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Jiménez PA, Jaimes JE, Ramírez JD. A summary of Blastocystis subtypes in North and South America. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:376. [PMID: 31358042 PMCID: PMC6664531 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a stramenopile of worldwide significance due to its capacity to colonize several hosts. Based on its high level of genetic diversity, Blastocystis is classified into global ribosomal subtypes (STs). The aim of this study was to conduct a summary of Blastocystis STs and depict their distribution throughout North and South America; we did this by assembling maps and identifying its most common 18S alleles based on diverse studies that had been reported all over the continent and whose Blastocystis-positive samples were obtained from numerous hosts. Results Thirty-nine articles relating to nine countries from the American continent were considered, revealing that ST1 (33.3%), ST2 (21.9%), ST3 (37.9%), ST4 (1.7%), ST5 (0.4%), ST6 (1.2%), ST7 (1%), ST8 (0.7%), ST9 (0.4%), ST12 (0.3%), Novel ST (1.1%) and Mixed STs (0.2%) occurred in humans. The STs in other animal hosts were ST1 (6.5%), ST2 (6.5%), ST3 (4.7%), ST4 (7.2%), ST5 (15.9%), ST6 (17.3%), ST7 (3.6%), ST8 (20.6%), ST10 (9%), ST14 (3.6%), ST17 (1.1%) and Novel ST (4%). The countries that presented the most abundant variety of studies reporting STs were the USA with 14 STs, Brazil with 9 STs and Colombia with 8 STs. Additionally, new variants had been described in the last few years, which have increased the prevalence of these subtypes in the countries studied, such as Novel ST (1.1%) and Mixed STs (0.2%) in humans and Novel ST (4%) in animals. Conclusions This summary updates the epidemiological situation on the distribution of Blastocystis STs in North and South America and will augment current knowledge on the prevalence and genetic diversity of this protozoan. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3641-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Andrea Jiménez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Eduardo Jaimes
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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152
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Comparative Pathobiology of the Intestinal Protozoan Parasites Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030116. [PMID: 31362451 PMCID: PMC6789772 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites can infect the human intestinal tract causing serious diseases. In the following article, we focused on the three most prominent intestinal protozoan pathogens, namely, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Both C. parvum and G. lamblia colonize the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and are the most common causative agents of persistent diarrhea (i.e., cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis). Entamoeba histolytica colonizes the colon and, unlike the two former pathogens, may invade the colon wall and disseminate to other organs, mainly the liver, thereby causing life-threatening amebiasis. Here, we present condensed information concerning the pathobiology of these three diseases.
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153
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Wylezich C, Belka A, Hanke D, Beer M, Blome S, Höper D. Metagenomics for broad and improved parasite detection: a proof-of-concept study using swine faecal samples. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:769-777. [PMID: 31361998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and reliable identification of emerging pathogens is crucial for the design and implementation of timely and proportionate control strategies. This is difficult if the pathogen is so far unknown or only distantly related with known pathogens. Diagnostic metagenomics - an undirected, broad and sensitive method for the efficient identification of pathogens - was frequently used for virus and bacteria detection, but seldom applied to parasite identification. Here, metagenomics datasets prepared from swine faeces using an unbiased sample processing approach with RNA serving as starting material were re-analysed with respect to parasite detection. The taxonomic identification tool RIEMS, used for initial detection, provided basic hints on potential pathogens contained in the datasets. The suspected parasites/intestinal protists (Blastocystis, Entamoeba, Iodamoeba, Neobalantidium, Tetratrichomonas) were verified using subsequently applied reference mapping analyses on the base of rRNA sequences. Nearly full-length gene sequences could be extracted from the RNA-derived datasets. In the case of Blastocystis, subtyping was possible with subtype (ST)15 discovered for the first known time in swine faeces. Using RIEMS, some of the suspected candidates turned out to be false-positives caused by the poor status of sequences in publicly available databases. Altogether, 11 different species/STs of parasites/intestinal protists were detected in 34 out of 41 datasets extracted from metagenomics data. The approach operates without any primer bias that typically hampers the analysis of amplicon-based approaches, and allows the detection and taxonomic classification including subtyping of protist and metazoan endobionts (parasites, commensals or mutualists) based on an abundant biomarker, the 18S rRNA. The generic nature of the approach also allows evaluation of interdependencies that induce mutualistic or pathogenic effects that are often not clear for many intestinal protists and perhaps other parasites. Thus, metagenomics has the potential for generic pathogen identification beyond the characterisation of viruses and bacteria when starting from RNA instead of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wylezich
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Ariane Belka
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dennis Hanke
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sandra Blome
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dirk Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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154
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Gong B, Liu X, Wu Y, Xu N, Xu M, Yang F, Tong L, Zhou K, Cao J, Liu A, Shen Y. Prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in ethnic minority groups on both sides of the China-Myanmar border, and assessment of risk factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:46. [PMID: 31343971 PMCID: PMC6658150 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans worldwide. To understand its prevalence and to explore the risk factors for Blastocystis in humans in developing countries, a molecular epidemiological investigation of Blastocystis was conducted in ethnic minority groups on both sides of the China-Myanmar border. A total of 461 fecal specimens were collected from 289 Yao people in China and 172 Wa people in Myanmar, together with a questionnaire for each participant. Based on sequence analysis of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene (barcode region or 260 bp region), an average prevalence of 6.29% (29/461) was observed, with 4.50% (13/289) in Yao people and 9.30% (16/172) in Wa people. Twenty-two Blastocystis isolates were successfully subtyped by sequence analysis of the barcode region. Three subtypes were identified: ST1 (n = 7), ST3 (n = 13) and ST4 (n = 2). A statistical difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis was only observed between children (12.37%, 12/97) and adults (4.95%, 16/323), and between not washing hands (11.02%, 14/127) and washing hands (4.76%, 15/315) after using toilets, emphasizing the importance and necessity of health education in people in the investigated areas, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Gong
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yanchen Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Ning Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Meng Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Kexin Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
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155
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Tito RY, Chaffron S, Caenepeel C, Lima-Mendez G, Wang J, Vieira-Silva S, Falony G, Hildebrand F, Darzi Y, Rymenans L, Verspecht C, Bork P, Vermeire S, Joossens M, Raes J. Population-level analysis of Blastocystis subtype prevalence and variation in the human gut microbiota. Gut 2019; 68:1180-1189. [PMID: 30171064 PMCID: PMC6582744 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human gut microbiome studies are mainly bacteria- and archaea-oriented, overlooking the presence of single-cell eukaryotes such as Blastocystis, an enteric stramenopiles with worldwide distribution. Here, we surveyed the prevalence and subtype variation of Blastocystis in faecal samples collected as part of the Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP), a Western population cohort. We assessed potential links between Blastocystis subtypes and identified microbiota-host covariates and quantified microbiota differentiation relative to subtype abundances. DESIGN We profiled stool samples from 616 healthy individuals from the FGFP cohort as well as 107 patients with IBD using amplicon sequencing targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. We evaluated associations of Blastocystis, and their subtypes, with host parameters, diversity and composition of bacterial and archaeal communities. RESULTS Blastocystis prevalence in the non-clinical population cohort was 30% compared with 4% among Flemish patients with IBD. Within the FGFP cohort, out of 69 previously identified gut microbiota covariates, only age was associated with Blastocystis subtype carrier status. In contrast, a strong association between microbiota community composition and Blastocystis subtypes was observed, with effect sizes larger than that of host covariates. Microbial richness and diversity were linked to both Blastocystis prevalence and subtype variation. All Blastocystis subtypes detected in this cohort were found to be less prevalent in Bacteroides enterotyped samples. Interestingly, Blastocystis subtypes 3 and 4 were inversely correlated with Akkermansia, suggesting differential associations of subtypes with host health. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasise the role of Blastocystis as a common constituent of the healthy gut microbiota. We show its prevalence is reduced in patients with active IBD and demonstrate that subtype characterisation is essential for assessing the relationship between Blastocystis, microbiota profile and host health. These findings have direct clinical applications, especially in donor selection for faecal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Y Tito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium,Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Chaffron
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N), CNRS UMR 6004, Université de Nantes, École Centrale de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Clara Caenepeel
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gipsi Lima-Mendez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Vieira-Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gwen Falony
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Youssef Darzi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Rymenans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chloë Verspecht
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peer Bork
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany,Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Severine Vermeire
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
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156
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Deng L, Yao JX, Liu HF, Zhou ZY, Chai YJ, Wang WY, Zhong ZJ, Deng JL, Ren ZH, Fu HL, Yan X, Yue CJ, Peng GN. First report of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, and various bird species in Sichuan province, southwestern China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:298-304. [PMID: 31341768 PMCID: PMC6610630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common enteric protist that colonizes humans and a wide range of animals. Although some studies have reported incidences of Blastocystis in humans and animals in China, there is no information available on the prevalence of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, or bird species. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence, subtype distribution, and genetic characterizations of Blastocystis in these animals in a captive situation in southwestern China, as well as assess the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates. A total of 168 fecal specimens, including 81 from giant pandas, 23 from red pandas, 38 from black swans, 11 from ruddy shelducks, and 15 from green peafowl were collected at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province. The overall minimum prevalence of Blastocystis was 11.3% (19/168) based on PCR amplification of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was observed in ruddy shelduck (18.2%) and the lowest was found in green peafowl (6.7%). The prevalence of Blastocystis in giant pandas >5.5 years of age was higher than that in younger giant pandas. Two potentially zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST8) were identified, and ST1 (n = 12) was found to be more prevalent than ST8 (n = 7). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, and bird species in China. The findings of this study will improve our understanding of the genetic diversity and public health potential of Blastocystis. This is the first report of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, and various bird species in China. The overall minimum prevalence of Blastocystis was 11.3%. Two zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST8) were identified. This study will enrich the epidemiological data of Blastocystis infection in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Jing-Xin Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Hai-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Zi-Yao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Yi-Jun Chai
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Wu-You Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Jun-Liang Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Hua-Lin Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
| | - Chan-Juan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Guang-Neng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
- Corresponding author. 211 Huimin, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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157
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Abstract
The amount and evolutionary impact of horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes remain contentious issues. A new phylogenomic study suggests that gene transfer from prokaryotes has contributed significantly to the adaptation and metabolic evolution of Blastocystis, the most widespread human gut eukaryotic parasite.
