Frequency of Intestinal Protozoa in Patients Receiving Treatment at Van Special Physioactive Special Education and Rehabilitation Center.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of intestinal protozoa in disabled patients attending a rehabilitation center, thereby highlighting the significance of intestinal protozoa in individuals with disabilities.

Methods: The study included a total of 300 individuals, comprising 200 disabled patients and 100 non-disabled individuals. Stool samples were collected from all participants and examined using the native-Lugol and modified acid-fast methods.

Results: In the study, intestinal protozoa were detected in 41% of disabled individuals and in 9% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Blastocystis was detected in 18% of patients, Cryptosporidium spp. in 15%, Giardia intestinalis in 9%, Cyclospora cayetanensis in 5%, and Entamoeba coli in 4%. Among the subgroups, spina bifida patients had a protozoan infection rate of 83.3%, while the rates in other groups were lower. A significant relationship was detected between the presence of parasites and diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Disabled individuals, especially those with spina bifida, are at risk for intestinal protozoa, and regular screening for opportunistic protozoa is essential for these patients.