Blastocystis is an opportunistic parasite causes gastro-intestinal symptoms including irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS). This study evaluated the effect of probiotics and silver nanoparticles
on Blastocystis hominis in mice and compared between both probiotics (Lactobacillus)
and silver nanoparticles as compared to metronidazole. A cross-sectional study was done in
which stool samples were collected from patients suffering from IBS.The stool samples
were examined microscopically to detect B. hominis and any co-parasitism. All positive
stool samples were cultured on Modified Jones' media. BALB/C mice were infected by isolated
Blastocystis. The effect of probiotics and silver nanoparticles on blastocystosis was
tested in experimentally infected mice. Cysts' mean count in stool of infected mice markedly
decreased; with a decrease in serum levels of nitric oxide and glutathione antioxidants compared
to drug control one. There was intestinal villi improvement of infected groups treated
with probiotics and silver nanoparticles,with mild inflammation and decrease of Blastocystis
at the intestinal surface as compared to the infected group metronidazole treated.