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158
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Wąż P, Sikorska K, Szostakowska B. Blastocystis subtypes isolated from travelers and non-travelers from the north of Poland - A single center study. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:103926. [PMID: 31220611 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common, enteric protist of humans and animals with a worldwide distribution and unclear clinical relevance. Nine out of 17 genetically diverse subtypes occur in humans. We analysed the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes and the intensity of invasion in relation to the gastrointestinal tract disorders and travels to different continents. 122 Blastocystis stool cultures were subtyped via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with seven pairs of subtype-specific, sequence-tagged-site (STS) primers. Five subtypes of Blastocystis were detected: ST3 (59%), ST2 (19.7%), ST1 (13.1%), ST6 (3.3%), ST7 (3.3%), and two mixed infections with ST1/ST3 (1.6%). ST1 was detected exclusively in travelers to hot climate zones and ST2 was found more frequently in people visiting other continents compared to those who never left Poland. We found no correlation between gastrointestinal tract disorders, Blastocystis STs, and parasite load. There was no age predisposition to the Blastocystis infection. We established the distribution of Blastocystis STs among Poles traveling to different continents and never leaving Poland. Our study sheds more light on the problem of importing Blastocystis infection. It shows that certain subtypes detected in Europe can be imported due to travel or migration. Collecting data on the travel history of the surveyed persons is necessary to clarify this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Wąż
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
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159
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Blastocystis subtype 1 (allele 4); Predominant subtype among tuberculosis patients in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:201-206. [PMID: 31300114 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis and tuberculosis are two public health issues that are frequently reported in regions with low level of hygiene. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Blastocystis subtype and allele distribution in TB patients. METHODS Totally, 161 stool samples were taken from TB patients who were undergoing anti-MTB treatment. Stool samples were concentrated using conventional formalin-ether technique and examined using Lugol's iodine staining under light microscopy. DNA extraction was carried out and discriminative fragment was amplified and sequenced. With comparison in GenBank database, relevant subtypes and alleles were characterized and phylogenetically analyzed using MEGA v.7 and Tamura 3-parameter model. RESULTS In total, from 161 stool samples, 19 samples were suspected to be Blastocystis-positive. The expected fragment was amplified in 13 (8.07%) of samples. Accordingly, 11/13 (84.62%) of Blastocystis cases settled in urban and 2/13 (15.38%) were villagers. Close-contact with animals was also seen among 7/13 (53.84%) of samples. Subtype 1 (7/13; 53.84%) was the most prevalent followed by subtype 2 (5/13; 38.46%) and subtype 3 (1/13, 7.69%). All ST1 were allele 4, while alleles 9, 11 and 12 were seen in ST2 and allele 34 was the only allele observed in ST3. All three subtypes were clearly separated, while there was no separation between sequences from TB and non-TB patients. CONCLUSION Blastocystis ST1 was the most prevalent subtype in TB patients and there was no difference between Blastocystis isolates from TB and non-TB human subjects.
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160
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Greige S, El Safadi D, Khaled S, Gantois N, Baydoun M, Chemaly M, Benamrouz-Vanneste S, Chabé M, Osman M, Certad G, Hamze M, Viscogliosi E. First report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in dairy cattle in Lebanon and assessment of zoonotic transmission. Acta Trop 2019; 194:23-29. [PMID: 30878470 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is frequently identified in a wide range of animal hosts, including bovids. Because of its burden and zoonotic potential, this parasite has been sought in domestic cattle from various countries, since this livestock may also represent a possible reservoir of human infection. However, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence and ST distribution of Blastocystis sp. in this animal group is lacking in Lebanon. Therefore, faecal samples were collected from a total of 254 dairy cattle raised on 55 farms located in the North Lebanon region and screened for the presence of the parasite by quantitative real-time PCR. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was shown to reach 63.4% in cattle livestock. Sequence analysis of positive samples indicated the presence of seven STs, with predominance of ST10 (44.0%) and ST14 (36.8%) and lower proportions of ST2 (8.0%), ST1 (7.2%), ST5 (2.4%), ST3 and ST7 (0.8% each). This survey was the first conducted worldwide reporting ST2 and ST7 in domestic cattle and confirmed that ST10 and ST14 represent cattle-adapted STs in view of their high prevalence. Faecal samples from in-contact dairy farmers and patients hospitalised in the same Lebanese governorate who reported no contact with cattle livestock were also analysed for the presence of Blastocystis sp. The same three STs were identified in both human cohorts, with predominance of ST3, followed either by ST1 or ST2 depending of the group. No other STs, including ST10 or ST14, have been reported. Moreover, even though ST1, ST2 and ST3 were found to be common to dairy cattle and farmers cohorts, only one ST3 isolate showed 100% sequence identity between both hosts. Consequently, the presence and low prevalence of ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5 and ST7 identified herein in domestic cattle, most of which exhibit low host specificity, could be derived from occasional direct exposure to faecal material from human and non-human hosts or by ingestion of contaminated drinking water or food in the enclosure of the farms. Together with the absence of ST10 and ST14 in the human population, these data suggest that cattle play a negligible role as zoonotic reservoirs of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Greige
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France; Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Rue Mitein, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France; Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Rue Mitein, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Salma Khaled
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France; Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Rue Mitein, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Martha Baydoun
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- ANSES, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pig Products Unit, Bretagne-Loire University, Ploufragan, France
| | - Sadia Benamrouz-Vanneste
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Marwan Osman
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Rue Mitein, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Gabriela Certad
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France; Département de la Recherche Médicale, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Faculté de Médecine et Maïeutique, Université Catholique de Lille, 51 Boulevard de Belfort, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Rue Mitein, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille Cedex, France.
