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Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for rapid, accurate, and specific detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients. Infection 2022; 50:1295-1302. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Maleki B, Sadraei J, Dalimi Asl A, Pirestani M. High occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 in individuals referred to medical laboratories in Kermanshah, Iran. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2022; 15:164-171. [PMID: 35845305 PMCID: PMC9275734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Aim The current study investigated the prevalence and genotypes of Blastocystis sp. in individuals who referred to medical laboratories in Kermanshah, Iran. Background Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan found in humans and a wide range of animals, and it is involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders. Methods A total of 950 stool samples were examined using the standard formalin-ether concentration technique. All specimens were cultured in Robinson xenic medium. Subsequently, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) were conducted. Results Microscopic examination showed that 86 out of 950 samples (9.05%) were infected with Blastocystis sp. Subsequently, 33 of 86 positive samples were cultured and molecularly confirmed by conventional PCR, indicating six subtypes (ST1-ST6). Of note, ST3 (45.0%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (15.15%) and ST5 (12%). Conclusion Based on the current findings, ST3 was the most frequent subtype among all positive samples. Having a better understanding of Blastocystis sp. subtype distribution and risk factors would lead to improved preventive measures.
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Maleki B, Olfatifar M, Dodangeh S, Ahmadi N, Gorgipour M, Javanmard E. Subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from humans in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2022; 15:294-310. [PMID: 36762220 PMCID: PMC9876770 DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v15i4.2475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Aim This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the subtyped Blastocystis sp. isolated from humans in Iran. Background Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan that infects humans as well as domestic and wild animals, i.e. mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods. Methods A comprehensive search for papers published before April 2022 was undertaken utilizing English and Persian databases. The following MeSH keywords were used in the electronic search: (Blastocystis sp.) AND (molecular OR subtype) AND (prevalence OR epidemiology) AND Iran. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. Thereafter, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios regarding the included studies. Results A total of 32 studies comprised of five case-control studies and 27 cross-sectional studies met the eligibility criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of subtyped Blastocystis sp. in Iran was estimated to be 10% (95% confidence interval: 6 to 15%). Eight subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (ST1- ST7 and ST9) were identified in our study, of which ST3 was the most common subtype (0.04); 0.02-0.07). The difference in subtypes between two case and control groups in reported studies was not significant, but the odds ratio of infection by ST3 (0.98; 95% CI, 0.30 to 3.20) was higher in cases. Conclusion The current systematic review showed that with the exception of ST8 and ST12, all human Blastocystis sp. subtypes reported in the world are found in different parts of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Maleki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Nayebali Ahmadi
- Proteomics Research Center, Department of Medical Lab Technology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Gorgipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran Iran
| | - Ehsan Javanmard
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
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Asghari A, Sadeghipour Z, Hassanipour S, Abbasali Z, Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani H, Hashemzaei M, Alimardani V, Hatam G. Association between Blastocystis sp. infection and immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:60308-60328. [PMID: 34528202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The significance of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and the enigmatic pathogenicity of Blastocystis directed us to conduct the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on Blastocystis prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and subtypes distribution in various immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, cancer and hemodialysis patients, as well as transplant recipients). The systematic searching procedure was done in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant published literature until November 11, 2020. Random-effects model was utilized to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The computed pooled prevalence of Blastocystis inferred from 118 papers (128 datasets) on immunocompromised patients was 10.3% (95% CI: 8.7-12.2%), with 16.1% (95% CI: 11.3-22.2%), 12.5% (95% CI: 8.5-18%), 8.4% (95 % CI: 6.6-10.6%), and 6% (95% CI: 2.6-13.3%) for hemodialysis patients, cancer patients, HIV/AIDS patients, and transplant recipients, respectively. Based on 50 case-control studies (54 datasets), the highest ORs were associated