الفهرس 
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Abstract
Despite the fact that Blastocystis was discovered almost 100 years ago, its clinical significance and many aspects regarding its biology remain unresolved. Until now 13 subtypes were discovered with 30 different strains, 9 of them found in human. So, the aim of this study was to determine the distribution of different genotypes using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of Blastocystis isolates in relation to some clinical characteristics of those subjects. Literature regarding the stages of pathological and immunohistochemical changes following Blastocystis infection until its clearance are lacking, so another objective was to study the pathogenicity of Blastocystis in an animal model and to determine the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes at different time zones following infection. Two hundred forty three fecal specimens were collected and examined microscopically in Parasitolgy Department laboratory for the presence of B. hominis and the associated intestinal parasites. Stool examination revealed 138 B. hominis positive cases (36 cases associated with other intestinal parasites as G. lamblia, E. histolytica, etc… were excluded). 102 B. hominis positive samples were classified into IBS associated, GIT symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Data including age, sex, GIT symptoms (Diarrhea, abdominal pain, distension and constipation), and immunocompromisation (steroid therapy, cancer chemotherapy, after renal transplant) were recorded in a data sheet.