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Šejnohová A, Koutenská M, Jirků M, Brožová K, Pavlíčková Z, Kadlecová O, Cinek O, Maloney JG, Santín M, Petrželková KJ, Jirků K. A cross-sectional survey of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in non-human primates and their caregivers in Czech zoos. One Health 2024; 19:100862. [PMID: 39157650 PMCID: PMC11327577 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal protists in the gut microbiome are increasingly studied, but their basic epidemiology is not well understood. We explored the prevalence, genetic diversity, and potential zoonotic transmission of two protists colonizing the large intestine - Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis - in 37 species of non-human primates (NHPs) and their caregivers in six zoos in the Czech Republic. We analyzed 179 fecal samples (159 from NHPs, 20 from humans) by qPCR. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 54.7% (98/179) of samples, in 24 NHP species and in 57.2% of NHP samples (prevalence ranged between 36 and 80%), and in 35% of human samples (prevalence ranged between 0 and 67%). Using next generation amplicon sequencing, nine Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5, ST7, ST8, and two novel subtypes) were identified. The two new Blastocystis subtypes (named ST47 and ST48) were described using Nanopore sequencing to produce full-length reference sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Some subtypes were shared between NHPs and their caregivers, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. Mixed subtype colonization was frequently observed, with 52% of sequenced samples containing two or more subtypes. Dientamoeba was found only in NHPs with a prevalence of 6%. This study emphasizes the critical role of molecular diagnostics in epidemiological and transmission studies of these protists and calls for further research to better understand their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Šejnohová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Koutenská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Brožová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Pavlíčková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 307 Center Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 307 Center Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Vijayan J, Ezhuthanikkunnel AP, Punnorkodu SAK, Poikayil SS, Mohan M, Ammanamveetil MHA. Sediment microbial diversity, functional potentials, and antibiotic resistance pattern: a case study of Cochin Estuary core sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:52132-52146. [PMID: 39143383 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Marine sediments are an important part of the marine environment and the world's greatest organic carbon source. Sediment microorganisms are important regulators of major geochemical and eco-environmental processes in marine environments, especially nutrient dynamics and biogeochemical cycles. Despite their importance, core marine microorganisms are virtually unknown due to a lack of consensus on how to identify them. Most core microbiotas have been characterized thus far based on species abundance and occurrence. The combined effects of habitat and depth on benthic bacterial communities and ecological functions were studied using "Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) predictive functional profiling" at the surface (0.2 cm) and bottom depth (250 cm) in a sediment core sample from Cochin Estuary, Kerala, India. The results showed that bacterial diversity and richness were significantly higher in the surface sediment sample with the most abundant phyla being Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes. The major metabolic functions were metabolism, followed by environmental information processing and genetic information processing. Antibiotic resistance genes between the surface and bottom samples help to understand the resistance pattern among multidrug resistance is the most prominent one. Among viruses, Siphoviridae is the dominant family, followed by Myoviridae. In the case of Archea, Crenarchaeota is dominant, whereas among eukaryotes phyla Streptophyta and Chordata were dominant in the surface and the bottom samples respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Vijayan
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry; School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682016, Kerala, India.
| | - Akhil Prakash Ezhuthanikkunnel
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry; School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Sabira Abdul Kareem Punnorkodu
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry; School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Sunil Sukumaran Poikayil
- Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics; School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills P.O, Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
| | - Mohamed Hatha Abdulla Ammanamveetil
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry; School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, 682016, Kerala, India
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Boutahar M, Belaouni M, Ibrahimi A, Eljaoudi R, Aanniz T, Er-Rami M, Köster PC, Dashti A, Carmena D. Unveiling Blastocystis epidemiology in Morocco: subtype diversity among clinical patients with and without gastrointestinal manifestations in the Meknes region. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:273. [PMID: 39017986 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist frequently identified in humans and other animals, though its clinical significance remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in faecal samples from symptomatic (n = 55) and asymptomatic (n = 50) individuals seeking medical care in Meknes, Morocco. Detection of the protist was accomplished through coproparasitological examination and culture in Jones medium. Culture-positive samples were subjected to molecular analyses (PCR and Sanger sequencing) based on sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating patients. The overall Blastocystis infection rate was 51.4% (54/105), with no differences between symptomatic (52.7%, 29/55) and asymptomatic (50.0%, 25/50) individuals. Sequence analyses identified three Blastocystis subtypes, with ST3 being the most prevalent (42.0%), followed by ST1 (34.0%), and ST2 (12.0%). Regarding intra-subtype diversity, allele 4 was found within ST1; alleles 11/12 and alleles 34/36 (alone or in combination) were identified within ST2 and ST3 respectively. Allele 34 in ST3 (40.8%) and allele 4 in ST1 (34.7%) were the most common genetic variants circulating in the surveyed clinical population. A statistically significant association between ST2 and the presence of flatulence was observed. This is the first study assessing the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in the Meknes region, Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Boutahar
- Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology of Fez, B.P. 2202 - Route d'Imouzzer, Fez, Morocco.
| | - Mourad Belaouni
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Moulay Ismaïl Military Hospital, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10100, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), 10000, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, 20000, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Rachid Eljaoudi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10100, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), 10000, Rabat, Morocco
- Emergency Department, Military Hospital Mohammed V, 10000, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Tarik Aanniz
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10100, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Er-Rami
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Moulay Ismaïl Military Hospital, Meknes, Morocco
- Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Fez, Morocco
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de La Cañada, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de La Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
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Matovelle C, Quílez J, Tejedor MT, Beltrán A, Chueca P, Monteagudo LV. Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Northern Spain. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1084. [PMID: 38930466 PMCID: PMC11205523 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited molecular data exist on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp., the most prevalent parasite in human and animal feces worldwide. A total of 44 different subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis are currently recognized based on the sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. This is a molecular study of Blastocystis spp. in hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in northern Spain. We analyzed 173 Blastocystis-positive patients with gastrointestinal symptoms by using nested PCR for molecular detection, subtype identification, phylogenetic analyses, and genetic diversity assessment. ST2 (34.1%) and ST3 (34.7%) predominated, followed by ST1 (15.6%) and ST4 (15.6%). Mixed infections with different subtypes were observed in some patients. Sequence analysis revealed for the first time in European humans the allele 88 (a variant of ST1). In other cases, alleles commonly found in animal samples were detected (allele 9 in ST2, allele 34 in ST3, and allele 42 in ST4). Phylogenetic analysis showed high variability in ST1 and ST2, suggesting a polyphyletic origin, while both ST3 and ST4 exhibited higher genetic homogeneity, indicating a possible monophyletic origin and recent transmission to humans. These data confirm Blastocystis spp. subtype diversity and may help in understanding the evolutionary processes and potential zoonotic transmission of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Matovelle
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Joaquín Quílez
- AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.T.T.); (P.C.)
- Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Beltrán
- Environmental Sciences Institute (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Service of Microbiology and Parasitology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Patricia Chueca
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.T.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Luis Vicente Monteagudo
- AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.T.T.); (P.C.)