with cancer [2.81 (95% CI: 1.24-6.38, P = 0.013)] and hemodialysis patients [2.78 (95% CI: 1.19-6.48, P = 0.018)]. The most frequent subtype being found in immunocompromised patients was ST3 [41.7% (95% CI: 31.4-52.7%)], followed by ST1 [31.7% (95% CI: 23.2-41.8%)] and ST2 [23.1% (95% CI: 14.8-34.1%)]. Also, the weighted frequency of Blastocystis in various subgroups (publication year, WHO regions, geographical distribution, continents, and country income) was analyzed separately. In total, the results of the present meta-analysis highlighted that one's immunodeficiency status is probably associated with an increased Blastocystis infection, underpinning strict preventive measures to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Sadeghipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Abbasali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Alimardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Nemati S, Zali MR, Johnson P, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Asia and in Australia. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:687-704. [PMID: 34665764 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent protozoan parasite reported in humans, animals, and environmental samples. Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. alongside with its genetic and biochemical features. However, studies on subtype distribution of this protozoan in humans, animals, and environmental samples represent the potential transmission routes. In this review, we evaluated studies performed in Asian countries and in Australia to provide an overview of environmental factors on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul Johnson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Rauff-Adedotun AA, Meor Termizi FH, Shaari N, Lee IL. The Coexistence of Blastocystis spp. in Humans, Animals and Environmental Sources from 2010-2021 in Asia. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 34681089 PMCID: PMC8533399 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of Blastocystis spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of Blastocystis spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of Blastocystis spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 11800, Malaysia; (A.A.R.-A.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
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Prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis hominis and Cystoisospora belli in HIV/AIDS patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15904. [PMID: 34354101 PMCID: PMC8342556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis and Cystoisospora belli are considered to be common opportunistic intestinal protozoa in HIV/AIDS patients. In order to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of B. hominis and C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients, a total of 285 faecal samples were individually collected from HIV/AIDS patients in Guangxi, China. B. hominis and C. belli were investigated by amplifying the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region of the rRNA gene, respectively. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were conducted to assess the risk factors related to B. hominis and C. belli infection. The prevalence of B. hominis and C. belli was 6.0% (17/285) and 1.1% (3/285) respectively. Four genotypes of B. hominis were detected, with ST3 (n = 8) and ST1 (n = 6) being predominant, followed by ST6 (n = 2) and ST7 (n = 1). Females had a statistically higher prevalence of B. hominis (11.6%) than males (4.2%). The statistical analysis also showed that the prevalence of B. hominis was significantly associated with age group and educational level. Our study provides convincing evidence for the genetic diversity of B. hominis, which indicates its potential zoonotic transmission and is the first report on the molecular characteristics of C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients in China.
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Blastocystis sp. Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution amongst Syrian Refugee Communities Living in North Lebanon. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010184. [PMID: 33467077 PMCID: PMC7830609 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular data concerning the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. remain scarce in the Middle East. Accordingly, we performed the first molecular epidemiological survey ever conducted in the Syrian population. A total of 306 stool samples were collected from Syrian refugees living in 26 informal tented settlements (ITS) subjected or not to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in North Lebanon, then screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by real-time polymerase chain reaction followed by subtyping. The overall prevalence of the parasite was shown to reach 63.7%. Blastocystis sp. colonization was not significantly associated with gender, age, symptomatic status, abdominal pain or diarrhea. In contrast, WASH intervention status of ITS was identified as a risk factor for infection. Among a total of 164 subtyped isolates, ST3 was predominant, followed by ST1, ST2, and ST10. No particular ST was reported to be associated with age, gender, symptomatic status, digestive disorders, or WASH intervention status of ITS. Intra-ST diversity of ST1 to ST3 was low suggesting large-scale anthroponotic transmission. Moreover, comparative analysis of ST1 to ST3 genotypes revealed that the circulation of the parasite between Syrian refugees and the host population was likely limited.
