ABSTRACT
Blastocystis hominis is now getting acceptance as an agent of human intestinal disease. B. hominis in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals was evaluated as a possible cause of gastro-intestinal troubles. B. hominis was found in 106 [10.1%] out of 1050 individuals examined from six villages and one city in Talkha Center, Dakahlia Governorate. The highest infection rate was in Manshayt El-Badawy village [25.47%], whereas Talkha City showed the lowest rate [4.73%]. Age group 10-20 years had higher infection [13.3%]. In twenty- three symptomatic patients, B. hominis represented the only causative parasitic agent. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea [30.4%], abdominal pain [26.1%], flatulence [21.7%], vomiting [13.1%] and fatigue [8.7%]. High concentrations of B. hominis were found in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic ones with statistical significant difference [8.2 cells/100 x field versus 3.8 respectively]. The mean number of B. hominis was significantly high in patients complaining of diarrhoea and abdominal pain