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Koehler AV, Herath HD, Hall RS, Wilcox S, Gasser RB. Marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in Australian wildlife revealed using a next generation sequencing-phylogenetic approach. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100902. [PMID: 38292245 PMCID: PMC10827504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a genus of intestinal stramenopiles that infect vertebrates, and may cause disease of the alimentary tract. Currently, at least 40 genotypes ("subtypes") of Blastocystis are recognised worldwide based on sequence data for the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. Despite the numerous studies of Blastocystis worldwide, very few studies have explored Blastocystis in wild animals, particularly in Australia. Here, we used a PCR-based next generation sequencing (NGS)-phylogenetic approach to genetically characterise and classify Blastocystis variants from selected wildlife in the Australian state of Victoria. In total, 1658 faecal samples were collected from nine host species, including eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, common wombat, deer, European rabbit, canines and emu. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, a 500 bp region of the SSU-rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, then, a subset of samples sequenced using Illumina technology. Primary PCR detected Blastocystis in 482 of the 1658 samples (29%), with the highest percentage in fallow deer (63%). Subsequent, Illumina-based sequencing of a subset of 356 samples revealed 55 distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing seven currently-recognised subtypes (STs) [ST13 (prominent in marsupials), ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23, ST24 and ST25 (prominent in deer)] and two novel STs (ST45 and ST46) in marsupials. Mixed infections of different STs were observed in macropods, deer, emu and canids (fox, feral dog or dingo), but no infection was detected in rabbits or wombats. This study reveals marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in a small number of species of wild animals in Australia, suggesting complexity in the genetic composition and transmission patterns of members of the genus Blastocystis in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - H.M.P. Dilrukshi Herath
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen Wilcox
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Figueiredo AM, Santín M, Köster PC, Dashti A, Maloney JG, Torres RT, Fonseca C, Mysterud A, Carvalho J, Hipólito D, Rossa M, Palmeira JD, González-Barrio D, Calero-Bernal R, Carmena D. Molecular detection and characterization of Blastocystis in herbivore livestock species in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110147. [PMID: 38364349 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. The traditional livestock free-roaming raising system in rural communities increases the risk of infection with contact with a wider range of pathogens transmitted via the faecal-oral route associated with that wildlife-livestock-human interface. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in livestock in Portugal. Here, we collected 180 faecal samples from herbivore livestock (cattle, goats, horses, and sheep) in different regions of the country to investigate Blastocystis prevalence and subtype diversity using PCR and next-generation amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis was present in 40.6% (73/180; 95% CI: 33.31-48.11) of the samples (goats, 81.0%; sheep, 60.9%; cattle, 32.2%). None of the horse samples were Blastocystis-positive. Eighteen subtypes were detected (ST1-ST3, ST5-ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23-ST26, ST30, ST42-ST44). Mixed infections were detected in 97.3% of the Blastocystis-positive samples. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 75.0%, 96.4%, and 100% of the Blastocystis-positive specimens collected from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. These results demonstrate that cattle, sheep, and goats harbour a high diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in the study regions. Importantly, our data provide novel molecular evidence strongly suggesting that some Blastocystis STs/ST subgroups may have differential host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Figueiredo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Rita T Torres
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dário Hipólito
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Veterinary Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mariana Rossa
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Josman D Palmeira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Mei X, Wei L, Su C, Yang Z, Tian X, Zhang Z, Wang S. Advances in the axenic isolation methods of Blastocystis sp. and their applications. Parasitology 2024; 151:125-134. [PMID: 38087868 PMCID: PMC10941048 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a prevalent protistan parasite found globally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in research on axenic isolation techniques for Blastocystis sp. and their diverse applications. Axenic isolation, involving the culture and isolation of Blastocystis sp. free from any other organisms, necessitates the application of specific media and a series of axenic treatment methods. These methods encompass antibiotic treatment, monoclonal culture, differential centrifugation, density gradient separation, micromanipulation and the combined use of culture media. Critical factors influencing axenic isolation effectiveness include medium composition, culture temperature, medium characteristics, antibiotic type and dosage and the subtype (ST) of Blastocystis sp. Applications of axenic isolation encompass exploring pathogenicity, karyotype and ST analysis, immunoassay, characterization of surface chemical structure and lipid composition and understanding drug treatment effects. This review serves as a valuable reference for clinicians and scientists in selecting appropriate axenic isolation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Changwei Su
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
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Santin M, Figueiredo A, Molokin A, George NS, Köster PC, Dashti A, González-Barrio D, Carmena D, Maloney JG. Division of Blastocystis ST10 into three new subtypes: ST42-ST44. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e12998. [PMID: 37658622 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The Blastocystis subtype ST10 has been recognized to contain a great deal of diversity at the sequence level, potentially indicating the presence of multiple new STs within the clade. However, the data needed to validate these new STs were not available. To help resolve this diversity, full-length small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene reference sequences were generated using Oxford Nanopore MinION long-read sequencing from 21 samples representing multiple domestic and wild hosts and geographic regions and covering the sequence diversity previously described using fragments of the SSU rRNA gene. Phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses were used to compare full-length sequences of the SSU rRNA gene generated in this study with all other valid STs of Blastocystis. We present data supporting the division of ST10/ST23 cluster into five subtypes, ST10, ST23, and three new subtypes with the proposed ST designations of ST42, ST43, and ST44. As the host range of Blastocystis continues to expand with new subtypes and new hosts being frequently identified, the reference sequences provided in this study will assist in accurate sequence classification and help to clarify the epidemiology of this common intestinal microeukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ana Figueiredo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Bioscience, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Camargo A, Ramírez JD. Blastocystis genetic diversity in animal and human samples from different departments of Colombia using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene (SSU rRNA) by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Acta Trop 2024; 249:107090. [PMID: 38048971 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote that has raised attention due to its wide distribution in animals and humans. The risk of zoonotic circulation primarily arises from close contact with infected animals. Therefore, the following study aimed to evaluate the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in Colombian human and animal samples using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. For this purpose, 341 human stool samples and 277 animal fecal samples (from cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, cats, and dogs), were collected from different Colombian regions and analyzed using PCR-based detection and full-length 18S SSU rRNA gene Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Among the 618 samples from both hosts, humans and animals, the results revealed widespread Blastocystis frequency, with 48.09% (n = 164) in humans and 31.4% (n = 87) detection in animals. Dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and wild animals tested positive, aligning with global prevalence patterns. Also, 29 human samples and 23 animal samples were sequenced using ONT technology from which 11 long-read unique sequences were generated and cluster with their compared reference sequences. The subtype distribution varied within hosts, detecting ST1 and ST3 in both human and animal samples. Subtypes ST5, ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST24, ST25 and ST26 were limited to animals hosts, some of which are considered to have zoonotic potential. On the other hand, ST2 was found exclusively in human samples from Bolivar region. Mixed infections occurred in both animal and humans, 60.86% and 27.58% respectively. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia identifying ST15 in pigs and ST25 in sheep. The subtypes (STs) identified in this study indicate that certain animals may serve as reservoirs with the potential for zoonotic transmission. The identification of zoonotic subtypes highlights the use of Next Generation Sequencing as the depth and resolution of the sequences increases providing insights into STs of medical and veterinarian significance. It also reveals the coexistence of diverse subtypes among hosts. Further research is essential for understanding transmission dynamics, health implications, and detection strategies for Blastocystis occurrence in animals and humans, mainly associated to the role of animals as reservoirs and their close interaction with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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10
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Jaimes J, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Madigan R, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:458. [PMID: 38111024 PMCID: PMC10726620 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp. METHODS A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform. RESULTS The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana C Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roy Madigan
- Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, 286 Singing Oaks, Ste 113, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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11
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Hurych J, Oscarsson E, Håkanson Å, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Jirků M, Aronson CA, Cinek O, Agardh D. Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei supplementation on the single-cell fecal parasitome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:411. [PMID: 37946274 PMCID: PMC10636941 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 positively affect the fecal bacteriome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity after 6 months of supplementation. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 on the single-cell parasitome, with a primary focus on Blastocystis. METHODS Stool samples were collected from 78 Swedish children with celiac disease autoimmunity participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to either receive a mixture of supplementation with L. plantarum HEAL9 and L. paracasei 8700:2 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). A total of 227 stool samples collected at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention, respectively, were retrospectively analyzed for Blastocystis by quantitative real-time PCR and subtyped by massively parallel amplicon sequencing. Other single-cell parasites were detected by untargeted 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing and verified by real-time PCR. The relation between the parasites and the bacteriome community was characterized by using 16S rDNA profiling of the V3-V4 region. RESULTS Three different single-cell protists were identified, of which the highest prevalence was found for Dientamoeba fragilis (23.1%, 18/78 children), followed by Blastocystis (15.4%, 12/78) and Entamoeba spp. (2.6%, 2/78). The quantity of the protists was stable over time and not affected by probiotic intervention (P = 0.14 for Blastocystis, P = 0.10 for D. fragilis). The positivity of the protists was associated with increased bacteriome diversity (measured by multiple indices, P < 0.03). Bacterial composition was influenced by the presence of the protists: positivity of Blastocystis was inversely associated with Akkermansia (at the levels of the genus as well as its family, order, class and phylum); P < 0.002), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.003) and Romboutsia (P = 0.029); positivity of D. fragilis was inversely associated with families Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.016) and Coriobacteriaceae (P = 0.022) and genera Flavonifractor (P < 0.001), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.009), Lachnoclostridium (P = 0.029), Ruminococcus (P < 0.001) and Granulicatella (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of single-cell protists is low in children with celiac disease autoimmunity. The colonization was stable regardless of the probiotic intervention and associated with increased diversity of the fecal bacteriome but inversely associated with some beneficial bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Hurych
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elin Oscarsson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Håkanson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Carin Andrén Aronson
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
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12
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Jakab S, Bali K, Freytag C, Pataki A, Fehér E, Halas M, Jerzsele Á, Szabó I, Szarka K, Bálint Á, Bányai K. Deep Sequencing of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus ORF7: A Promising Tool for Diagnostics and Epidemiologic Surveillance. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3223. [PMID: 37893946 PMCID: PMC10603690 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a major concern worldwide. Control of PRRSV is a challenging task due to various factors, including the viral diversity and variability. In this study, we evaluated an amplicon library preparation protocol targeting the ORF7 region of both PRRSV species, Betaarterivirus suid 1 and Betaarterivirus suid 2. We designed tailed primers for a two-step PCR procedure that generates ORF7-specific amplicon libraries suitable for use on Illumina sequencers. We tested the method with serum samples containing common laboratory strains and with pooled serum samples (n = 15) collected from different pig farms during 2019-2021 in Hungary. Testing spiked serum samples showed that the newly designed method is highly sensitive and detects the viral RNA even at low copy numbers (corresponding to approx. Ct 35). The ORF7 sequences were easily assembled even from clinical samples. Two different sequence variants were identified in five samples, and the Porcilis MLV vaccine strain was identified as the minor variant in four samples. An in-depth analysis of the deep sequencing results revealed numerous polymorphic sites along the ORF7 gene in a total of eight samples, and some sites (positions 12, 165, 219, 225, 315, 345, and 351) were found to be common in several clinical specimens. We conclude that amplicon deep sequencing of a highly conserved region of the PRRSV genome could support both laboratory diagnosis and epidemiologic surveillance of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Jakab
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary; (S.J.); (K.B.); (A.P.); (E.F.)
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bali
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary; (S.J.); (K.B.); (A.P.); (E.F.)
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csongor Freytag
- Department of Metagenomics, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.F.); (K.S.)
| | - Anna Pataki
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary; (S.J.); (K.B.); (A.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Enikő Fehér
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary; (S.J.); (K.B.); (A.P.); (E.F.)
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ákos Jerzsele
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Szabó
- National PRRS Eradication Committee, Keleti Károly u. 24., H-1024 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Szarka
- Department of Metagenomics, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (C.F.); (K.S.)
| | - Ádám Bálint
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, H-1143 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary; (S.J.); (K.B.); (A.P.); (E.F.)