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Mardani Kataki M, Tavalla M, Beiromvand M. Higher prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in healthy individuals than patients with gastrointestinal symptoms from Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:160-164. [PMID: 31300108 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis, a common intestinal protozoan of humans and animals, infected more than 1 billion people around the world. This enteric protozoan is frequently reported in both healthy individuals and patients with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. METHODS Three hundred and forty-five fecal samples including 151 GI patients and 194 healthy individuals were examined by microscopy, culture and PCR-sequencing techniques to determine Blastocystis frequency and subtype (ST) variation. RESULTS The occurrence of Blastocystis was detected 56 (16.2%) and 85 (24.6%) by microscopy, culture and PCR methods, respectively. Out of the 85 positive patients, 60 (70.6%) were asymptomatic and 25 (29.4%) were symptomatic. The results of 41 successfully sequenced isolates identified 8 (19.5%), 8 (19.5%), and 25 (61.0%) ST1, ST2, and ST3, respectively. CONCLUSION This study has found that Blastocystis was more common in healthy individuals than GI patients. Another finding was that no correlation was found between clinical symptoms and Blastocystis STs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Mardani Kataki
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Tavalla
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of MedicalSciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Molouk Beiromvand
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of MedicalSciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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162
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Santin M. Next generation amplicon sequencing improves detection of Blastocystis mixed subtype infections. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 73:119-125. [PMID: 31026606 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a highly prevalent enteric protist parasite of humans and animals. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Genetic diversity studies have identified numerous subtypes (STs) within the genus Blastocystis based on polymorphism at the SSU rRNA gene. Although there is evidence of frequent mixed subtype infections, the extent of within-host subtype diversity remains largely unexplored. Accurate assessment of Blastocystis ST diversity is crucial to understand epidemiology and sources of Blastocystis transmission to humans. Here, we report the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) for detection and characterization of Blastocystis subtypes to investigate intra-host Blastocystis diversity. A total of 75 specimens obtained from cattle feces, previously identified as Blastocystis positive, were examined using next generation amplicon sequencing. A fragment of the SSU rRNA gene was amplified using Blastocystis-specific primers and resulting amplicons were used for NGS. Comparison of Sanger and NGS results suggest greater sensitivity using the NGS approach. Using Sanger sequencing, mixed infections were suspected in 18 specimens but only confirmed through cloning in three, while NGS identified 49 mixed infections (16 times more). In addition, NGS revealed greater diversity of subtypes with 14 detected compared to 11 by Sanger. Nine more infections with potentially zoonotic STs were detected by NGS than Sanger. Indeed, subtype 3, the most common subtype found in humans, was found in 37% (28) of specimens tested by NGS but in only four specimens using Sanger. Our findings indicate that mixed Blastocystis infections may be far more common than previously thought due to the limitations of current detection methods. This next generation amplicon sequencing strategy improves detection of mixed subtype infections and low abundance subtypes and represents a valuable resource for future Blastocystis studies to improve our understanding of its epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Monica Santin
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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163
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Kök M, Çekin Y, Çekin AH, Uyar S, Harmandar F, Şahintürk Y. The role of Blastocystis hominis in the activation of ulcerative colitis. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2019; 30:40-46. [PMID: 30644363 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2018.18498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Several studies have shown that a change in microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, with the emergence in recent studies of differences according to the subtype of IBD and whether the disease is active or in remission, there has started to be research into the relationship between IBD and several microorganisms. Blastocystis hominis is primary among these organisms. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of B. hominis in the acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 114 patients with UC were included in the study, with 52 in the active phase. The Mayo scoring system was used for the activity index. Patients determined with a flare-up agent other than B. hominis were excluded from the study. Fecal samples of the patients were examined by the polymerase chain reaction method for the presence of B. hominis. RESULTS B. hominis positivity was determined in 37 (34%) patients with UC. Of the patients, 17 (32.6%) were in the acute flare-up phase, and 20 (32.2%) were in remission (p=0.961). In 11 (64.7%) of the B. hominis positive patients, the disease severity was determined as mild-moderate (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed that while there was no difference between the active and remission phases in respect of B. hominis presence, there was milder involvement in those determined with B. hominis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Kök
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Çekin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Hilmi Çekin
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Seyit Uyar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ferda Harmandar
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Yasin Şahintürk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
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164
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Ren M, Song JK, Yang F, Zou M, Wang PX, Wang D, Zhang HJ, Zhao GH, Lin Q. First genotyping of Blastocystis in yaks from Qinghai Province, northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:171. [PMID: 30992082 PMCID: PMC6469144 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3436-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a common protist that can infect domestic and wild animals worldwide. Yak (Bos grunniens), an ancient species which can survive in alpine regions, has supplied necessities to local residents in plateau areas for generations. However, the infections with Blastocystis in yaks has been ignored for a long time. In the present study, the infections and genotypes of Blastocystis spp. in domestic yaks from Qinghai Province (northwestern China) were explored. Results Of 1027 faecal samples collected from yaks in seven regions of Qinghai Province, northwestern China, the total prevalence of Blastocystis was 27.07% (278/1027) targeting the small subunit ribosome rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. This protist was detected in yaks within each examined age group, geographical origin and season. Significant difference in prevalence was found in yaks from different geographical origins. The highest prevalence (48.94%) was observed in animals from Haixi county. Sequence analysis revealed three animal-specific subtypes (ST10, ST12 and ST14) of Blastocystis spp. in these yaks, with ST10 being the predominant subtype widely distributed in all investigated regions, seasons and age groups. Interestingly, this is the first report about subtype ST12 infecting yaks. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first systematic report on Blastocystis prevalence in yaks from China, and the findings provide fundamental data for establishing effective control measures for this protist in yaks as well as other animals in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin-Xue Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Jun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, 810016, People's Republic of China.
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Evaluation of risk factors associated to detection of Blastocystis sp. in fecal samples in population from Barcelona, Spain: a case-control study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1241-1247. [PMID: 30879163 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is the most common intestinal parasite isolated in humans. The aim of the study was to describe the risk factors associated to Blastocystis sp. detection. A case-control retrospective study was carried out at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), which receives all fecal samples collected in Barcelona at primary care level. Eligible patients were patients older than 18 years in whom three consecutive stool samples were examined for parasitic diagnosis from January to December 2017. Positive patients for Blastocystis sp. were assigned as cases whereas negative patients were assigned as controls. Overall, 4174 patients were eligible for the study, from whom 724 (17.3%) had Blastocystis sp. detection. From these, 170 cases (Blastocystis sp. positive) and 170 controls (Blastocystis sp. negative) were randomly selected for inclusion. One hundred and twenty-six (37.1%) of them were immigrants, and 171 (50.3%) patients had traveled out of Spain the year before. The majority of individuals had jobs with no direct contact with other people (health personnel, teachers, and caregivers) (85.6%), and 29.4% were in usual contact with animals. Regarding clinical information, 68.2% of patients presented digestive symptoms, 3.5% presented an immunosuppressant condition, and 6.5% were infected by other intestinal parasites. Variables associated to Blastocystis sp. detection were being born in Africa, having traveled abroad, and working in direct contact with other people. Having other intestinal parasitic infections had a protective value. Our study provides new insights into the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in industrialized countries.
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Investigation of Dientamoeba fragilis Prevalence and Evaluation of Sociodemographic and Clinical Features in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:162-170. [PMID: 30645736 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-018-00017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dientamoeba fragilis is a protozoan parasite of the human gastrointestinal tract and still controversial in association with gastrointestinal symptoms. PURPOSE We present cross-sectional study of the prevalence of D. fragilis, and sociodemographic and clinical features in the patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS A total of 490 fecal specimens were collected from outpatients with gastrointestinal symptoms in the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University and Celal Bayar University, Turkey. Fecal specimens were examined with microscopy and inoculated in Robinson medium. D. fragilis-positive samples were examined for the presence of other intestinal parasites using enzyme immunoassay. Real-time PCR analysis was performed on all samples. RESULTS Of the 490 stool specimens examined by real-time PCR, 59 patients were positive for D. fragilis infection with prevalence rate of 12.04%. Forty-four of positive patients (74.5%) were found to be infected with only D. fragilis, while 23.7% were co-infected with Blastocystis and 1.7% were co-infected with Rotavirus. No statistically significant difference was found in all the examined patients in terms of D. fragilis positivity for all sociodemographic parameters. Loose stool consistency was associated with the presence of D. fragilis, with 18.3% (P = 0.001). When the clinical symptoms of all the patients participating in this study were examined, diarrhea was statistically more significant in patients with the presence of D. fragilis (16.3%; P = 0.001). The rate of diarrhea in D. fragilis-positive patients (84.09%; P = 0.0005) was higher than that of D. fragilis-negative patients and it was statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study is important for assessing the prevalence of D. fragilis and its association with other factors in symptomatic patients in a large sample group in Turkey, as well as investigating the relationship of identified symptoms with the D. fragilis pathogenicity. It is suggested that D. fragilis in this case is not a commensal parasite but a pathogenic parasite and that the most common clinical symptom is diarrhea.
