestingly, in a previous study conducted in Peru, Giardia spp. and microsporidia were the predominant intestinal parasites among the poorest population, and infections with Cryptosporidium spp. were independent of wealth [70]. Furthermore, in our study, only LSES children were infected with helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana).

In addition, children who drank untreated water had a 3 times higher risk of infection with G. duodenalis than those who drank treated water (P: 0.003). Two meta-analyses, including 84 studies in 28 countries, concluded that the quantity of water available to the population in developing countries has more impact on endemic diarrhea cases than water purity itself [72,73]. For the study population in Lebanon, the accessibility of the water supply was not a problem. However, a majority of households did not have a proper sanitary system, favoring fecal contamination via ground seepage, as previously described [74].

The findings of the present study showed that children who had contact with family members presenting gastrointestinal symptoms had a higher risk of infection with these parasites, confirming the direct human-to-human transmission of these protozoans. Thus, the screening and treatment of family members of infected children should be considered for the prevention and control of these infections. Additionally, indirect transmission through contaminated food (raw vegetables and fruits) was found to be a risk factor for giardiasis. In fact, this association is likely due to the fact that fresh vegetables and fruits may be eaten without washing them or with contaminated hands, and it is well known that contaminated hands can play a major role in fecal-oral transmitted diseases [44]. On the other hand, meals outside of the home were significantly associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection.

Genotyping/subtyping of Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis isolates

The genotyping/subtyping of Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis isolates allows an elucidation of the transmission of these parasites. The majority of Blastocystis spp.-positive samples included in this study represented monoinfections (88%) by one ST. Among these positive isolates, three STs were detected as follows: ST3 was the most abundant, followed by ST2 and ST1 (35/138). Our previous study in the Lebanese population also identified the same three STs, with a predominance of ST3 and ST2 [22]. The majority of human Blastocystis spp. infections around the world are attributed to ST3 isolates, followed by ST1 and ST2, which is consistent with spread directly from person to person [75]. Interestingly, ST4 was not found in our study. Overall, this ST is common in Europe, but much less frequent in Lebanon as well as in Middle Eastern, African, American and Asian countries [75].

In our cohort of schoolchildren, molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. isolates allowed the identification of C. parvum and C. hominis, with a predominance of the latter species. It is well known that human cryptosporidiosis is mainly caused by these two species, with C. parvum considered a zoonotic species while C. hominis has been mainly associated with anthroponotic transmission [52]. Consistently, a potential secondary transmission of infection among family members was significantly associated with this infection.

These results are consistent with our recent study describing the predominance of C. hominis in Lebanese hospitalized patients [21]. However, we found different subtypes than those reported in the previous study from our group [21]. Two subtypes belonging to the subtype families Ia and Ib, IaA18R3 and IbA10G2, were identified. The subtype IdA19, which has been described as the predominant subtype in Lebanese hospitalized patients [21], was not found in schoolchildren. The subtype family IbA10G2 has been commonly reported around the world, and is the predominant cause of waterborne outbreaks due to C. hominis [76]. However, IaA18R3 is a rare subtype recently reported in India and Spain [77,78]. All subtyped C. parvum isolates were identified as the IIaA15G1R1 subtype. This zoonotic subtype has been reported in both humans and animals in many geographic areas of the world [79]. Moreover, the C. parvum IIa subtype family has a high genetic diversity, and is responsible for the majority of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks due to C. parvum [76]. However, the IIc and IId subtype families, which are reported mostly in developing countries, had not been described in Lebanon [55,56,80,81].

Molecular characterization of G. duodenalis isolates according to TPI sequence analysis allowed the identification of assemblages A and B with a large predominance of assemblage B (97%). Both assemblages have been described as zoonotic. However, assemblage B seems to be more human specific [43]. Our results are consistent with other studies among children in other countries such as Brazil, Nepal, and Iran reporting a predominance of assemblage B [82]. Additionally, the association between assemblage occurrence and the age of patients showing higher risk of assemblage B infection in children under 12 years old has been described [83].

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting epidemiological data on intestinal protozoan infections among schoolchildren in Lebanon, independent of socioeconomic status. Our results showed a high prevalence of protozoan parasites among this population, Blastocystis spp. being the most predominant protozoan. In addition, although 50% of children reported symptoms, many of them were asymptomatic, and these children could serve as unidentified carriers. Contact with family members with gastrointestinal disorders was found to be the main risk factor associated with the presence of protozoan infections. The role of person-to-person contact in the specific transmission of Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. isolates was consistent with the results of subtyping. The findings of this study provide useful information for the design of prevention strategies, and interventions in target communities at risk.

STROBE checklist.

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