Blastocystis is an opportunistic infection that is considered to cause gastro-intestinal symptoms,
including inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). It was also found that diabetic patients
might be at a higher risk of infection with intestinal parasites causing gastro-intestinal symptoms
especially Blastocystis. This study assessed the rate of Blastocystis infection in patients
suffering from IBS associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), in comparison with the non-diabetic
IBS group. Two hundred stool samples were collected. All the participants were IBS-diagnosed
patients. It is noted that 100 were without any history of chronic diseases based on history
taking, while the other 100 were known to be diabetic. Blastocystis was diagnosed by direct
microscopy of wet preparations; Lugol's iodine staining after concentration, and Modified
Jones' Culture. Blastocystis was detected in 37%, 65%, & 87% samples, respectively in IBS diabetic
patients. But, the parasite was found in 21%, 25%, & 42% samples, respectively in IBS
non-diabetic patients. The only considerable risk factor for Blastocystis infection was the presence
of DM, as it increased the possibility of infection more than 9 times.