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167
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Aynur ZE, Güçlü Ö, Yıldız İ, Aynur H, Ertabaklar H, Bozdoğan B, Ertuğ S. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis in cattle in Turkey. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1055-1059. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Pinning down the role of common luminal intestinal parasitic protists in human health and disease - status and challenges. Parasitology 2019; 146:695-701. [PMID: 30732665 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While some single-celled intestinal parasites are direct causes of diarrhoea and other types of intestinal pathology, the impact of other gut micro-eukaryotes on human health remains elusive. The fact that some common luminal intestinal parasitic protists (CLIPPs) have lately been found more often in healthy than in diseased individuals has fuelled the hypothesis that some parasites might in fact be protective against disease. To this end, the use of new DNA technologies has helped us investigate trans-kingdom relationships in the gut. However, research into these relationships is currently hampered by the limited data available on the genetic diversity within the CLIPPs genera, which results in limited efficacy of publicly available DNA sequence databases for taxonomic annotation of sequences belonging to the eukaryotic component of the gut microbiota. In this paper, I give a brief overview of the status on CLIPPs in human health and disease and challenges related to the mapping of intestinal eukaryotic diversity of the human gut.
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169
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Piubelli C, Soleymanpoor H, Giorli G, Formenti F, Buonfrate D, Bisoffi Z, Perandin F. Blastocystis prevalence and subtypes in autochthonous and immigrant patients in a referral centre for parasitic infections in Italy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210171. [PMID: 30615638 PMCID: PMC6322732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we characterized the presence and subtype (ST1-ST4) of Blastocystis in patients attended at a referral center for tropical diseases in Northern Italy. We also, evaluated the organism's association with other intestinal parasites. Parasite screening was performed on 756 patients, from different geographical origins (namely, Italians, Africans, South Americans, Asian and non-Italian Europeans) in which Italians represented the largest group. Blastocystis was seen to be the most prevalent parasite in the study. Subtype 3 and 1 were the most frequently found in the Italians and Africans. Our data confirmed previous studies performed in Italy, in which ST3 proved to be the most prevalent subtype, but we highlighted also a high frequency of mixed subtypes, which were probably underestimated in former analyses. Interestingly, the mixed subtypes group was the most prevalent in all the analysed geographical areas. About half of our cases showed other co-infecting parasites and the most frequent was Dientamoeba fragilis. Our study confirms that, in Blastocystis infection, multiple subtypes and co-infecting parasites are very frequently present, in particular Dientamoeba fragilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Hossein Soleymanpoor
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giorli
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
| | - Fabio Formenti
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
| | - Francesca Perandin
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Vr), Italy
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:121. [PMID: 30526666 PMCID: PMC6287361 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis. Results Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species. Conclusions The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, 1781, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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171
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Prevalence and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis from dairy cattle in Kanagawa, Japan. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:702-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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172
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Friesen J, Fuhrmann J, Kietzmann H, Tannich E, Müller M, Ignatius R. Evaluation of the Roche LightMix Gastro parasites multiplex PCR assay detecting Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidia, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Blastocystis hominis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:1333-1337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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173
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Asghari A, Sadraei J, Pirestani M, Mohammadpour I. First molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from hooded crows (Corvus cornix) and pigeons (Columba livia) in Tehran Province, Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 62:25-30. [PMID: 30711042 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite among humans and animals such as non-human primates, pigs, cattle, birds, amphibians, and less frequently, rats, reptiles and insects. Since Blastocystis is a widely transmissible parasite between humans and mammals or birds, it is prominent to determine whether newly secluded non-human isolates are zoonotic. There are no comprehensive studies in Iran assessing the prevalence and molecular identification of Blastocystis infection in birds, especially in pigeons and crows. So, the aim of this study was to identify Blastocystis subtypes (STs) in crows and pigeons in Tehran province, Iran, using Nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Overall, 300 Blastocystis isolates from birds (156 pigeons and 144 crows) were subtyped by PCR, and the homology among isolates was then confirmed by RFLP analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was detected 42.9% in pigeons and 44.4% in crows. All positive pigeons were owned by ST13 (100%). Among crows, 46 samples (71.8%) like pigeons were ST13, and 13 samples (20.3%) were ST14. Five samples (7.9%) remained unknown. This study was the first report of ST13 and ST14 of Blastocystis from birds. In the present study, our data revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in pigeon's and crow's samples and the isolates from these birds were classified into two genetically distinct STs. Therefore, birds appear to be infected with various STs. It is important to determine the phylogenetic relationships between unknown STs from these birds and the multiple STs of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Javid Sadraei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Iraj Mohammadpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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174
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Maloney JG, Lombard JE, Urie NJ, Shivley CB, Santin M. Zoonotic and genetically diverse subtypes of Blastocystis in US pre-weaned dairy heifer calves. Parasitol Res 2018; 118:575-582. [PMID: 30483890 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with global distribution. However, limited data exist on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in the USA and in food animals. We conducted the first large-scale molecular investigation of Blastocystis in the USA by testing 2539 fecal samples from dairy heifer calves from 13 states. Blastocystis was detected in 73 (2.9%) fecal samples and in 10 of the 13 tested states. Molecular characterization showed a wide diversity of subtypes. Eleven subtypes were identified, seven previously reported (ST-3, ST-4, ST-5, ST-10, ST-14, ST-17, and ST-21) and four potentially novel subtypes (named ST-23 to ST-26). Zoonotic subtypes 3, 4, and 5 were found in 67% (49) of the positive specimens in this population. Our results suggest that cattle could serve as reservoirs of infection for humans and other domestic animals highlighting the potential risk of zoonotic transmission for Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Monica Santin
- Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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175
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Defaye M, Nourrisson C, Baudu E, Warwzyniak I, Bonnin V, Bonnet M, Barnich N, Ardid D, Delbac F, Carvalho FA, Poirier P. Efficient and reproducible experimental infections of rats with Blastocystis spp. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207669. [PMID: 30452467 PMCID: PMC6242359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis spp. infect probably more than 1 billion people worldwide, their clinical significance is still controversial and their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In this study, we describe a protocol for an efficient and reproducible model of chronic infection in rats, laying the groundwork for future work to evaluate the pathogenic potential of this parasite. In our experimental conditions, we were unable to infect rats using vacuolar forms of an axenically cultivated ST4 isolate, but we successfully established chronic infections of 4 week-old rats after oral administration of both ST3 and ST4 purified cysts isolated from human stool samples. The infection protocol was also applied to 4 week-old C57BL/9, BALB/C and C3H mice, but any mouse was found to be infected by Blastocystis. Minimal cyst inoculum required for rat infection was higher with ST3 (105) than with ST4 (102). These results were confirmed by co-housing experiments highlighting a higher contagious potential of ST4 in rats compared to ST3. Finally, experiments mimicking fecal microbiota transfer from infected to healthy animals showed that Blastocystis spp. could easily infect a new host, even though its intestinal microbiota is not disturbed. In conclusion, our results provide a well-documented and robust rat model of Blastocystis chronic infection, reproducing "natural" infection. This model will be of great interest to study host parasite interactions and to better evaluate clinical significance of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Defaye
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elodie Baudu
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Warwzyniak
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Virginie Bonnin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mathilde Bonnet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Barnich
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1071, USC INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Denis Ardid
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, Inserm U1107, NeuroDol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Philippe Poirier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU, 3iHP, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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176
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Udonsom R, Prasertbun R, Mahittikorn A, Mori H, Changbunjong T, Komalamisra C, Pintong AR, Sukthana Y, Popruk S. Blastocystis infection and subtype distribution in humans, cattle, goats, and pigs in central and western Thailand. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 65:107-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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177
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Cannon MV, Bogale H, Rutt L, Humphrys M, Korpe P, Duggal P, Ravel J, Serre D. A high-throughput sequencing assay to comprehensively detect and characterize unicellular eukaryotes and helminths from biological and environmental samples. MICROBIOME 2018; 6:195. [PMID: 30373673 PMCID: PMC6206884 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-018-0581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several of the most devastating human diseases are caused by eukaryotic parasites transmitted by arthropod vectors or through food and water contamination. These pathogens only represent a fraction of all unicellular eukaryotes and helminths that are present in the environment and many uncharacterized organisms might have subtle but pervasive effects on health, including by modifying the microbiome where they reside. Unfortunately, while we have modern molecular tools to characterize bacterial and, to a lesser extent, fungal communities, we lack suitable methods to comprehensively investigate and characterize most unicellular eukaryotes and helminths: the detection of these organisms often relies on microscopy that cannot differentiate related organisms, while molecular assays can only detect the pathogens specifically tested. RESULTS Here, we describe a novel sequencing-based assay, akin to bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing, that enables high-throughput detection and characterization of a wide range of unicellular eukaryotes and helminths, including those from taxonomical groups containing all common human parasites. We designed and evaluated taxon-specific PCR primer pairs that selectively amplify all species from eight taxonomical groups (Apicomplexa, Amoeba, Diplomonadida, Kinetoplastida, Parabasalia, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, and Microsporidia). We then used these primers to screen DNA extracted from clinical, biological, and environmental samples, and after next-generation sequencing, identified both known and previously undescribed organisms from most taxa targeted. CONCLUSIONS This novel high-throughput assay enables comprehensive detection and identification of eukaryotic parasites and related organisms, from a wide range of complex biological and environmental samples. This approach can be easily deployed to many settings and will efficiently complement existing methods and provide a holistic perspective on the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew V Cannon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haikel Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay Rutt
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Poonum Korpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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178
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Javanmard E, Niyyati M, Ghasemi E, Mirjalali H, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Zali MR. Impacts of human development index and climate conditions on prevalence of Blastocystis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2018; 185:193-203. [PMID: 29802845 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent eukaryotic microorganism that has been frequently reported from the stool samples of human and animals, all over the world. The prevalence of this parasite has close correlation with the climate and hygiene situation of studied populations. For the current study, English and Persian databases were searched for the following terms: "Blastocystis hominis", "Blastocystis sp.", "Intestinal Parasites", "Prevalence" and "Iran". In order to data analysis and assess the possibility of publication bias, STATA v11 and Begg's Funnel plot were employed respectively. From 605 searched cases, 86 publications met our criteria for the analysis. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis was 9.1% (95%CI: 8.2%, 10.1%). The results represented that the prevalence of the parasite using molecular techniques or cultivation followed by molecular techniques (20.89%) was higher than only microscopical examination (8.96%). The prevalence rate of Blastocystis according to human development index was 7.6%, 7.2%, 11.9%, 13.4%, and 3.3% for ranks 1 to 5, respectively. This is the first study signifying the prevalence of Blastocystis regarding the human development index and climate conditions. The findings represented that although human development index, low levels of socioeconomic situations together with appropriate climate such as sufficient humidity and high temperature increase the chance of transmission of Blastocystis in a society.
