Lophomonas blattarum in Asthmatic Patients and Control Group
Author(s): Farzaneh Mirzazadeh, Fariba Berenji, Mahnaz Amini, Maryam Salehi, Aliakbar Shamsian, Abdolmajid Fata, Mahmoud Parian, Maryam Nakhaei ,Leila Ghofraniha
Abstract
Lophomonas blattrum (L.b) is a parasitic protozoa which is important in the medical practice of respiratory patients. It is transmitted through aspiration, and it is a potential element in bronchial and respiratory infections among the patients with pneumonia and asthma. The purpose of this study was the investigation of Lophomonas blattrum frequency in asthmatic patients and control group. Participant in this crosssectional study was patients who referred to respiratory specialist clinic of Imam Reza Hospital. Direct smear of samples of patient’s phlegm and giemsa stained smear were prepared and observed under light microscope and this was done for control group as well. Then the prevalence of the parasite is measured by investigating the samples. There were 4(10%) positive samples among 40 asthmatic participants. 3 women and 1 man with average age of 43years. All the four patients were controlled regarding the severity of the disease. None of the control group members was positive for (L.b). 10% of asthmatic patients were infected with Lophomonas blattrum whose symptoms eliminated after treatment with metronidazole. It is therefore suggested to test asthmatic patients for Lophomonas blattrum who suffer from respiratory symptoms despite the proper control of their disease.
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