Blastocystis is an enteric parasite commonly found in gastrointestinal tract of humans and
many animals. Despite being one of the most widespread and prevalent intestinal eukaryotes,
its role in health and disease was elusive. This parasite has been diagnosed more often than ever
before by different methods such as microscopy, different cultures, and molecular techniques.
Some Blastocystis strains develop resistance against drugs, such as metronidazole.
The current study was conducted on 75 patients; all stool samples were examined by direct
saline, iodine staining and cultured on LE & Jones' media. The Blastocystis suspension and the
corresponding concentration of the tested drug or herbal extracts were incubated at 37oC. Herbal
extracts (Allium sativum, Nigella sativa and Origanum majorana) was evaluated against
Blastocystis at 24, 48, & 72hrs post treatment versus Nitazoxanide®.
The results showed that LE media was the most accurate diagnostic one for detecting Blastocystis
followed by Jones' media, iodine stain and saline wet mount (42.7%, 34.7%, 22.7%, &
17.3%), respectively. Aqueous extracts of A. sativum, N. sativa gave a potent lethal effect on
blastocystosis as compared to Nitazoxanide® (NTZ). But, Origanum majorana was effective,
but neither as A. sativum or N. sativa nor Nitazoxanide.