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179
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Membrane Surface Features of Blastocystis Subtypes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9080417. [PMID: 30126152 PMCID: PMC6115916 DOI: 10.3390/genes9080417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protistan parasite with global distribution. Blastocystis is a species complex composed of several isolates with biological and morphological differences. The surface coats of Blastocystis from three different isolates representing three subtypes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. This structure contains carbohydrate components that are also present in surface glycoconjugates in other parasitic protozoa. Electron micrographs show variations in the surface coats from the three Blastocystis isolates. These differences could be associated with the differences in the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis subtypes. Apart from the surface coat, a plasma membrane-associated surface antigen has been described for Blastocystis ST7 and is associated with programmed cell death features of the parasite.
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180
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High diversity of Blastocystis subtypes isolated from asymptomatic adults living in Chiang Rai, Thailand. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 65:270-275. [PMID: 30118872 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common and broadly distributed microbial eukaryote inhabiting the gut of humans and other animals. The genetic diversity of Blastocystis is extremely high comprising no less than 17 subtypes in mammals and birds. Nonetheless, little is known about the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis subtypes colonising humans in Thailand. Molecular surveys of Blastocystis remain extremely limited and usually focus on the central, urban part of the country. To address this knowledge gap, we collected stool samples from a population of Thai adults (n = 178) residing in Chiang Rai Province. The barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA was employed to screen for Blastocystis and identify the subtype. Forty-one stool samples (23%) were identified as Blastocystis positive. Six of the nine subtypes that colonise humans were detected with subtype (ST) three being the most common (68%), followed by ST1 (17%) and ST7 (7%). Comparison of subtype prevalence across Thailand using all publicly available sequences showed that subtype distribution differs among geographic regions in the country. ST1 was most commonly encountered in the central region of Thailand, while ST3 dominated in the more rural north and northeast regions. ST2 was absent in the northeast, while ST7 was not found in the center. Thus, this study shows that ST prevalence and distribution differs not only among countries, but also among geographic regions within a country. Potential explanations for these observations are discussed herewith.
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181
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Betts EL, Gentekaki E, Thomasz A, Breakell V, Carpenter AI, Tsaousis AD. Genetic diversity of Blastocystis in non-primate animals. Parasitology 2018; 145:1228-1234. [PMID: 29338807 PMCID: PMC5912512 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an anaerobic protist, commonly inhabiting the intestinal tract of both humans and other animals. Blastocystis is extremely diverse comprising 17 genetically distinct subtypes in mammals and birds. Pathogenicity of this enteric microbe is currently disputed and knowledge regarding its distribution, diversity and zoonotic potential is fragmentary. Most research has focused on Blastocystis from primates, while sampling from other animals remains limited. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis in animals held within a conservation park in South East England. A total of 118 samples were collected from 27 vertebrate species. The barcoding region of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA was used for molecular identification and subtyping. Forty one per cent of the species were sequence positive for Blastocystis indicating a high prevalence and wide distribution among the animals in the park. Six subtypes were identified, one of which is potentially novel. Moreover, the majority of animals were asymptomatic carriers, suggesting that Blastocystis is not pathogenic in animals. This study provides a thorough investigation of Blastocystis prevalence within a wildlife park in the UK and can be used as a platform for further investigations on the distribution of other eukaryotic gut microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Betts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science and Human Gut Microbiome for Health Research Unit, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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182
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Viability Screen of LOPAC 1280 Reveals Phosphorylation Inhibitor Auranofin as a Potent Inhibitor of Blastocystis Subtype 1, 4, and 7 Isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00208-18. [PMID: 29866860 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00208-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric parasite with extensive global prevalence. Studies have linked infection with this protist with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. Due to the polymorphic nature of Blastocystis, studies on the parasite could be complicated, as results can be easily misinterpreted. Metronidazole is the commonly prescribed drug for Blastocystis infection, although there have been increasing reports of drug resistance. Hence, there is a need to identify alternative drugs to eliminate Blastocystis infection. In this study, LOPAC1280 was screened and drugs that can decrease the viability of three Blastocystis isolates in cultures were identified. Using apoptosis assay and imaging flow cytometry, phenotypic changes in Blastocystis cells after treatment were also analyzed to obtain insights into the possible mechanism of action of these drugs. Three drugs-diphenyleneiodonium chloride, auranofin, and BIX 01294 trihydrochloride hydrate-were effective against all three isolates tested. Repurposing of these drugs for Blastocystis treatment could be a way of combating metronidazole resistance relatively quickly and at a lower cost.
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183
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Greige S, El Safadi D, Bécu N, Gantois N, Pereira B, Chabé M, Benamrouz-Vanneste S, Certad G, El Hage R, Chemaly M, Hamze M, Viscogliosi E. Prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolates from poultry in Lebanon and evidence of zoonotic potential. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:389. [PMID: 29973261 PMCID: PMC6030734 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. is a common protozoan parasite frequently identified in the digestive tract of humans and a large variety of animal hosts worldwide, including birds. It exhibits a large genetic diversity with the identification of 17 subtypes (STs), most of them with low host specificity. ST6 and ST7 were identified in birds and suggested to represent avian STs only in the context of scarce small-scale epidemiological surveys. Moreover, these two STs also account for a significant proportion of human infections whose zoonotic origin has never been clearly confirmed. Therefore, molecular screening of Blastocystis sp. was conducted by quantitative real-time PCR for fecal samples from poultry farms and their in-contact humans from slaughterhouses in Lebanon. In parallel, a control group consisting of patients hospitalized in the same geographical area and reporting no contact with poultry was also screened for the presence of the parasite. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was shown to reach around 32% in chicken samples and 65% in the farms screened. All the avian isolates were subtyped and belonged to either ST6 or ST7, with a large predominance of ST6. Fifty-four percent of slaughterhouse staff members were positive for Blastocystis sp. compared with a similar prevalence of 56% in hospitalized patients. ST3 was predominant in both human cohorts followed by either ST1 then ST2 among slaughterhouse staff or by ST2 then ST1 among hospitalized patients. ST6 was also identified in two slaughterhouse workers and not in the group of hospitalized patients. Gene sequence identity was observed between chicken and human ST6 isolates from the same slaughterhouse. CONCLUSIONS Our data revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in chicken samples and confirmed that ST6 and ST7 represented avian-adapted STs. Among both human cohorts, Blastocystis sp. infection was shown to exceed 50% with a predominance of ST3. The identification of ST6 in slaughterhouse staff members confirmed the zoonotic transmission of this ST through repeated and direct contact between chickens and their handlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Greige
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Noémie Bécu
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Unité de Biostatistiques, Direction de la Recherche Clinique (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sadia Benamrouz-Vanneste
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Laboratoire Ecologie et Biodiversité, Faculté de Gestion Economie et Sciences, Institut Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Département de la Recherche Médicale, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Faculté de Médecine et Maïeutique, Université Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Rima El Hage
- Institut de Recherche Agronomique Libanais (IRAL), Laboratoire de Microbiologie Alimentaire, Station de Fanar, Jdeideh El-Metn, Lebanon
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan - Plouzané, Unité Hygiène et qualité des produits avicoles et porcins, Université Bretagne-Loire, Ploufragan, France
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.