- National Laboratory for Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, Hungária krt. 21., H-1143 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
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13
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Hernández-Castro C, Maloney JG, Agudelo-López SP, Toro-Londoño MA, Botero-Garcés JH, Orozco MC, Quintero-Quinchia YC, Correa-Cote JC, Múnera-Duque A, Ricaurte-Ciro JC, Londoño-Álvarez LI, Escobar RM, Köster PC, Sánchez S, Carmena D, Santín M. Identification and validation of novel Blastocystis subtype ST41 in a Colombian patient undergoing colorectal cancer screening. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2023; 70:e12978. [PMID: 37195413 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is among the most frequent intestinal protists identified in humans globally. However, characterization of Blastocystis subtype diversity in humans is ongoing. We report here the identification of novel Blastocystis subtype ST41 in a Colombian patient undergoing colorectal cancer screening involving colonoscopy and fecal testing (microscopy, culture, PCR). The full-length ssu rRNA gene sequence of the protist was generated using MinION long-read sequencing technology. The validity of the novel subtype was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length ST41 sequence and all other valid subtypes. The study provides reference material essential for conducting subsequent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonia P Agudelo-López
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Miguel A Toro-Londoño
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jorge H Botero-Garcés
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - María C Orozco
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Yulieth C Quintero-Quinchia
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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Rauff-Adedotun AA, Lee IL, Abd Talib N, Shaari N, Yahaya ZS, Meor Termizi FH. Prevalence, potential risk factors and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2193-2205. [PMID: 37462745 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic protist inhabiting the intestinal tract of diverse animal hosts, including human. Information regarding Blastocystis in small ruminants, namely goats and sheep, is limited globally; thus, this study was carried out to investigate the distribution and determinants of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia. Fecal samples from 127 cattle, 149 goats, and 100 sheep were examined for Blastocystis by in vitro cultivation using modified Jones' medium, while DNA barcoding was used for subtyping. Overall, 23.1% (87/376) of animals screened were positive for Blastocystis sp. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in goats than in cattle and sheep, while the female gender, semi-intensive farming system, and the Northeast Penang Island district were identified as potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection. Blastocystis sp. ST5, ST14, and ST25 were identified in cattle; ST5, ST10, ST13, and ST14 in goats; and ST4, ST5, ST14, and ST15 in sheep. ST5 and ST14 were found to be the most abundant and widespread subtypes in the study area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ST4 from sheep and ST13 from goats, thus serving as an update to the host range of Blastocystis sp. ST4 and ST13. The isolation of ST4 and ST5 in this study suggests that ruminant livestock animals could serve as reservoirs of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Nabilah Abd Talib
- Department of Veterinary Services, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Zary Shariman Yahaya
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
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15
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Garcia-Montoya GM, Galvan-Diaz AL, Alzate JF. Metataxomics reveals Blastocystis subtypes mixed infections in Colombian children. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 113:105478. [PMID: 37406785 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., is an intestinal protist with a broad host range and a high prevalence in human populations worldwide, even in developed Western countries. The publication of conflicting evidence has divided the scientific community about the pathogenic role of this parasite. Even though, genetic studies on Blastocystis sp. revealed associations between genotypes and different pathogenic profiles. Conventionally, the detection of this parasite is based on microscopic or PCR methods, which offer meager or null performance in detecting mixed infections. In this work, we applied a metataxonomic NGS approach targeting the V4 region of the eukaryotic SSU-rRNA gene and classical phylogenetic methods. This approach allowed us to detect Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from infected children living in an urban setting in the city of Medellin attending the same daycare center. Phylogenetic analysis identified the subtypes present in the children as ST1, ST2, and ST3. Besides, mixed infections of subtypes ST1 + ST3 were spotted in 16% of the analyzed stool samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela M Garcia-Montoya
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Medellín, Colombia; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Pediaciencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana L Galvan-Diaz
- Grupo de Microbiología ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan F Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Medellín, Colombia; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Pediaciencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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16
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Santin M, Molokin A, Maloney JG. A longitudinal study of Blastocystis in dairy calves from birth through 24 months demonstrates dynamic shifts in infection rates and subtype prevalence and diversity by age. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:177. [PMID: 37264466 PMCID: PMC10236725 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common microeukaryotic intestinal parasite in humans and other animal hosts globally. However, no large-scale longitudinal study has ever been conducted for Blastocystis. To understand patterns of infection prevalence and subtype diversity and their relationship with host age, we have conducted the most comprehensive longitudinal study of Blastocystis infection ever performed. Dairy calves from a herd located in Maryland, USA, were followed from birth through 24 months of age, and 990 individual fecal samples from 30 calves were collected over the study period, representing three age groups (pre-weaned, post-weaned, and heifer). All samples were screened for Blastocystis via PCR, and subtype determination was performed using next-generation amplicon sequencing. Associations between age group and infection status were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Blastocystis infection prevalence increased with time, significant associations were observed between age groups and infection risk, and a cumulative prevalence of 100% was observed among the study population during the 24-month period. Thirteen previously reported subtypes (ST1-6, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23-26) and one potentially novel subtype were observed. Diversity within ST10 supports the need for division of the subtype into new subtype designations. Associations between subtype and age group were explored, and relationships between subtypes and infection chronicity are described. While subtype diversity increased with age in the study population, distinct patterns of individual subtype prevalence and chronicity were observed, supporting the importance of subtype discrimination in studies of host infection and disease. The data from this study represent a significant advance in our understanding of Blastocystis infection dynamics within a single host population over time and can be used to inform future studies of Blastocystis epidemiology in both humans and other animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
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17
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Zhang J, Fu Y, Bian X, Han H, Dong H, Zhao G, Li J, Li X, Zhang L. Molecular identification and genotyping of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats from some areas in Inner Mongolia, Northern China. Parasitol Int 2023; 94:102739. [PMID: 36787864 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a kind of unicellular intestinal commensal which is widely distributed in humans and animals, and frequently found in the people who are in close contact with animals. To investigate the prevalence and evaluate the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats from Inner Mongolia, China, a total of 1037 samples were collected from them, and subjected to nested PCR amplification based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Blastocystis sp. The sanger sequencing was used for Blastocystis sp. subtype identification. The results indicated that the average infection rate of Blastocystis sp. was 10.70% [95CI: 8.82%-12.58%] (111/1037), including 11.30% [95CI: 7.96%-14.64%] for sheep (39/345) and 10.40% [95CI: 8.13%-12.67%] for goats (72/692). Five Blastocystis subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21 and ST26) were identified in the present study. Among them, ST10 was the most dominant subtype in sheep and goats, accounting for 70.27% (78/111) of the total identified positive samples. This is the first report regarding Blastocystis sp. subtypes ST21 and ST26 in goats in China. This study has provided a detail epidemiological data on the prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats in Inner Mongolia, China. Our results indicated that sheep and goats could be reservoir host for multiple Bastocystis subtypes, including the zoonotic subtypes. Further studies among humans, livestock and wild animals are needed to better understand their role in the spread of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Xiaokun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Han Han
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jinlin Province, PR China
| | - Heping Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China.
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China.
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18
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Hernández PC, Maloney JG, Molokin A, George NS, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, Santin M. Exploring Blastocystis genetic diversity in rural schoolchildren from Colombia using next-generation amplicon sequencing reveals significant associations between contact with animals and infection risk. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3. [PMID: 37156906 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a global distribution in humans and many other animals. Yet, the status of Blastocystis as a pathogen, the risk factors associated with its transmission, and its zoonotic potential remain ill-defined. Here, we explored subtype (ST) diversity and potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection in 98 children from Apulo, Colombia. Samples were screened for Blastocystis via PCR, and ST identification was performed through next-generation amplicon sequencing (NGS). Associations between the presence of Blastocystis and individual STs and sociodemographic variables were assessed via logistic regression analyses. Seventy-one samples (72.4%) were Blastocystis-positive, and NGS revealed the presence of five STs (ST1-ST5). ST1, ST2, and ST3 were common and observed in nearly equal proportions (~ 40%), while samples with ST4 (1.4%) and ST5 (5.6%) were comparatively rare. The presence of mixed STs in the same sample was also common (28.2%). Comparisons among children within the same household identified that shared ST profiles were common, but diversity within family units was also observed. Logistic regression analyses returned significant associations between the presence of Blastocystis, individual subtypes, or mixed subtypes for several variables. Intriguingly, the presence of animals was one of the most common significant associations. Taken together, these data represent an important step forward in understanding both the potential routes and risk factors that may influence Blastocystis transmission and will be useful in shaping future studies which seek to clarify the relationships between STs, pathogenicity, and zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Hernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Liliana Morales
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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19
