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Barrett TM, Titcomb GC, Janko MM, Pender M, Kauffman K, Solis A, Randriamoria MT, Young HS, Mucha PJ, Moody J, Kramer RA, Soarimalala V, Nunn CL. Disentangling social, environmental, and zoonotic transmission pathways of a gastrointestinal protozoan (Blastocystis spp.) in northeast Madagascar. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024:e25030. [PMID: 39287986 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.25030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding disease transmission is a fundamental challenge in ecology. We used transmission potential networks to investigate whether a gastrointestinal protozoan (Blastocystis spp.) is spread through social, environmental, and/or zoonotic pathways in rural northeast Madagascar. MATERIALS AND METHODS We obtained survey data, household GPS coordinates, and fecal samples from 804 participants. Surveys inquired about social contacts, agricultural activity, and sociodemographic characteristics. Fecal samples were screened for Blastocystis using DNA metabarcoding. We also tested 133 domesticated animals for Blastocystis. We used network autocorrelation models and permutation tests (network k-test) to determine whether networks reflecting different transmission pathways predicted infection. RESULTS We identified six distinct Blastocystis subtypes among study participants and their domesticated animals. Among the 804 human participants, 74% (n = 598) were positive for at least one Blastocystis subtype. Close proximity to infected households was the most informative predictor of infection with any subtype (model averaged OR [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.33-1.82]), and spending free time with infected participants was not an informative predictor of infection (model averaged OR [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.82-1.10]). No human participant was infected with the same subtype as the domesticated animals they owned. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that Blastocystis is most likely spread through environmental pathways within villages, rather than through social or animal contact. The most likely mechanisms involve fecal contamination of the environment by infected individuals or shared food and water sources. These findings shed new light on human-pathogen ecology and mechanisms for reducing disease transmission in rural, low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Barrett
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Georgia C Titcomb
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark M Janko
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michelle Pender
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kayla Kauffman
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Alma Solis
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maheriniaina Toky Randriamoria
- Association Vahatra, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Domaine Sciences et Technologies, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Hillary S Young
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Peter J Mucha
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - James Moody
- Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Randall A Kramer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Voahangy Soarimalala
- Association Vahatra, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Institut des Sciences et Techniques de l'Environnement, University of Fianarantsoa, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
| | - Charles L Nunn
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Seijas-Pereda L, Köster PC, Dashti A, Bailo B, Guadano-Procesi I, Rescalvo-Casas C, Hernando-Gozalo M, Cuadros-González J, Carmena D, Pérez-Tanoira R. Intragenomic diversity of the small subunit rDNA gene shows limited impact on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis infection in clinical patients. Microbes Infect 2024:105422. [PMID: 39260820 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105422] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. remains to be fully elucidated. This study assesses whether Blastocystis subtype diversity can affect the outcome of the infection and the occurrence of clinical manifestations in infected individuals. Stool samples from 219 Blastocystis-positive patients by PCR targeting the ssu rDNA gene were fully genotyped by Sanger sequencing analyses. Co-infections by other parasitic, viral, and bacterial enteropathogens were identified by molecular and culture methods. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of six Blastocystis subtypes including ST1 (21.5 %), ST2 (17.8 %), ST3 (29.7 %), ST4 (22.8 %), ST6 (5.5 %), and ST7 (2.3 %), with a single sample harbouring a ST1+ST3 co-infection (0.5 %). Multivariate risk factor analyses using logistic regression models indicated that neither Blastocystis subtypes nor patient-associated variables including sex, country of origin, travelling history, and presence of nonspecific symptoms were positively associated with a higher likelihood of developing gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain and diarrhoea). However, being of a young age (p-value: 0.003) and experiencing skin pruritus (p-value < 0.001) and eosinophilia (p-value: 0.016) were found to increase the odds of presenting gastrointestinal symptoms. Blastocystis subtypes based on variability within the ssu rDNA gene do not seem to be the main drivers of clinical manifestations in the surveyed clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seijas-Pereda
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Spain; Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain; Women for Africa Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Isabel Guadano-Procesi
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", 0133, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlos Rescalvo-Casas
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Marcos Hernando-Gozalo
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cuadros-González
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Spain; CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ramón Pérez-Tanoira
- Department of Microbiology, Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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3
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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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Haleche I, Guilane A, Boutellis A, Medrouh B, Saidi F, Kernif T, Ziam H. Microscopic and molecular prevalence and associated risk factors with Toxocara and Blastocystis infection in dogs and cats in Mitidja, Algeria. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:216. [PMID: 38771352 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08240-y] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Haleche
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely Brahim, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Asma Guilane
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely Brahim, Algiers, Algeria
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction, Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger, Algeria
| | - Amina Boutellis
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction, Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger, Algeria
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Center of Research in Agro-Pastoralism, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Fairouz Saidi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Tahar Kernif
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely Brahim, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hocine Ziam
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria.