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184
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van Hattem JM, Arcilla MS, Schultsz C, Bootsma MC, Verhaar N, Rebers SP, Goorhuis A, Grobusch MP, Penders J, de Jong MD, van Gool T, Bart A. Carriage of Blastocystis spp. in travellers - A prospective longitudinal study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 27:87-91. [PMID: 29929001 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A lack of prospective and longitudinal data on pre- and post-travel carriage of Blastocystis spp. complicates interpretation of a positive test post-travel. Therefore we studied dynamics of Blastocystis carriage in a cohort of Dutch travellers. METHODS From the prospective, multicentre COMBAT study among 2001 Dutch travellers, a subset of 491 travellers was selected based on travel destination to 7 subregions (70 or 71 travellers each). Faecal samples taken directly before and after travel were screened for Blastocystis with qPCR, followed, when positive, by sequence analysis to determine subtypes. RESULTS After exclusion of 12 samples with missing samples or inhibited qPCR-reactions, stool samples of 479 travellers were analysed. Before travel, 174 of them (36.3%) carried Blastocystis and in most of these, the same subtype was persistently carried. However, in 48/174 of those travellers (27.6%; CI95 20.8-36.6%) no Blastocystis or a different subtype was detected in the post-travel sample, indicating loss of Blastocystis during travel. Only 26 (5.4%; CI95 3.7%-8.0%) of all travellers acquired Blastocystis, including two individuals that were already positive for Blastocystis before travel but acquired a different subtype during travel. DISCUSSION This study shows that Blastocystis carriage in travellers is highly dynamic. The observed acquisition and loss of Blastocystis could either be travel-related or reflect the natural course of Blastocystis carriage. We demonstrate that the majority of Blastocystis detected in post-travel samples were already carried before travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarne M van Hattem
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maris S Arcilla
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Constance Schultsz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Global Health - Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin C Bootsma
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nienke Verhaar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd P Rebers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abraham Goorhuis
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Penders
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (Caphri), Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Menno D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert Bart
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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185
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Associations between Gut Microbiota and Common Luminal Intestinal Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:369-377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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186
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Blastocystis subtypes and their association with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Med Hypotheses 2018; 116:4-9. [PMID: 29857906 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is a common intestinal protozoan that affects humans and animals. The role of this parasite as a pathogen is still controversial and it is suspected to be linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered intestinal habits. A broad search in electronic databases, libraries, portals of journals, etc. for reports on the association between the parasite and IBS without language restriction was performed. The selection was not restricted by date, but articles published in the last seven years were given preference. We investigated the evidence regarding Blastocystis and IBS coexistence as well as the implications of the parasite in pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Only standardized parasitological tools, supplemented by epidemiological analysis, will be able to clarify whether parasite carriage could be connected to IBS and its status as a human pathogen. Although a variation in pathogenicity and virulence between subtypes has been confirmed, Blastocystis can only be considered an indicator of dysbiosis. Accurate diagnoses of this parasitic eukaryote, specifically at genotypic and phenotypic levels, as well as the complete analysis of the intestinal microbial communities, have to be included in the protocol of those patients with IBS.
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187
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Blastocystis sp., an emerging parasite with controversial pathogenicity. Should all human cases be treated? Rev Clin Esp 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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188
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Subirats M, Borrás R. Blastocystis sp., an emerging parasite with controversial pathogenicity. Should all human cases be treated? Rev Clin Esp 2018; 218:133-134. [PMID: 29602317 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Subirats
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, HULP, Madrid, España; Fundación io, España.
| | - R Borrás
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, España; Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
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189
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Genetic diversity analysis of Blastocystis subtypes from both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects using a barcoding region from the 18S rRNA gene. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 61:119-126. [PMID: 29608961 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most prevalent protozoa found in human stool samples. This study aimed to evaluate genetic diversity among Blastocystis subtypes isolated from both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects as well as the potential correlation between subtypes and symptoms. A total of 55 Blastocystis-positive isolates were included in this study. A barcoding region of the small subunit rDNA was amplified and genetically assessed using MEGA6 and DnaSP regarding the presence of symptoms. BLAST analyses revealed the presence of 5 different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST6 and ST7) among the samples. ST3 was the most prevalent subtype (25/55, 45%) while only one ST7 isolate was detected. Moreover, alleles 4 and 86 for ST1; alleles 9, 11 and 12 for ST2; alleles 31, 34, 36, 37 and 52 for ST3; allele 122 for ST6 and allele 137 for ST7 were detected. No statistically significant association was found between gender and symptoms with certain subtypes. Analysis of the intra-subtype variability in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects revealed highest similarity among ST1 isolates while lowest similarity was seen among ST3 isolates. Neutrality indices, Tajima's D and Fu's Fs, were negative but only statistically significant for ST3. Furthermore, highest values of Hd, π and S were observed among ST1, ST2 and ST3 isolated from symptomatic patients indicating high level of diversity among isolates obtained from these subjects. In addition, inter-subtype analysis showed the highest similarity between ST1 and ST2 isolates and the lowest similarity between ST2 and ST7 isolates. This is the first study revealing the presence of both ST6 and ST7 isolates in human from Iran. Phylogenetic analysis did not suggest any significant correlation between clinical manifestations and certain subtypes although genetic analysis showed highest value of diversity and significant neutrality indices among ST3 isolates obtained from symptomatic patients.
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190
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Investigating Colonization of the Healthy Adult Gastrointestinal Tract by Fungi. mSphere 2018; 3:mSphere00092-18. [PMID: 29600282 PMCID: PMC5874442 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00092-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide diversity of fungi have been detected in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract with the potential to provide or influence important functions. However, many of the fungi most commonly detected in stool samples are also present in food or the oral cavity. Therefore, to recognize which gut fungi are likely to have a sustained influence on human health, there is a need to separate transient members of the GI tract from true colonizers. To identify colonizing fungi, the eukaryotic rRNA operon's second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) was sequenced from the stool, saliva, and food of healthy adults following consumption of different controlled diets. Unlike most bacterial 16S rRNA genes, the only fungal ITS2 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) detected in stool DNA across multiple diets were also present in saliva and/or food. Additional analyses, including culture-based approaches and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, ITS2 cDNA, and DNA extracted using alternative methods, failed to detect additional fungi. Two abundant fungi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, were examined further in healthy volunteers. Saccharomyces became undetectable in stool when a S. cerevisiae-free diet was consumed, and the levels of C. albicans in stool were dramatically reduced by more frequent cleaning of teeth. Extremely low fungal abundance, the inability of fungi to grow under conditions mimicking the distal gut, and evidence from analysis of other public datasets further support the hypothesis that fungi do not routinely colonize the GI tracts of healthy adults. IMPORTANCE We sought to identify the fungi that colonize healthy GI tracts and that have a sustained influence on the diverse functions of the gut microbiome. Instead, we found that all fungi in the stool of healthy volunteers could be explained by their presence in oral and dietary sources and that our results, together with those from other analyses, support the model that there is little or no gastrointestinal colonization by fungi. This may be due to Westernization, primate evolution, fungal ecology, and/or the strong defenses of a healthy immune system. Importantly, fungal colonization of the GI tract may often be indicative of disease. As fungi can cause serious infections in immunocompromised individuals and are found at increased abundance in multiple disorders of the GI tract, understanding normal fungal colonization is essential for proper treatment and prevention of fungal pathogenesis.