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Sun J, Zhu S, Xu H, Li X, Zhang L, Li J. First identification of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in Rex rabbits in China. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1079-1086. [PMID: 36897380 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common protist that colonizes the intestinal tract in both humans and animals worldwide. A total of 666 fecal samples of Rex rabbits were collected from 12 farms in three administrative regions in Henan, China. Blastocystis sp. was screened and subtyped by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal DNA. The results indicated that 31 (4.7%, 31/666) rabbits were positive for Blastocystis sp. across three farms (25.0%, 3/12). The infection rate of Blastocystis sp. in Rex rabbits was highest in Jiyuan at 9.1% (30/331), followed by Luoyang (0.5%, 1/191), with no positive infections found in Zhengzhou. The Blastocystis sp. infection rate in adults (10.2%, 14/287) was higher than that in young rabbits (4.5%, 17/379) (χ2 = 0.0027, P > 0.50). Four Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST4, and ST17) were identified in rabbits in the present study. Among them, the subtypes ST1 (n = 15) and ST3 (n = 14) were dominant, followed by ST4 (n = 1) and ST17 (n = 1). Blastocystis sp. ST1 was the dominant subtype in adult rabbits, and ST3 was the dominant subtype in young rabbits. This study enriches the data on the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rabbits. More studies are needed among humans, domestic animals, and wild animals to obtain a better understanding of their role in the spread of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junchen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shuying Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxain Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Meclat VYB, Ancheta KSB, Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Phylogenetic relationship of nonmammalian and avian Blastocystis isolates and conventional subtypes. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:192-197. [PMID: 36910318 PMCID: PMC9998794 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist commonly identified in human and animal feces. At present, there are 28 proposed subtypes (STs) identified based on the small subunit rRNA gene, 13 of which are found in both humans and animals. In general, nonmammalian and avian groups are infected by the nonmammalian and avian subtypes (NMASTs). However, NMASTs were also isolated from mammalian hosts, suggesting possible cross-contamination and transmission from nonmammalian and avian hosts to other animals and, potentially, humans. Thus, this study determined the possible relationship between NMAST sequences and conventional STs to provide new insights into Blastocystis classification, identification, and epidemiological significance. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using three statistical models, namely, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor Joining, and Maximum Parsimony, based on the 30 NMAST sequences. The NMAST sequences formed groups clustered closely with other NMAST subtrees. Most sequences of nonmammalian and avian isolates formed distinct monophyletic clades based on their NMAST classification, with some clustering with mammalian and avian STs. These results indicate the close relationship between Blastocystis isolated from mammalian and avian hosts and nonmammalian and avian hosts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Yvonne B. Meclat
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Keith Sigfred B. Ancheta
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Davin Edric V. Adao
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
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21
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Next-generation sequencing amplicon analysis of the genetic diversity of Eimeria populations in livestock and wildlife samples from Australia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:615-624. [PMID: 36544013 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria is an important coccidian enteric parasite that infects a wide range of hosts and can cause substantial economic losses in the poultry and livestock industries. It is common for multiple Eimeria species to infect individual hosts, and this can make species identification difficult due to morphological similarities between species and mixed chromatograms when using Sanger sequencing. Relatively few studies have applied next-generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) to determining the genetic diversity of Eimeria species in different hosts. The present study screened 408 faecal samples from a range of hosts including livestock and wildlife using a previously developed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at the 18S locus and conducted amplicon NGS on the positives using a ~ 455-bp fragment of the 18S locus. A total of 41 positives (10.1%) were identified by qPCR from various hosts and NGS was successful for 38 of these positives. Fifteen Eimeria species and three genotypes were detected by NGS: E. ferrisi, E. kanyana, E. potoroi, E. quokka, E. setonicis, E. trichosuri, E. reichenowi, E. angustus, E. ahsata, E. auburnensis, E. bovis, E. brasiliensis, E. christenseni, E. crandallis, E. ovinoidalis, Eimeria sp. (JF419345), Eimeria sp. (JF419349) and Eimeria sp. (JF419351). Mixed infections were detected in 55.3% (21/38) of positive samples. The most striking finding was the identification of the same species in different hosts. This could be due to contamination and/or mechanical transmission or may provide support for previous studies suggesting that Eimeria species can infect not just closely related hosts but different genera and further research is required. This is also the first study to audit Eimeria populations in livestock (sheep and cattle) by NGS and could be applied in the future to determine the extent of pathogenic species and outcomes of Eimeria control strategies.
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22
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Zhang K, Qin Z, Qin H, Wang Y, Wang L, Fu Y, Hou C, Ji C, Yuan Y, Zhang L. First detection of Blastocystis sp. in migratory whooper swans ( Cygnus cygnus) in China. One Health 2023; 16:100486. [PMID: 36683961 PMCID: PMC9846003 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a usual intestinal protist that always found in humans and various animals. Currently, the prevalence of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is unknown. In our research, we aimed to determine the occurrence, prevalence, subtype distribution and dynamic transmission mechanisms of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan in China. We also assessed the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates, as well as possible routes of transmission and impact of this organism on One Health perspective. Fecal samples (n = 770) were collected from whooper swans inhabiting the Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park, China. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 11.6% (89/770). We identified 9 subtypes of Blastocystis sp., including 5 zoonotic subtypes [ST1 (Cakir et al., 2019 (8)), ST4 (Selma and Karanis, 2011 (4)), ST5 (Stensvold et al., 2009 (1)), ST6 (Fare et al., 2019 (5)) and ST7(58)] and 3 host-specific subtypes [ST10 (Zhao et al., 2018 (7)), ST14 (Tan et al., 2010 (2)), ST23 (Wang et al., 2018 (3)), and ST25 (Stensvold et al., 2009 (1))]. Subtypes ST4, ST5, ST6, ST10, ST14, ST23, and ST25 were first identified in the whooper swan. Among these subtypes, ST23 and ST25 were identified in birds for the first time, indicating that these subtypes are expanding their host range. So far, this is the first research reporting on the prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan in China. The findings obtained in this study will provide new insights into the genetic diversity and transmission routes of Blastocystis, and the possible public health concerns posed by this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yinlin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Luyang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Changjiang Hou
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, PR China
| | - Chenxiao Ji
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, PR China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China,Corresponding author at: College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengzhou New District, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China.
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23
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Rego L, Castro‐Scholten S, Cano C, Jiménez‐Martín D, Köster PC, Caballero‐Gómez J, Bailo B, Dashti A, Hernández‐Castro C, Cano‐Terriza D, Vioque F, Maloney JG, Santín M, García‐Bocanegra I, Carmena D, González‐Barrio D. Iberian wild leporidae as hosts of zoonotic enteroparasites in Mediterranean ecosystems of Southern Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 70:223-237. [PMID: 36533513 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Wild lagomorphs including rabbits and hares can act as natural carriers or reservoirs of bacterial and parasitic zoonotic diseases. However, little is known on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild leporids. We examined faecal samples from European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, n = 438) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis, n = 111) collected in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia in southern Spain during 2012-2021. We searched for the presence of DNA from the main intestinal protist and microsporidial pathogens of veterinary and public health concerns using molecular methods (PCR followed by Sanger and next-generation sequencing). Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent species found (27.8%, 153/550; 95% CI: 24.1-31.8), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (1.3%, 7/550; 95% CI: 0.5-2.6), Blastocystis sp. (1.1%, 6/550; 95% CI: 0.4-2.4) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (0.2%, 1/550; 95% CI: 0.0-10.1). All samples tested negative for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of sub-assemblage BIV (n = 1) within G. duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium cuniculus (n = 6) and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 1) within Cryptosporidium. The presence of ruminant-adapted C. andersoni is indicative of a potential cross-species transmission event, although a spurious infection (mechanical carriage) cannot be ruled out. Samples assigned to C. cuniculus belonged to the gp60 subtype families Va (n = 3) and Vb (n = 2). The six Blastocystis-positive samples were identified as ST2 (n = 3) and ST1 + ST2 (n = 3). Our molecular results suggest that wild rabbits and hares were primarily infected by leporid-adapted species of eukaryotic pathogens. However, the occasional findings of zoonotic G. duodenalis sub-assemblage BIV, Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis could be of public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rego
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro‐Scholten
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Carmen Cano
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez‐Martín
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Caballero‐Gómez
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC) University Hospital Reina Sofía, University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández‐Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies University of Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - David Cano‐Terriza
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Maryland USA
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Maryland USA
| | - Ignacio García‐Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - David González‐Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory National Centre for Microbiology Madrid Spain
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Diagnostic Methods of Common Intestinal Protozoa: Current and Future Immunological and Molecular Methods. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100253. [PMID: 36287994 PMCID: PMC9606991 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal protozoan infection is a persisting public health problem affecting the populations of developing countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. The diagnosis of intestinal protozoa remains a challenge especially in developing countries due to a shortage of laboratory facilities, limited health funding, and the remoteness of communities. Despite still being widely used, conventional diagnoses using microscopy and staining methods pose important limitations, particularly due to their low sensitivities and specificities. The selection of diagnostic methods needs to be carefully considered based on the objective of examination, availability of resources, and the expected parasite to be found. In this review, we describe various immunodiagnosis and molecular diagnostic methods for intestinal protozoa infection, including their advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different settings, with a focus on Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp.
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25
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Diversity of Blastocystis Subtypes in Horses in Colombia and Identification of Two New Subtypes. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091693. [PMID: 36144295 PMCID: PMC9505074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic animals are thought to be reservoirs of Blastocystis subtypes that also infect humans. There are limited studies on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in horses. In this study, 185 fecal samples were collected from horses (1 month to 17 years of age) in four regions of Colombia (Sabana de Bogotá, Costa Atlántica, Llanos Orientales, and Bogotá D.C.). Blastocystis presence and subtypes were determined by PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing. Eighty-one (43.8%) horses were positive for Blastocystis, with positive horses in all four regions. Molecular characterization identified 12 Blastocystis subtypes, 10 known subtypes (ST1, ST3–ST6, ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26), and 2 novel subtypes (ST33 and ST34). The validity of the novel subtypes was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences. Mixed subtype infections were common (55.6% of Blastocystis-positive horses). ST10 was the most prevalent subtype, present in 82.8% of Blastocystis-positive horses. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 88.9% of the Blastocystis-positive horses. This constitutes the most comprehensive study of Blastocystis in horses. Our findings indicate that horses harbor potentially zoonotic subtypes and could contribute to the transmission of Blastocystis to humans.