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Sharifi Y, Abbasi F, Shahabi S, Zaraei A, Mikaeili F, Sarkari B. Comparative genotyping of Blastocystis infecting cattle and human in the south of Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101529. [PMID: 32795717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a unicellular protozoan and one of the most common parasites found in humans and many animals' intestinal tract. The present study aimed to compare the genotypes of Blastocystis infecting cattle and humans in the south of Iran. METHODS A total of 100 human stool samples and 75 cattle stool samples were microscopically examined for Blastocystis infection. DNA was extracted from thirty-eight microscopically positive samples (13 humans and 25 cattle). PCR was performed on positive samples targeting the Blastocystis-specific SSU rDNA gene. PCR products of eight humans and eleven cattle samples were sequenced and compared with available reference sequences in GenBank by BLAST queries. Genetic diversity was measured for Blastocystis subtypes in human and cattle, based on haplotype and nucleotide diversities. RESULTS The PCR detected Blastocystis in ten humans and twenty-four cattle samples. Blastocystis subtypes 1, 2, and 6 were found in humans whereas subtypes 5 and 10 were found in cattle. Subtype (ST) 2 was the most predominant subtypes in humans whereas, in cattle specimens, the ST5 was the most dominant subtype. Based on the Blastocystis sequences of SSU rDNA, 68 sites were polymorphic and 49 sites were parsimony informative, resulting in the identification of 15 haplotypes, 10 haplotypes in the cattle and 5 in humans. No haplotype was shared between cattle and human parasites. CONCLUSION Human-derived Blastocystis subtypes were different from cattle subtypes in southern Iran. Nevertheless, subtype 5 in cattle can be a risk factor for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Sharifi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ferdos Abbasi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Zaraei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Laksemi DA, Suwanti LT, Mufasirin M, Suastika K, Sudarmaja M. Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review. Vet World 2020; 13:716-725. [PMID: 32546916 PMCID: PMC7245710 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.716-725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increases annually, and Indonesia has become the country with the fastest HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic spread among the five Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia entered the critical phase of HIV/AIDS infections after 5 out of the 33 provinces, namely, Papua, Jakarta, Bali, West Java, and East Java, reported HIV/AIDS epidemic since 2004. In AIDS pathophysiology and immune-suppression are severe, thus, opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections that cause diarrhea in HIV infection may be fatal. Several studies have suggested that Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Blastocystis hominis are the most common intestinal protozoan parasites categorized as AIDS associated illness. Diarrhea caused by parasites is considerably suspected in the cases of chronic and persistent diarrhea in adults, in an era of increasing HIV/AIDS cases nowadays. The present review highlights the current advances in etiologic agents of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections among countries, epidemiology and prevalence, lifecycle, risk factors, examination methods, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Laksemi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
| | - L T Suwanti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - M Mufasirin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - K Suastika
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
| | - M Sudarmaja
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
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Gabrielli S, Furzi F, Fontanelli Sulekova L, Taliani G, Mattiucci S. Occurrence of Blastocystis-subtypes in patients from Italy revealed association of ST3 with a healthy gut microbiota. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00134. [PMID: 32258445 PMCID: PMC7096745 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An epidemiological survey on Blastocystis was carried out enrolling a total of 2524 subjects referred to the Umberto I Academic Hospital in Rome, for the routine parasitological exams, during 2017–2018. The studied population included a sample of immunocompromised individuals (N = 130) followed at the same hospital. DNA sequencing of the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA) locus was performed on samples positive to the coproparasitological analysis to molecular characterize the Blastocystis-subtypes. Microscopical analysis detected Blastocystis in 192/2524 (7.6%) of the enrolled subjects. It was the organism most frequently identified in the analysed faecal samples diagnosed in single infection (5.6%) or in co-infection with other enteric protozoa (2%). Furthermore, it was found mainly in immunocompromised patients (22.3%) compared to immunocompetent ones (6.8%). As expected, ST3 was the most occurring subtype identified in 40% of the subjects, followed by ST1 (29%), ST2 (16%), ST4 (12%), and ST7 (3%). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rDNA was performed on a sub-sample of Blastocystis-ST3-carriers, homogenous by age and gender, as well as on Blastocystis-free subjects, to profile and compare their gut bacterial composition. A higher bacterial diversity was found in ST3-Blastocystis-carriers, which exhibited a high abundance of Prevotella, Methanobrevibacter and Ruminococcus while, a high percentage of Bacteroides was found in Blastocystis-free subjects. This study evidenced the presence of Blastocystis in 7.6% of faecal samples in Italy and a high circulation of the protist among immunocompromised patients (22.3%). Molecular characterization of positive samples evidenced the occurrence of five different subtypes, including zoonotic ST such as the ST7, highlighting the risk of transmission from animals. Study of the gut microbiota composition confirms previous evidences according to which, the colonisation by Blastocystis would be linked with an eubiotic gut characterized by potentially beneficial species such as Prevotella and Ruminococcus, rather than with a dysbiotic state, with a high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, and corroborated the role of the protist as “an old friend” of the human gut. Microscopical analysis detected Blastocystis in 7.6% subjects in Italy. Molecular methods allowed the identification of 5 STs (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST7). ST3 resulted the most frequent subtype. NGS of the 16S rDNA gene was performed in Blastocystis-ST3-carriers. Blastocystis-ST3 resulted correlated to an eubiotic gut characterized by potentially beneficial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Academic Hospital "Policlinico Umberto I", Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Taliani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza University of Rome", 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Academic Hospital "Policlinico Umberto I", Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author at: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Fontanelli Sulekova L, Gabrielli S, Furzi F, Milardi GL, Biliotti E, De Angelis M, Iaiani G, Fimiani C, Maiorano M, Mattiucci S, Taliani G. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:876. [PMID: 31640585 PMCID: PMC6805496 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV-positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis-subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA), to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis-carriers. Results Blastocystis-subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were identified in 39 HIV-positive patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p = 0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p = 0.0001) and with flatulence (p = 0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis-carriers and free ones. Conclusions Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART showing in examined patients 25% prevalence. Homosexual behaviour may represent a risk factor for its transmission, while CD4 count and viremia didn’t correlate with the presence of the protist. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear and no gut inflammation status was detected in Blastocystis-carriers. The only symptom associated with Blastocystis was the flatulence, evidencing a link between the presence of the protist and the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Umberto I Academic Hospital, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luigi Milardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Biliotti
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio De Angelis
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Iaiani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fimiani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Maiorano
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Umberto I Academic Hospital, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Taliani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Zhang SX, Kang FY, Chen JX, Tian LG, Geng LL. Risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southwest China. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:89. [PMID: 31623666 PMCID: PMC6796344 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in HIV/AIDS individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors related with Blastocystis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Southwest China. Methods The cross-sectional study was performed in 311 HIV/AIDS cases in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province from July 2016 to March 2017. For each subject, stool specimen was collected to detect the Blastocystis, and the blood sample was used to detect HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count, in addition, structured questionnaire was used to collect the basic information and risk factors. Findings The result showed that the detection rate of Blastocystis was 3.86% (95% CI: 2.22–6.62) among HIV/AIDS patients. Both raising animal (OR = 12.93, 95% CI: 1.54–108.36) and drinking un-boiled water (OR = 8.17, 95% CI: 1.76–37.90) were risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS individuals. In addition, the interaction of CD4+ T cell count and HIV virus load was also contribution to Blastocystis infection (P = 0.007). Conclusions A high prevalence of Blastocystis infection was found in HIV/AIDS patients in Tengchong. Poor hygienic habits, the interaction of HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count were identified as main risk factors for infection. These results will help us to develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent the occurrence of Blastocystis among HIV-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Xian Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen-Yan Kang
- The Gansu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Guang Tian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lan-Lan Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China.
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Is the genetic variability of Cathepsin B important in the pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp.? Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3935-3943. [PMID: 30298236 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of Blastocystis as a pathogen is controversial because it is found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Since Cathepsin B has been identified as a main virulence factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of this parasite, the purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of cathepsin B from Blastocystis from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and from asymptomatic carriers. DNA from fecal samples of both groups, which were previously genotyped by 18S sequencing, was used to amplify a fragment of the cathepsin B gene. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed and some genetic population indexes were obtained. Amplicons of 27 samples (15 cases, 10 controls, and two commercial ATCC strains) were obtained and analyzed. Phylogenetic reconstructions using nucleotides or inferred amino acid sequences did not separate between cases or controls or among subtypes. Regarding the values of genetic variability, we found that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity indexes of cathepsin B from cases and controls were similar to the values of 18S from controls. By contrast, 18S from cases showed low variability, suggesting that the genetic variability of cathepsin B was not related to the symptomatology of Blastocystis carriers. However, since no polymorphisms related to cases or controls were found, it is logical to assume that the potential damage caused by Blastocystis in situ may be due to unclear mechanisms of Cathepsin B regulation and expression that should be studied in future studies.
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