Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium Infection in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium Infection in Colorectal Cancer Patients

1. Detect the prevelance of Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. among patients with colorectal cancer attending South Egypt Cancer Institute-Assiut University.
2. Detect the effect of Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium infection on various cytokines level in CRC patients that may be involved in the tumor progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The persons selected for the study are those who are:

  1. Colorectal cancer confirmed patients by imaging techniques (CT or MRI) and histopathological biopsy by Colonoscopy.
  2. Cooperative individuals attending South Egypt Cancer Institute - Assiut University of all ages and both sexes with confirmed diagnosis of CRC who agreed to be engaged in the study and were able to provide adequate samples.

CRC Patients will be divided into 4 groups:

Group 1: CRC patients without Blastocystis or Cryptosporidium infection. Group 2 : CRC patients with Blastocystis infection. Group 3 : CRC patients with Cryptosporidium infection. Group 4 : CRC patients with both Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium infection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients having any type of tumors other than CRC. Patients taking anti-parasitic medications 2 weeks before sample collection.