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Öncü Öner T, Karakavuk M, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Güvendi M, Gül A, Köseoğlu AE, Erkunt Alak S, Gürüz AY, Ün C, Döşkaya M, Can H. Molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and subtype diversity in fecal samples collected from cattle in dairy farms in Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 87:101850. [PMID: 35751914 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Close contact with infected animals is one of the main risk factors for zoonotic transmission of enteric protozoan parasite Blastocystis and thus, several animal species are being screened for the detection of the zoonotic subtypes. For this purpose, 22 fecal samples were collected from healthy cattle aged > 2 months and 39 fecal samples were also collected from cattle (aged <2 months) which are treated with TMP-SMX due to diarrhea. Later, Blastocystis sp. and subtypes were investigated by a PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene and subsequently by sequencing. Among the 22 fecal samples collected from healthy cattle, Blastocystis was detected in 12 of them with a prevalence rate of 54.5 %. Among Blastocystis-positive samples, five different subtypes (ST3, ST5, ST10, ST12, and ST13) were detected. The predominant subtype was ST10 (allele 152) with a prevalence rate of 50 % (6/12). In the other group treated with TMP-SMX due to diarrhea, Blastocystis was detected in only one (2.56 %;1/39) fecal sample and its subtype was ST1 (allele 2). High prevalence of Blastocystis as well as predominance of ST10 (allele 152) were detected in healthy cattle. The identification of zoonotic ST1, ST3, ST5 and ST12 subtypes among the detected subtypes with a high prevalence (46.1 %; 6/13) showed the importance of cattle as a source for transmission of Blastocystis to humans. It was observed that the efficiency of TMP-SMX on the clearance of Blastocystis in cattle was very strong. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study detecting Blastocystis ST13 subtype in the cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Öncü Öner
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Odemis Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Biruni University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey.
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Šloufová M, Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Petrželková KJ, Stensvold CR, Cinek O, Pomajbíková KJ. Comparison of molecular diagnostic approaches for the detection and differentiation of the intestinal protist Blastocystis sp. in humans. Parasite 2022; 29:30. [PMID: 35638752 PMCID: PMC9153396 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most commonly found intestinal protist in the world. Accurate detection and differentiation of Blastocystis including its subtypes (arguably species) are essential to understand its epidemiology and role in human health. We compared (i) the sensitivity of conventional PCR (cPCR) and qPCR in a set of 288 DNA samples obtained from stool samples of gut-healthy individuals, and (ii) subtype diversity as detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) versus Sanger sequencing. Real-time PCR resulted in more positive samples than cPCR, revealing high fecal load of Blastocystis based on the quantification curve in most samples. In subtype detection, NGS was largely in agreement with Sanger sequencing but showed higher sensitivity for mixed subtype colonization within one host. This fact together with use of the combination of qPCR and NGS and obtaining information on the fecal protist load will be beneficial for epidemiological and surveillance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Šloufová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague 150 06, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
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28
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Mahdavi F, Asghari A, Shahabi S, Shamsi L, Soltani-Jazi F, Sadrebazzaz A, Shams M. Distribution, genetic diversity, and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis subtypes in pet dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 88:101848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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29
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Hublin JS, Maloney JG, George NS, Molokin A, Lombard JE, Urie NJ, Shivley CB, Santin M. Enhanced detection of Giardia duodenalis mixed assemblage infections in pre-weaned dairy calves using next generation sequencing. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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30
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Amplicon-based next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear ribosomal genes (metabarcoding) for the detection of single-celled parasites in human faecal samples. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 17:e00242. [PMID: 35146142 PMCID: PMC8819130 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive detection and differentiation of intestinal protists mostly rely on DNA-based methods. Here, we evaluated next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear ribosomal genes (metabarcoding) for the detection and differentiation of intestinal eukaryotic protists in the stool of healthy Tunisian individuals. Thirty-six faecal DNA samples previously evaluated by microscopy and ameboid species-specific PCRs were tested. The hypervariable regions V3-V4 and V3-V5 of the 18S rRNA gene were amplified using three universal eukaryotic primer sets and sequenced using Illumina®MiSeq sequencing. In addition, real-time PCR assays were used to detect Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp. The metabarcoding assay detected Blastocystis (subtypes 1, 2, and 3) and archamoebid species and subtypes (Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba coli RL1 and RL2, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba bütschlii RL1) in 27 (75%) and 22 (61%) of the 36 stool samples, respectively. Meanwhile, the assay had limited sensitivity for flagellates as evidenced by the fact that no Giardia-specific reads were found in any of the five Giardia-positive samples included, and Dientamoeba-specific reads were observed only in 3/13 D. fragilis-positive samples. None of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium by any of the methods. In conclusion, a large variety of intestinal eukaryotic protists were detected and differentiated at species and subtype level; however, limited sensitivity for common flagellates was observed.
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31
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Yañez CM, Hernández AM, Sandoval AM, Domínguez MAM, Muñiz SAZ, Gómez JOG. Prevalence of Blastocystis and its association with Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in clinically healthy and metabolically ill subjects. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:339. [PMID: 34895145 PMCID: PMC8665487 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a typical anaerobic colon protist in humans with controversial pathogenicity and has relation with alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition (dysbiosis), whose eventual indicator is the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio); this indicator is also linked to complications such as diabetes, obesity, or inflammatory bowel disease. The present study investigated the prevalence of Blastocystis and its association with Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in healthy and metabolic diseased subjects. METHODS Fecal and blood samples were collected consecutively from 200 healthy subjects and 84 subjects with metabolic disease; Blastocystis and its most frequent subtypes were identified by end-point PCR and the two most representative phyla of the intestinal microbiota Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes by real-time PCR. RESULTS The prevalence of Blastocystis in healthy subjects was 47.0, and 65.48% in subjects with metabolic disease; the most prevalent subtype in the total population was ST3 (28.38%), followed by ST1 (14.86%), ST4, ST5, and ST7 (each one of them with 14.19% respectively), and finally ST2 (8.78%). The low F/B ratio was associated with the prevalence of Blastocystis in the two cohorts FACSA (OR = 3.78 p < 0.05) and UNEME (OR = 4.29 p < 0.05). Regarding the subtype level, an association between the FACSA cohort ST1 and ST7 with low Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was found (OR = 3.99 and 5.44 p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The evident predatory role of Blastocystis over Firmicutes phylum was observed in both cohorts since the abundance of bacterial group's Bacteroidetes increases in the groups colonized by this eukaryote and, therefore, may have a beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Muñoz Yañez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N, Col Revolución, C.P. 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango Mexico
| | - Alejandra Méndez Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencia y Medicina Genómica, Av. Juarez #1822, Primero de Cobián Centro, C.P. 27000 Torreón, Coahuila Mexico
| | - Alondra Martínez Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N, Col Revolución, C.P. 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango Mexico
| | - María Aurora Maravilla Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N, Col Revolución, C.P. 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango Mexico
| | - Soraya Amalí Zavaleta Muñiz
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N, Col Revolución, C.P. 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango Mexico
| | - Janeth Oliva Guangorena Gómez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de Salud, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N, Col Revolución, C.P. 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango Mexico
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32
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Dashti A, Rivero-Juárez A, Santín M, George NS, Köster PC, López-López P, Risalde MA, García-Bocanegra I, Gómez-Villamandos JC, Caballero-Gómez J, Frías M, Bailo B, Ortega S, Muadica AS, Calero-Bernal R, González-Barrio D, Rivero A, Briz V, Carmena D. Diarrhoea-causing enteric protist species in intensively and extensively raised pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Southern Spain. Part I: Prevalence and genetic diversity. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1051-e1064. [PMID: 34755463 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Numerous protist species are shared between humans and pigs. Among those, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Balantioides coli have a clear public and animal health significance. For others such as Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp., their impact on animal health has not been fully established. Little information is currently available on the molecular diversity of these protists in swine populations. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., B. coli, Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi in faecal samples from Iberian and Large White pigs raised under different (intensive and/or extensive) management systems in southern Spain. A total of 151 extensively raised Iberian pigs, 140 intensively raised Iberian pigs, and 184 intensively raised Large White pigs were investigated. Blastocystis sp. was the agent most prevalently found (47.8%), followed by B. coli (45.5%), G. duodenalis (10.7%), E. bieneusi (6.9%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.5%). Blastocystis sp. was significantly less prevalent in intensively raised Iberian pigs (22.9%) than in their extensively raised counterparts (51.0%) or in intensively raised Large White pigs (64.1%). A significantly higher prevalence was found for G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and E. bieneusi in Large White pigs than Iberian pigs. Balantioides coli was similarly distributed (40.0-51.1%) in all three investigated swine populations. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage E, two Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis), B. coli (genotypes A and B), Blastocystis sp. (ST1, ST3, and ST5), and E. bieneusi (EbpA, EbpC, EbpD, O, and a novel genotype named PigSpEb2). Novel genotype PigSpEb2 was found alone or in combination with EbpA. Data suggest a widespread exposure to protist enteroparasites in domestic pig populations irrespectively of breed and raising management system. Many of the species/genotypes identified have a zoonotic potential and might represent a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María A Risalde
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Pathology and Toxicology Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Gómez-Villamandos
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Pathology and Toxicology Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aly Salimo Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Licungo, Quelimane, Zambézia, Mozambique
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.,Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Briz
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
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Masuda A, Matsuda Y, Horikita T, Matsumoto J. Subtype analysis and prevalence of mixed subtype infection of Blastocystis in farmed pigs from Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102490. [PMID: 34737074 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal eukaryotes found in a wide range of animals and in the human population globally. Blastocystis is reported in domestic pigs, with subtype (ST) 5 being the dominant ST, followed by ST1 and ST3. The common method used for ST identification in pigs is PCR-sequencing, which often results in underestimation of the prevalence of mixed infections. Here, we aimed to investigate the ST distribution and the prevalence of mixed ST infection of Blastocystis in pigs from Chiba Prefecture in eastern Japan. A total of 82 fecal samples positive for Blastocystis were collected from two different farms, A and B. PCR was performed with subtype-specific primers, ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST5. The prevalence of single ST5 infection was 37.8% (31/82), whereas mixed infection with ST5 and other STs was 57.3% (47/82). A high percentage of single ST5 infection was observed in sows, piglets, and weaners from farm A (13/15, 86.7%), whereas mixed infection of ST5 and other STs, ST1 and ST3, was observed in 3-5-month-old grower pigs (15/18, 83.3%). Similarly, in farm B, the majority of sows and piglets under 1 month of age showed a single ST5 infection (12/17, 70.6%), whereas weaner, grower, and finisher pigs showed mixed infections with ST5 and other STs, ST1, ST2 and ST3 (27/28, 96.4%). In domestic pigs, diet and rearing environment changes dramatically over the course of animal's lifetime, which may have caused this difference in the prevalence of mixed ST infection among different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Masuda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Yukino Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Horikita