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191
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Rojas-Velázquez L, Morán P, Serrano-Vázquez A, Fernández LD, Pérez-Juárez H, Poot-Hernández AC, Portillo T, González E, Hernández E, Partida-Rodríguez O, Nieves-Ramírez ME, Magaña U, Torres J, Eguiarte LE, Piñero D, Ximénez C. Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Blastocystis Subtype 3 in Human Populations, with Special Reference to a Rural Population in Central Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3916263. [PMID: 29744356 PMCID: PMC5878905 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3916263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis subtype 3 (ST3) is a parasitic protist found in the digestive tract of symptomatic and asymptomatic humans around the world. While this parasite exhibits a high prevalence in the human population, its true geographic distribution and global genetic diversity are still unknown. This gap in knowledge limits the understanding of the spread mechanisms, epidemiology, and impact that this parasite has on human populations. Herein, we provided new data on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis ST3 from a rural human population in Mexico. To do so, we collected and targeted the SSU-rDNA region in fecal samples from this population and further compared its genetic diversity and structure with that previously observed in populations of Blastocystis ST3 from other regions of the planet. Our analyses reveled that diversity of Blastocystis ST3 showed a high haplotype diversity and genetic structure to the world level; however, they were low in the Morelos population. The haplotype network revealed a common widespread haplotype from which the others were generated recently. Finally, our results suggested a recent expansion of the diversity of Blastocystis ST3 worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Rojas-Velázquez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito de Posgrado S/N, Coyoacán, Cd. Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Patricia Morán
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Angélica Serrano-Vázquez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Leonardo D. Fernández
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Avenida Viel 1497, Santiago, Chile
| | - Horacio Pérez-Juárez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito de Posgrado S/N, Coyoacán, Cd. Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Augusto C. Poot-Hernández
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales y Automatización, Sección de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Escolar 3000, Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Tobías Portillo
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Bioestadística y Biología Computacional, Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, UNAM, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Enrique González
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Eric Hernández
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Oswaldo Partida-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miriam E. Nieves-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ulises Magaña
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito de Posgrado S/N, Coyoacán, Cd. Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Javier Torres
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Avenida Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06720 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis E. Eguiarte
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior S/N, Junto al Jardín Botánico, Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Daniel Piñero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior S/N, Junto al Jardín Botánico, Cd. Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Ximénez
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06726 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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192
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Li WC, Wang K, Gu Y. Occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and Pentatrichomonas hominis in sheep and goats in China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:93. [PMID: 29454366 PMCID: PMC5816562 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global data regarding the molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and Pentatrichomonas hominis in sheep and goats are sparse. China has one of the largest sheep and goat populations in the world. In this study we investigated the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis in domestic sheep and goats in China, and analyzed the genetic characterization of these two parasite species. Methods In total, we collected fresh fecal samples from 832 sheep and 781 goats located on seven and ten farms, respectively, in the central eastern region of China. The corresponding sequences obtained in this study were subject to molecular analysis for subtype and allele identification of Blastocystis sp., and species and genotype confirmation of P. hominis. Results The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was 6.0% (50/832) in sheep and 0.3% (2/781) in goats. The most predominant subtype (ST) of Blastocystis sp. in sheep was ST10 (50.0%), followed by ST14 (20%), ST5 (16%), novel sequence 1 (6%), novel sequence 4 (4%), novel sequence 2 (2%) and novel sequence 3 (2%). However, only ST1 was observed in goats. No mixed infections with different subtypes were found in this study. The 18S alleles showed allele 2 (100%) for ST1; allele 115 (75%) for ST5; and no match allele for ST5 (25%), ST10 (100%), ST14 (100%), novel sequence 1 (100%), novel sequence 2 (100%), novel sequence 3 (100%), and novel sequence 4 (100%) on the Blastocystis subtype (18S) and Sequence Typing (MLST) database. For P. hominis, two goats (0.3%) and zero sheep (0%) were identified as positive in this study. The 18S rRNA gene sequences of two P. hominis isolates from goats displayed 100% identity to type CC1, found previously in dogs, monkeys and humans. Conclusions These results provide the detailed data on the occurrence and molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis in sheep and goats in China. They also contribute to and expand our knowledge of the Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis epidemiology around the world. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2671-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chao Li
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China
| | - Youfang Gu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China.
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193
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Geisen S, Mitchell EAD, Adl S, Bonkowski M, Dunthorn M, Ekelund F, Fernández LD, Jousset A, Krashevska V, Singer D, Spiegel FW, Walochnik J, Lara E. Soil protists: a fertile frontier in soil biology research. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:293-323. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Geisen
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edward A D Mitchell
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
- Jardin Botanique de Neuchâtel, Chemin du Perthuis-du-Sault 58, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
| | - Sina Adl
- Department of Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Michael Bonkowski
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Institute of Zoology, Terrestrial Ecology, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674 Köln, Germany
| | - Micah Dunthorn
- Department of Ecology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger Straße, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Flemming Ekelund
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leonardo D Fernández
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Avenida Viel 1497, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandre Jousset
- Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Valentyna Krashevska
- University of Göttingen, J.F. Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Singer
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
| | - Frederick W Spiegel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States of America
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Medical University, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrique Lara
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
- Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC, Plaza de Murillo 2, 28014 Madrid, Spain
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194
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Subtype distribution and genetic characterizations of Blastocystis in pigs, cattle, sheep and goats in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 57:171-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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195
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Seguí R, Klisiowicz D, Oishi CY, Toledo R, Esteban JG, Muñoz-Antoli C. Intestinal symptoms and Blastocystis load in schoolchildren of Paranaguá Bay, Paraná, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2017; 59:e86. [PMID: 29267594 PMCID: PMC5738771 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201759086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The symptomatology of Blastocystis cannot be attributed to any particular subtype, although can be related to a high Blastocystis infection load. One stool sample from each of 217 schoolchildren of Vale de Sol Paranaguá Bay (Paraná, Brazil) was collected. Three milliliters of each fixed stool sample were processed applying the formalin-ether concentration technique. After obtaining the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites, quantification was carried out in Blastocystis positive samples. A total of 75/217 (34.6%) children suffered from intestinal symptoms (abdominal pain and/or persistent diarrhea), of whom 41.3% (31/75) presented moderate/heavy Blastocystis load with a statistically significant risk to present intestinal symptoms (OR 0.039 [0.006-0.15]; p<0.001) Moreover, those symptomatic schoolchildren monoparasitized only by Blastocystis (10/75, 13.3%), and those polyparasitized by Blastocystis with other non-pathogenic species (15/75, 20%) with moderate/heavy loads, also entail a statistically significant risk of intestinal symptomatology, both in monoparasitism (12%, OR 0.10 [0.004-0.63]; p=0.021) and in polyparasitism with a non-pathogenic parasite (18.6%, OR 0.059 [0.002-0.35]; p=0.001). For the first time in Brazil, using data from schoolchildren of Paranaguá Bay, we demonstrated that moderate/ heavy loads of Blastocystis could be related to intestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Seguí
- Universidad de Valencia, Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Parasitología, Valencia, España
| | - Debora Klisiowicz
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Camila Yumi Oishi
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Rafael Toledo
- Universidad de Valencia, Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Parasitología, Valencia, España
| | - José Guillermo Esteban
- Universidad de Valencia, Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Parasitología, Valencia, España
| | - Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Universidad de Valencia, Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Parasitología, Valencia, España
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Forsell J, Bengtsson-Palme J, Angelin M, Johansson A, Evengård B, Granlund M. The relation between Blastocystis and the intestinal microbiota in Swedish travellers. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:231. [PMID: 29228901 PMCID: PMC5725903 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis sp. is a unicellular eukaryote that is commonly found in the human intestine. Its ability to cause disease is debated and a subject for ongoing research. In this study, faecal samples from 35 Swedish university students were examined through shotgun metagenomics before and after travel to the Indian peninsula or Central Africa. We aimed at assessing the impact of travel on Blastocystis carriage and seek associations between Blastocystis and the bacterial microbiota. Results We found a prevalence of Blastocystis of 16/35 (46%) before travel and 15/35 (43%) after travel. The two most commonly Blastocystis subtypes (STs) found were ST3 and ST4, accounting for 20 of the 31 samples positive for Blastocystis. No mixed subtype carriage was detected. All ten individuals with a typable ST before and after travel maintained their initial ST. The composition of the gut bacterial community was not significantly different between Blastocystis-carriers and non-carriers. Interestingly, the presence of Blastocystis was accompanied with higher abundances of the bacterial genera Sporolactobacillus and Candidatus Carsonella. Blastocystis carriage was positively associated with high bacterial genus richness, and negatively correlated to the Bacteroides-driven enterotype. These associations were both largely dependent on ST4 – a subtype commonly described from Europe – while the globally prevalent ST3 did not show such significant relationships. Conclusions The high rate of Blastocystis subtype persistence found during travel indicates that long-term carriage of Blastocystis is common. The associations between Blastocystis and the bacterial microbiota found in this study could imply a link between Blastocystis and a healthy microbiota as well as with diets high in vegetables. Whether the associations between Blastocystis and the microbiota are resulting from the presence of Blastocystis, or are a prerequisite for colonization with Blastocystis, are interesting questions for further studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-017-1139-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Forsell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, -901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden.
