Blastocystosis And Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women. A Call to Deep in A Little-Known Association

Abstract

Luis Fonte, Yamile Aleaga, Yisel Hernandez, Maria Ginori, Gissel Garcia, Enrique J Calderon and Yaxsier de Armas

During the last twenty-five years, in parallel with the demonstration of a rapid increase of the global prevalence of blastocystosis, it has been documented the association between this parasitic infection and iron deficiency anemia in general population. More recently, it has been evidenced the high prevalence of blastocystosis in pregnant women and its association with iron deficiency anemia. Herein, we revise the most recent progress in the understanding of this association, the possible mechanisms that support it, including the Blastocystis subtypes involved, and its clinical consequences and public health significance. Taken in consideration the adverse impacts of anemia on the health of mothers and progeny, an adequate prevention and control of this parasitism during pregnancy may be mandatory. At the same time, and looking the problem from a more holistic multi-diseasebased perspective, the current initiatives to improve the prevention and control of intestinal parasitism in endemic areas may include in their communication strategies actions to inform, both at academic and community levels, about the possible adverse effects of blastocystosis on pregnancy evolution.

PDF