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Jun Matsumoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
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34
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Hernández PC, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, de Avila J, Bautista-Molano W, Bello-Gualtero J, Beltrán-Ostos A, Romero-Sánchez C. Frequency and distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in patients with spondyloarthritis in Bogotá, Colombia. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 15:e00227. [PMID: 34667886 PMCID: PMC8507199 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis sp. is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites worldwide, its role as a pathogen remains unclear. The use of molecular techniques to assess the genetic heterogeneity of Blastocystis sp. has become important to understand its function in some intestinal pathologies and if it is a key component of intestinal microbiota. Spondyloarthritis is a group of immune-mediated autoinflammatory diseases in which microbial dysbiosis in the gut (including parasites, bacteria and fungi) and intestinal inflammation are common features apparently associated with the pathophysiology of these disorders. This study included 74 patients diagnosed with spondyloarthritis and 57 systemically healthy individuals (included as controls), who were screened for intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 68% and 73% of the patients with spondyloarthritis and controls, respectively. In faecal samples positive for Blastocystis sp., an 18S rRNA gene fragment of Blastocystis sp. was amplified and sequenced to identify their genetic sub-types. Patients with spondyloarthritis showed similar frequencies of ST1, ST2 and ST3 subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (30% each). The same subtypes were observed in controls, wherein almost 60% of the samples showed ST3. In addition, ST6 was found only in one sample from each group. ST1 subtype showed the greatest genetic variability. Although the same subtypes were detected in both patients with spondyloarthritis and controls, subtype prevalence studies conducted in Colombia indicate an association between ST3 and individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. This opens an interesting research avenue to further study of the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and its possible relationship with intestinal conditions in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Hernández
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana Morales
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliette de Avila
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Wilson Bautista-Molano
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia.,Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Bello-Gualtero
- Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Beltrán-Ostos
- Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Consuelo Romero-Sánchez
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia.,Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
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Sarzhanov F, Dogruman-Al F, Santin M, Maloney JG, Gureser AS, Karasartova D, Taylan-Ozkan A. Investigation of neglected protists Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient diarrheal patients using both conventional and molecular methods. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009779. [PMID: 34613993 PMCID: PMC8494357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is a controversial issue. Since the pathogenicity of these protists has not been fully elucidated, testing for these organisms is not routinely pursued by most laboratories and clinicians. Thus, the prevalence of these organisms and the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in human patients in Turkey are not well characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in the diarrheic stool samples of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients using conventional and molecular methods and to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes using next generation sequencing. Material and methods Individual stool specimens were collected from 245 immunodeficient and 193 immunocompetent diarrheic patients between March 2017 and December 2019 at the Gazi University Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Samples were screened for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis by conventional and molecular methods. Molecular detection of both protists was achieved by separate qPCRs targeting a partial fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. Next generation sequencing was used to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes. Results The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was 16.7% and 11.9%, respectively as measured by qPCR. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was lower in immunodeficient patients (12.7% and 10.6%, respectively) compared to immunocompetent patients (21.8% and 13.5%, respectively). Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified and the following subtype distribution was observed: ST3 54.4% (n = 37), ST2 16.2% (n = 11), ST1 4.4% (n = 3), ST6 2.9% (n = 2), ST4 1.5% (n = 1), ST2/ST3 11.8% (n = 8) and ST1/ST3 8.8% (n = 6). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes between immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. Conclusion and recommendation Our findings demonstrated that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea. This study is the first to use next generation sequencing to address the presence of Blastocystis sp. mixed subtypes and intra-subtype variability in clinical samples in Turkey. Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are single-cell parasites of the human intestine which are common worldwide and reported in cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the role of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is still controversial because their presence is not always associated with symptoms. As some intestinal parasitic infections can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals careful consideration of intestinal protist infection is warranted. However, testing for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis is not routinely carried out by most laboratories and clinicians. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients with diarrhea by conventional and molecular methods. Both Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis were detected more frequently by quantitative polymerase chain reaction than by conventional methods. Next generation sequencing was used to characterize the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and mixed subtypes in patients in Turkey. Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST6) were detected. ST3 was the most frequent subtype in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Mono-infections were more common than mixed subtype infections. Our findings showed that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkestan, Kazakhstan
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ayse Semra Gureser
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Djursun Karasartova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB- University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
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Higuera A, Herrera G, Jimenez P, García-Corredor D, Pulido-Medellín M, Bulla-Castañeda DM, Pinilla JC, Moreno-Pérez DA, Maloney JG, Santín M, Ramírez JD. Identification of Multiple Blastocystis Subtypes in Domestic Animals From Colombia Using Amplicon-Based Next Generation Sequencing. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:732129. [PMID: 34504891 PMCID: PMC8421793 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.732129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is frequently reported in fecal samples from animals and humans worldwide, and a variety of subtypes (STs) have been observed in wild and domestic animals. In Colombia, few studies have focused on the transmission dynamics and epidemiological importance of Blastocystis in animals. In this study, we characterized the frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis in fecal samples of domestic animals including pigs, minipigs, cows, dogs, horses, goats, sheep, and llama from three departments of Colombia. Of the 118 fecal samples included in this study 81.4% (n = 96) were positive for Blastocystis using a PCR that amplifies a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. PCR positive samples were sequenced by next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) to determine subtypes. Eleven subtypes were detected, ten previously reported, ST5 (50.7%), ST10 (47.8%), ST25 (34.3%), ST26 (29.8%), ST21 (22.4%), ST23 (22.4%), ST1 (17.9%), ST14 (16.4%), ST24 (14.9%), ST3 (7.5%), and a novel subtype, named ST32 (3.0%). Mixed infection and/or intra -subtype variations were identified in most of the samples. Novel ST32 was observed in two samples from a goat and a cow. To support novel subtype designation, a MinION based sequencing strategy was used to generate the full-length of the SSU rRNA gene. Comparison of full-length nucleotide sequences with those from current valid subtypes supported the designation of ST32. This is the first study in Colombia using NGS to molecularly characterize subtypes of Blastocystis in farm animals. A great diversity of subtypes was observed in domestic animals including subtypes previously identified in humans. Additionally, subtype overlap between the different hosts examined in this study were observed. These findings highlight the presence of Blastocystis subtypes with zoonotic potential in farm animals indicating that farm animals could play a role in transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Higuera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula Jimenez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego García-Corredor
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martin Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana M Bulla-Castañeda
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Molecular Detection and Characterization of Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Cattle in Northern Spain. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090191. [PMID: 34564585 PMCID: PMC8473172 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Some enteric parasites causing zoonotic diseases in livestock have been poorly studied or even neglected. This is the case in stramenopile Blastocystis sp. and the microsporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Spain. This transversal molecular epidemiological survey aims to estimate the prevalence and molecular diversity of Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi in cattle faecal samples (n = 336) in the province of Álava, Northern Spain. Initial detection of Blastocystis and E. bieneusi was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of the small subunit (ssu) rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, respectively. Intra-host Blastocystis subtype diversity was further investigated by next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) of the ssu rRNA gene in those samples that tested positive by conventional PCR. Amplicons compatible with Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi were observed in 32.1% (108/336, 95% CI: 27.2–37.4%) and 0.6% (2/336, 95% CI: 0.0–1.4%) of the cattle faecal samples examined, respectively. Sanger sequencing produced ambiguous/unreadable sequence data for most of the Blastocystis isolates sequenced. NGS allowed the identification of 10 Blastocystis subtypes including ST1, ST3, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23, ST24, ST25, and ST26. All Blastocystis-positive isolates involved mixed infections of 2–8 STs in a total of 31 different combinations. The two E. bieneusi sequences were confirmed as potentially zoonotic genotype BEB4. Our data demonstrate that Blastocystis mixed subtype infections are extremely frequent in cattle in the study area. NGS was particularly suited to discern underrepresented subtypes or mixed subtype infections that were undetectable or unreadable by Sanger sequencing. The presence of zoonotic Blastocystis ST1, ST3, and ST5, and E. bieneusi BEB4 suggest cross-species transmission and a potential risk of human infection/colonization.
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Comparative molecular prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. a potentially zoonotic infection isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:745-759. [PMID: 33686524 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to assess the weighted molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in humans along with the comparative molecular prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran. METHODS International electronic databases including Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were explored until 4th October 2020. Heterogeneity index was evaluated among studies using Cochran's Q test and I2 index. Finally, 23 eligible studies were qualified to be included in this review. RESULTS The pooled molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in Iran was reported 15.2% (95% CI 11.5-19.7). In addition, the molecular prevalence based on PCR-sequencing and STS primers was reported 12.5% (95% CI 8.6-17.7) and 19.8% (95% CI 13.1-28.8), respectively. Interestingly, there was a considerably higher prevalence among asymptomatic patients [25.1% (95% CI 20.8-30.0)] in comparison to symptomatic ones [21.0% (95% CI 15.9-27.2)]. In addition, the frequency of Blastocystis ST1, ST2, and ST3 from positive samples in symptomatic patients was 19.7%, 35.1%, and 47.4%, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of Blastocystis ST1, ST2, and ST3 from positive samples in asymptomatic patients was 27.1%, 26.8%, and 37.8%, respectively. The results obtained in Iran showed that Blastocystis is more common in asymptomatic patients compared to patients having clinical symptoms. Of note, ST3, as the most common subtype causing clinical symptoms, was the most prevalent reported subtype among both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in the country. CONCLUSIONS Hence, the pathogenicity of the Blastocystis parasite is not subtype-specific and appears to be related to a variety of risk factors. Still the Blastocystis epidemiology is open to question and more large-scale studies should be performed on this aspect.
