Dientamoeba fragilis and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A One Health-Based Zoonotic Perspective on Human-Parasite Interaction

Abstract

Dientamoeba fragilis (D. fragilis) is one of the potential causes of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between urticaria and the presence of Dientamoeba fragilis, as well as to compare diagnostic methods. Additionally, this study aims to emphasize the zoonotic potential of D. fragilis within the One Health approach, which is based on the interactions between human health, animal health, and environmental factors. The study included patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (n: 90) and healthy individuals (n: 40). Direct microscopic examination was performed on stool samples using the native-Lugol method. DNA was isolated from stool samples, and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed for detection. The incidence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria 17/90 (18.9%) compared to healthy controls 1/40 (2.5%) (p = 0.0261). In the direct microscopic examination of stool samples from Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria patients, D. fragilis was detected in 3 (2.3%) of the samples. D. fragilis was not detected in the stool samples of healthy volunteers by direct microscopy. However, the Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction revealed D. fragilis DNA in one healthy sample. The data indicate that D. fragilismay impact on the chronic inflammatory skin disorders. Furthermore, the study highlights the value of molecular techniques, such as Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, for more accurate detection of zoonotic parasites.