| | - Johan Bengtsson-Palme
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Angelin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Bacteriology, and the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Evengård
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Margareta Granlund
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, -901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden
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Song JK, Yin YL, Yuan YJ, Tang H, Ren GJ, Zhang HJ, Li ZX, Zhang YM, Zhao GH. First genotyping of Blastocystis sp. in dairy, meat, and cashmere goats in northwestern China. Acta Trop 2017; 176:277-282. [PMID: 28864325 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting in small intestines of human and animals. Although its pathogenicity has been remaining controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission between human and animals was recognized. The goat was one of the most important economic animals supplying people with cashmere, meat, and dairy products. However, few studies were to investigate Blastocystis infection in goats. A total of 789 faecal specimens of goats (including 362 of dairy, 193 of meat and 234 of cashmere goats) were collected from multiple regions of Shaanxi province in northwestern China to investigate the colonization frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis, and to assess the zoonotic potential of these goats. The respective colonization frequencies of Blastocystis in dairy, meat and cashmere goats were 54.1% (196/362), 40.4% (78/193) and 78.6% (184/234). The prevalence of Blastocystis in pre-weaned (0-2-month) goats was significantly lower than that in goats of other age groups, and the highest colonization was observed in goats of 7-11-month age group. Sequence analysis of Blastocystis positive samples indicated the presence of seven subtypes in these goats, including six known subtypes (STs1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14) and one possible novel subtype (isolate Sd26), with the subtype 10 as the predominant one. Additionally, zoonotic subtypes were found in dairy (ST1, ST3 and ST5) and cashmere (ST4 and ST5) goats, but not detected in meat goats. These results showed that Blastocystis is highly prevalent, widely distributed and genetically diverse in goats in Shaanxi province, northwestern China, and zoonotic potential of dairy and cashmere goats to transmit Blastocystis.
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198
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Rondón S, Ortiz M, León C, Galvis N, Link A, González C. Seasonality, richness and prevalence of intestinal parasites of three neotropical primates ( Alouatta seniculus, Ateles hybridus and Cebus versicolor) in a fragmented forest in Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:202-208. [PMID: 28794984 PMCID: PMC5537371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies on parasites infecting non-human primates are essential to better understand the potential threat to humans of zoonoses transmission, particularly under the current processes of pervasive land use change and biodiversity loss. The natural ecosystems in the Middle Magdalena river basin in Colombia have suffered a dramatic reduction and transformation into pastures and agroindustrial monocultures, threatening their biodiversity, and probably affecting the dynamics between parasites and their hosts, as well as altering the disease transmission cycles between wild populations and humans. This study evaluated seasonality, prevalence and richness of intestinal parasites in three species of neotropical primates: Cebus versicolor, Ateles hybridus and Alouatta seniculus, in a fragmented forest in the Middle Magdalena river valley, Colombia. One hundred and eighty five faecal samples were collected between 2010 and 2015. Direct faecal smears were performed with saline solution (0.85%) and iodine solution (1%), in order to identify larvae and eggs based on their morphology. A large proportion of the samples examined (72.9%) was positive for intestinal parasites; seven families of nematodes were identified: Trichuridae, Trichostrongylidae, Oxyuridae, Strongyloididae, Ancylostomatidae, Ascarididae and Gnathostomatidae, two of protozoans: Entamoebidae and Balantiididae, as well as some eggs of trematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans. Additionally, DNA extraction and sequencing were conducted on 30 faecal samples in order to identify Giardia sp. and Blastocystis hominis, two parasite species also present in humans. Molecular testing for Giardia sp. was negative and Blastocystis hominis was identified in a single sample of Alouatta seniculus. No clear patterns were observed for prevalence of intestinal parasites according to the season; nonetheless, parasite species richness was higher during the dry season. This study builds on our current understanding of intestinal parasites infecting wild neotropical primates and provides novel information on the patterns of intestinal parasites in primate communities exposed to anthropogenic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rondón
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cielo León
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nelson Galvis
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Link
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Administración, Universidad de Los Andes, Calle 21 N° 1-20, of. SD-935, Bogotá, Colombia
- Fundación Proyecto Primates, Cra. 11a N° 91-55, Apartamento 202, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
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El-Badry AA, Abd El Wahab WM, Hamdy DA, Aboud A. Blastocystis subtypes isolated from irritable bowel syndrome patients and co-infection with Helicobacter pylori. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:127-137. [PMID: 29138961 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5679-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease presenting clinically by abdominal pain with alteration of bowel habits. Although IBS has uncertain etiology, chronic gut inflammation due to persistent exposure to an infectious agent including Blastocystis sp. was proposed. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype (ST) isolated from stool of IBS patients and to assess Blastocystis sp. and H. pylori co-infection in IBS patients from Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt. Stool samples were collected from 115 IBS patients, following Rome III criteria. All stool samples were microscopically examined by wet mount and permanent trichrome stain, cultured on Jones' medium with further sequencing of positive Blastocystis isolates and screened for detection of H. pylori coproantigen. Blastocystis sp. was the predominant parasite in IBS patients; it had statistical significant association with both rural residence (OR = 10) and flatulence (OR = 8.2). There was a predominance of Blastocystis sp. ST3 (81%) followed by ST1 (19%). Blastocystis culture results (19.1%) were superior than microscopy (16.5%). The majority of Blastocystis-positive IBS patients (72.7%) were co-infected with H. pylori with statistical significance; however, H. pylori was higher in Blastocystis-negative IBS patients (47/64) than in Blastocystis-positive IBS patients (17/64). Interestingly, IBS is usually associated with gut dysbiosis, while the most prevalent parasite in our IBS patients was Blastocystis sp., which is frequently found in asymptomatic individuals. Whether Blastocystis sp. is a cause or a consequence of IBS still needs further investigation, with a particular focus on correlation of IBS with different Blastocystis sp. subtypes and gut microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Fasial University (previously University of Dammam), P.O. Box 2114, Dammam, 31451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Alaa Aboud
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Oliveira-Arbex AP, David ÉB, Guimarães S. Blastocystis genetic diversity among children of low-income daycare center in Southeastern Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 57:59-63. [PMID: 29126996 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis, an unicellular anaerobic eukaryote, is known to be a very common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals fecal samples worldwide. Currently, there is an increasing interest to yield insights into its prevalence and diversity in human populations living in poor and deprived areas. In this study, we describe the prevalence and genetic variability of Blastocystis isolates obtained from daycare center attendees aged 0 to 6years and staff, as well as some children family members and their dogs in a low-income community in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 181 stool samples (123 from daycare children, 14 from workers, 44 from household members and 20 from dogs) were submitted to DNA extraction, tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the SSUrDNA gene and the amplicons retrieved were sequenced. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 40.7% (50/123) in children, 28.6% (4/14) in workers and 50% (22/44) in household members. No dog was found positive. Of the 76 PCR products generated, 57 were successfully sequenced. Four subtypes were identified and the most common were ST1 (54.4%) and ST3 (33.3%), followed by ST2 (7.0%) and ST7 (5.3%). The intra-subtype analysis revealed a total of 10 different alleles previously reported. No statistically significant correlation was observed between subtypes and sociodemographic variables analyzed. Here, the following findings must be highlighted: (1) predominance of subtypes 1 and 3, a pattern that has been observed in many populations worldwide; (2) absence of ST4, a common subtype in Europe but rarely detected in South America's human populations and, (3) human infection with ST7, a subtype primarily found in birds but occasionally seen in human infections, raising the possibility of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Oliveira-Arbex
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Érica Boarato David
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Sagrado Coração University (USC), Department of Health Sciences, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Semíramis Guimarães
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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