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Cinek O, Polackova K, Odeh R, Alassaf A, Kramná L, Ibekwe MU, Majaliwa ES, Ahmadov G, Elmahi BME, Mekki H, Oikarinen S, Lebl J, Abdullah MA. Blastocystis in the faeces of children from six distant countries: prevalence, quantity, subtypes and the relation to the gut bacteriome. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:399. [PMID: 34384477 PMCID: PMC8359624 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a human gut symbiont of yet undefined clinical significance. In a set of faecal samples collected from asymptomatic children of six distant populations, we first assessed the community profiles of protist 18S rDNA and then characterized Blastocystis subtypes and tested Blastocystis association with the faecal bacteriome community. Methods Stool samples were collected from 244 children and young persons (mean age 11.3 years, interquartile range 8.1–13.7) of six countries (Azerbaijan 51 subjects, Czechia 52, Jordan 40, Nigeria 27, Sudan 59 and Tanzania 15). The subjects showed no symptoms of infection. Amplicon profiling of the 18S rDNA was used for verification that Blastocystis was the most frequent protist, whereas specific real-time PCR showed its prevalence and quantity, and massive parallel amplicon sequencing defined the Blastocystis subtypes. The relation between Blastocystis and the stool bacteriome community was characterized using 16S rDNA profiling. Results Blastocystis was detected by specific PCR in 36% (88/244) stool samples and was the most often observed faecal protist. Children from Czechia and Jordan had significantly lower prevalence than children from the remaining countries. The most frequent subtype was ST3 (49%, 40/81 sequenced samples), followed by ST1 (36%) and ST2 (25%). Co-infection with two different subtypes was noted in 12% samples. The faecal bacteriome had higher richness in Blastocystis-positive samples, and Blastocystis was associated with significantly different community composition regardless of the country (p < 0.001 in constrained redundancy analysis). Several taxa differed with Blastocystis positivity or quantity: two genera of Ruminococcaceae were more abundant, while Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, Lactobacillus and several other genera were undrerrepresented. Conclusions Asymptomatic children frequently carry Blastocystis, and co-infection with multiple distinct subtypes is not exceptional. Prevalence and quantity of the organism clearly differ among populations. Blastocystis is linked to both faecal bacteriome diversity and its composition. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04859-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Cinek
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Polackova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Rasha Odeh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abeer Alassaf
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lenka Kramná
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - MaryAnn Ugochi Ibekwe
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | - Gunduz Ahmadov
- Endocrine Centre Baku, Str. I. Hashimov 4A, AZ1114, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Bashir Mukhtar Elwasila Elmahi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.,Sudan Childhood Diabetes Center, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hanan Mekki
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sami Oikarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jan Lebl
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Abdullah
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.,Sudan Childhood Diabetes Center, Khartoum, Sudan
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An Illumina MiSeq-Based Amplicon Sequencing Method for the Detection of Mixed Parasite Infections Using the Blastocystis SSU rRNA Gene as an Example. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34313984 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1681-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Parasite mixed infections remain a relatively unexplored field in part due to the difficulties of unraveling complex mixtures of parasite DNA using classical methods of sequencing. Next-generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) is a powerful tool for exploring mixed infections of multiple genetic variants of the same parasite in clinical, environmental (water or soil), or food samples. Here, we provide a method for NGS-based detection of mixed parasite infections which uses the Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene as an example and includes steps for parasite concentration, DNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, and bioinformatic analysis.
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Maloney JG, Jang Y, Molokin A, George NS, Santin M. Wide Genetic Diversity of Blastocystis in White-Tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) from Maryland, USA. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061343. [PMID: 34205799 PMCID: PMC8233720 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a gastrointestinal protist frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide. Wildlife populations, including deer, may serve as reservoirs of parasitic diseases for both humans and domestic animals, either through direct contact or through contamination of food or water resources. However, no studies of the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in wildlife populations have been conducted in the United States. PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing were used to determine the occurrence and subtypes of Blastocystis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Blastocystis was common, with 88.8% (71/80) of samples found to be positive. Twelve subtypes were identified, ten previously reported (ST1, ST3, ST4, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST23–ST26) and two novel subtypes (ST30 and ST31). To confirm the validity of ST30 and ST31, MinION sequencing was used to obtain full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences, and phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses were performed. ST10, ST14, and ST24 were the most commonly observed subtypes. Potentially zoonotic subtypes ST1, ST3, or ST4 were present in 8.5% of Blastocystis-positives. Mixed subtype infections were common (90.1% of Blastocystis-positives). This study is the first to subtype Blastocystis in white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer were found to be commonly infected/colonized with a wide diversity of subtypes, including two novel subtypes, zoonotic subtypes, and subtypes frequently reported in domestic animals. More studies in wildlife are needed to better understand their role in the transmission of Blastocystis.
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Maloney JG, Santin M. Mind the Gap: New Full-Length Sequences of Blastocystis Subtypes Generated via Oxford Nanopore Minion Sequencing Allow for Comparisons between Full-Length and Partial Sequences of the Small Subunit of the Ribosomal RNA Gene. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050997. [PMID: 34063045 PMCID: PMC8147991 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common food- and water-borne intestinal protist parasite of humans and many other animals. Blastocystis comprises multiple subtypes (STs) based on variability within the small subunit ribosomal (SSU rRNA) RNA gene. Though full-length reference sequences of the SSU rRNA gene are a current requirement to name a novel Blastocystis subtype, full-length reference sequences are not currently available for all subtypes. In the present study, Oxford Nanopore MinION long-read sequencing was employed to generate full-length SSU rRNA sequences for seven new Blastocystis subtypes for which no full-length references currently exist: ST21, ST23, ST24, ST25, ST26, ST27, and ST28. Phylogenetic analyses and pairwise distance matrixes were used to compare full-length and partial sequences of the two regions that are most commonly used for subtyping. Analyses included Blastocystis nucleotide sequences obtained in this study (ST21 and ST23–ST28) and existing subtypes for which full-length reference sequences were available (ST1–ST17 and ST29). The relationships and sequence variance between new and existing subtypes observed in analyses of different portions of the SSU rRNA gene are discussed. The full-length SSU rRNA reference sequences generated in this study provide essential new data to study and understand the relationships between the genetic complexity of Blastocystis and its host specificity, pathogenicity, and epidemiology.
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Maloney JG, da Cunha MJR, Molokin A, Cury MC, Santin M. Next-generation sequencing reveals wide genetic diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in chickens including potentially zoonotic subtypes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2219-2231. [PMID: 33904983 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an intestinal protist parasite commonly found in the feces of humans and animals worldwide. Blastocystis exhibits extensive genetic diversity and has been identified in humans and a variety of animals including other mammals and birds. Blastocystis subtypes do not exhibit strict host specificity which raises the possibility of zoonotic transmission through either direct contact or fecal contamination of food or water. However, reports detailing the subtypes and prevalence of Blastocystis in avian species are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of Blastocystis in chickens by molecular characterization of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Fecal samples from 130 chickens were collected from local markets in Uberlândia and Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To detect and identify subtypes of Blastocystis, a next-generation amplicon sequencing protocol was used. Forty-four of the 130 (33.8%) chickens examined were positive for Blastocystis. Blastocystis subtypes ST6 (23/130; 17.7%), ST7 (43/130; 33.1%), ST10 (1/130; 0.8%), ST14 (5/130; 3.8%), ST25 (1/130; 0.8%), and a novel subtype (ST29) (2/130; 1.5%) were observed. A nanopore sequencing strategy was used to obtain the near full-length SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequence and validate novel subtype ST29. Mixed infections containing multiple subtypes were common and identified in 63.6% of Blastocystis-positive chickens. All positive samples contained one or both potentially zoonotic subtypes ST6 and ST7. The prevalence of Blastocystis in chickens was high, and molecular characterization mostly identified subtypes previously found in humans. Thus, chickens may be a source of human infection and environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Maria J R da Cunha
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.,Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Caixa Postal 250, Brasília, DF, 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Márcia C Cury
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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Vega L, Herrera G, Muñoz M, Patarroyo MA, Maloney JG, Santín M, Ramírez JD. Gut microbiota profiles in diarrheic patients with co-occurrence of Clostridioides difficile and Blastocystis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248185. [PMID: 33725006 PMCID: PMC7963057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis and Clostridioides difficile co-occurrence is considered a rare event since the colonization by Blastocystis is prevented under a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the microbiota when there is C. difficile infection (CDI). This scenario has been reported once, but no information on the gut microbiota profiling is available. The present study is motivated by knowing which members of the microbiota can be found in this rare scenario and how this co-occurrence may impact the abundance of other bacteria, eukaryotes or archaea present in the gut microbiota. This study aimed to describe the bacterial and eukaryotic communities using amplicon-based sequencing of the 16S- and 18S-rRNA regions of three patient groups: (1) Blastocystis and C. difficile infection (B+/C+, n = 31), (2) C. difficile infection only (B˗/C+, n = 44), and (3) without Blastocystis or C. difficile (B˗/C˗, n = 40). Blastocystis was subtyped using amplicon-based sequencing of the 18S-rRNA gene, revealing circulation of subtypes ST1 (43.4%), ST3 (35.85%) and ST5 (20.75%) among the study population. We found that B+/C+ patients had a higher abundance of some beneficial bacteria (such as butyrate producers or bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties) compared with non-Blastocystis-colonized patients, which may suggest a shift towards an increase in beneficial bacteria when Blastocystis colonizes patients with CDI. Regarding eukaryotic communities, statistical differences in the abundance of some eukaryotic genera between the study groups were not observed. Thus, this study provides preliminary descriptive information of a potential microbiota profiling of differential presence by Blastocystis and C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A. Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Monica Santín
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Köster PC, Dashti A, Bailo B, Muadica AS, Maloney JG, Santín M, Chicharro C, Migueláñez S, Nieto FJ, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I, Guerra R, Ponce-Gordo F, Calero-Bernal R, González-Barrio D, Carmena D. Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of Protist Parasites in Captive Non-Human Primates, Zookeepers, and Free-Living Sympatric Rats in the Córdoba Zoo Conservation Centre, Southern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:700. [PMID: 33807707 PMCID: PMC8035673 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Little information is currently available on the epidemiology of parasitic and commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zoonotic potential. This study investigates the occurrence, molecular diversity, and potential transmission dynamics of parasitic and commensal protist species in a zoological garden in southern Spain. The prevalence and genotypes of the main enteric protist species were investigated in faecal samples from NHP (n = 51), zookeepers (n = 19) and free-living rats (n = 64) by molecular (PCR and sequencing) methods between 2018 and 2019. The presence of Leishmania spp. was also investigated in tissues from sympatric rats using PCR. Blastocystis sp. (45.1%), Entamoeba dispar (27.5%), Giardia duodenalis (21.6%), Balantioides coli (3.9%), and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (2.0%) (but not Troglodytella spp.) were detected in NHP. Giardia duodenalis (10.5%) and Blastocystis sp. (10.5%) were identified in zookeepers, while Cryptosporidium spp. (45.3%), G. duodenalis (14.1%), and Blastocystis sp. (6.25%) (but not Leishmania spp.) were detected in rats. Blastocystis ST1, ST3, and ST8 and G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AII were identified in NHP, and Blastocystis ST1 in zookeepers. Giardia duodenalis isolates failed to be genotyped in human samples. In rats, four Cryptosporidium (C. muris, C. ratti, and rat genotypes IV and V), one G. duodenalis (assemblage G), and three Blastocystis (ST4) genetic variants were detected. Our results indicate high exposure of NHP to zoonotic protist species. Zoonotic transmission of Blastocysts ST1 was highly suspected between captive NHP and zookeepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - Aly S. Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
- Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Licungo, Quelimane 106, Zambézia, Mozambique
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA; (J.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA; (J.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - Silvia Migueláñez
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - Francisco J. Nieto
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
| | - Rafael Guerra
- Veterinary Services, Córdoba Zoo Conservation Centre, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (A.S.M.); (C.C.); (S.M.); (F.J.N.)
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Deng L, Wojciech L, Gascoigne NRJ, Peng G, Tan KSW. New insights into the interactions between Blastocystis, the gut microbiota, and host immunity. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009253. [PMID: 33630979 PMCID: PMC7906322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a diverse and complex ecosystem that is involved in beneficial physiological functions as well as disease pathogenesis. Blastocystis is a common protistan parasite and is increasingly recognized as an important component of the gut microbiota. The correlations between Blastocystis and other communities of intestinal microbiota have been investigated, and, to a lesser extent, the role of this parasite in maintaining the host immunological homeostasis. Despite recent studies suggesting that Blastocystis decreases the abundance of beneficial bacteria, most reports indicate that Blastocystis is a common component of the healthy gut microbiome. This review covers recent finding on the potential interactions between Blastocystis and the gut microbiota communities and its roles in regulating host immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Healthy Aging Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lukasz Wojciech
- Immunology Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas R. J. Gascoigne
- Immunology Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kevin S. W. Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Healthy Aging Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Zhang Q, Yin W, Wang X, Zhang Z, Zhang R, Duan Z. Blastocystis infection and subtype distribution in domestic animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) in China: A preliminary study. Parasitol Int 2020; 81:102272. [PMID: 33321222 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite of humans and a variety of animal species. To date, the prevalence of Blastocystis and major subtypes distribution in the domestic animals inhabiting in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) of China is yet poorly studied. In this study, we investigated the distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in seven animal species in QTPA in China. Four hundred and five fresh fecal samples were collected from domestic animals in Qinghai, Yunnan, and Tibet of China and analyzed using nested PCR and SSU rRNA gene sequencing. It was found that the overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 40.2% (163/405) in the animals studied. The most predominant subtype of Blastocystis was ST10 (57.7%) followed by ST14 (28.8%) and ST2 (13.5%). These results reveal the epidemiological features of Blastocytis infection in animals in the high altitude plateau area. The finding of presence of ST2 in a number of animal species suggests a zoonotic nature of Blastocystis and might be of importance of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxun Zhang
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwen Yin
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiying Zhang
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Duan
- Genetic Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Pérez MR, Yáñez CM, Hernández AM, Sustaita JJD, Jiménez EG, Andrade MR, Vargas GGG, Gómez JOG. Blastocystis infection frequency and subtype distribution in university students. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05729. [PMID: 33385079 PMCID: PMC7770537 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasite commonly found in the gut of humans and animals; there are 22 known subtypes (STs). STs 1-9 and 12 have been found in humans. This parasite has a faecal-oral route of transmission; its high infection prevalence in developing countries is due to poor hygiene practices, exposure to infected animals, and intake of contaminated water or food. Its pathogenicity has not been established, because it has been found in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The goal of this study was to analyze the frequency of Blastocystis and its subtypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7), and assess the relationship between these subtypes and abdominal pain and distension. 202 university students participated in this study. A questionnaire was applied to assess the gastrointestinal symptoms, and subsequently the students were asked to provide faecal samples. The presence of parasites was determined by optical microscopy. Blastocystis-positive samples had their DNA extracted and end-point PCR was performed to corroborate the presence of Blastocystis and determine its subtypes. Among the samples, 47.03% were positive according to PCR analysis. The most prevalent subtypes were ST3 (29.79%), ST4 (16.84%), and ST1 (14.89%). We found a relationship between ST1 and abdominal pain (OR = 0.196; CI = 0.0533-0.7318; p = 0.015), and between ST4 and abdominal distension (OR = 0.2928; CI = 0.1017-0.8429; p = 0.023). However, the presence of this parasite and the probable relationship with gastrointestinal symptoms suggest the need to determine its role within intestinal microbiota in order to confirm whether its eradication is really necessary or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ramírez Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UJED, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | - Claudia Muñoz Yáñez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UJED, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Méndez Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UJED, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Efraín Gaytan Jiménez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UJED, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
| | - Marisela Rubio Andrade
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, UJED, Calz. Palmas 1, Revolución, 35050 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Santin M. Use of Oxford Nanopore MinION to generate full-length sequences of the Blastocystis small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:595. [PMID: 33239096 PMCID: PMC7687777 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common enteric parasites of humans and animals worldwide. It is well recognized that this ubiquitous protist displays a remarkable degree of genetic diversity in the SSU rRNA gene, which is currently the main gene used for defining Blastocystis subtypes. Yet, full-length reference sequences of this gene are available for only 16 subtypes of Blastocystis in part because of the technical difficulties associated with obtaining these sequences from complex samples. Methods We have developed a method using Oxford Nanopore MinION long-read sequencing and universal eukaryotic primers to produce full-length (> 1800 bp) SSU rRNA gene sequences for Blastocystis. Seven Blastocystis specimens representing five subtypes (ST1, ST4, ST10, ST11, and ST14) obtained both from cultures and feces were used for validation. Results We demonstrate that this method can be used to produce highly accurate full-length sequences from both cultured and fecal DNA isolates. Full-length sequences were successfully obtained from all five subtypes including ST11 for which no full-length reference sequence currently exists and for an isolate that contained mixed ST10/ST14. Conclusions The suitability of the use of MinION long-read sequencing technology to successfully generate full-length Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene sequences was demonstrated. The ability to produce full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences is key in understanding the role of genetic diversity in important aspects of Blastocystis biology such as transmission, host specificity, and pathogenicity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Santin M. Assessment of next generation amplicon sequencing of the beta-giardin gene for the detection of Giardia duodenalis assemblages and mixed infections. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 21:e00098. [PMID: 33294649 PMCID: PMC7691155 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is an enteric protozoan parasite commonly found in humans and many other animals around the world. The parasite is grouped into genetically related strains called assemblages which display differing degrees of host specificity. Although mixed assemblage infections have been documented the full extent of the occurrence and importance of mixed infections remains to be characterized as current sequencing technologies lack the sensitivity to readily detect mixed infections. Here we have developed a next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) protocol and analysis pipeline for detecting Giardia assemblages using the beta-giardin gene. NGS was validated using 37 isolates that included Giardia muris and six assemblages (A-F) of Giardia duodenalis obtained from seven different hosts. NGS was compared to traditional PCR and direct Sanger sequencing for its ability to detect Giardia species, assemblages, and mixed assemblage infections. We demonstrate that NGS works as well as PCR and Sanger sequencing for assemblage detection as the same assemblage was observed in all samples by both methods. NGS has the further benefit of detecting mixed assemblage infections, low abundance assemblages, and intra-assemblage variation in samples which would have been missed using direct Sanger sequencing alone. NGS represents a powerful new tool for exploring Giardia infections not only in infected hosts but also in environmental specimens which may aide in understanding Giardia epidemiology. Developed a next generation sequencing (NGS) protocol to detect Giardia Comparison of NGS to Sanger sequencing for sensitivity and accuracy NGS improved detection of mixed assemblages and detects low abundance assemblages NGS allowed detection of intra-assemblage variabilities Mixed assemblages may be far more common than previously thought
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
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