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Fusaro C, Bernal JE, Baldiris-Ávila R, González-Cuello R, Cisneros-Lorduy J, Reales-Ruiz A, Castro-Orozco R, Sarria-Guzmán Y. Molecular Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Humans of Latin America: A Systematic Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38393127 PMCID: PMC10893338 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020038] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are among the few enteric parasites with a prevalence that can reach up to approximately 80% in communities of developing countries. This systematic review updates and summarizes available literature on the molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Latin American people. This work follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature revised covers from 1 January 2015 to 6 October 2023 in seven different scientific databases, and the material was selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to data found in the 36 selected articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in Latin America ranged between 5.8% (Bolivian rural communities) and 94.0% (Colombian general public). Generally, genomic DNA was extracted from approximately 200 mg fecal sediments using commercial kits, such as the QIAamp Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) or the Norgen Stool DNA Isolation Kit (Norgen Biotek Corporation, Thorold, ON, Canada). Subtype-specific primers (such as the couple of primers BhRDr-RD5) developed from unique sequences of the SSU rRNA gene were applied to Blastocystis subtyping. Ten specific subtypes (STs) were found as well as various mixed infections, and the most circulating Blastocystis STs were in the order ST3, ST1, ST2, and ST4. The most recent data about Blastocystis spp. molecular epidemiology and the STs in communities of Latin America are limited to studies from specific countries. Novel scientific data from the other countries are required to obtain a complete picture and truly understand the distribution and prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and the STs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Fusaro
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Jaime E. Bernal
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Sinú, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130001, Colombia;
| | - Rosa Baldiris-Ávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 13001, Colombia;
| | - Rafael González-Cuello
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130015, Colombia;
| | - Julio Cisneros-Lorduy
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Arley Reales-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Raimundo Castro-Orozco
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia;
| | - Yohanna Sarria-Guzmán
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130015, Colombia;
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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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Boutahar M, Belaouni M, Ibrahimi A, Eljaoudi R, Aanniz T, Er-Rami M. Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in Morocco: Comparative assessment of three diagnostic methods and characterization of parasite forms in Jones' culture medium. Parasite 2023; 30:64. [PMID: 38117274 PMCID: PMC10732137 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023065] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystosis is an infection caused by Blastocystis sp., which colonizes the digestive tract of various hosts, including humans, although its pathogenicity is debated. It is crucial to detect and distinguish the different forms of Blastocystis to understand better its impact on human health and its epidemiological evolution. This study evaluated three diagnostic methods on 105 stool samples: direct examination, culture in Jones' medium, and conventional PCR. PCR is considered the gold standard and revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis (67.62%) compared to direct examination (20.95%) and culture in Jones' medium (51.43%). Although the sensitivity of direct examination and culture was 31% and 76.1%, respectively, their specificity was 100%. No significant risk factors were identified. A statistically significant association was observed between Blastocystis infection and abdominal pain. Microscopic analysis revealed various morphological forms. Molecular diagnosis is an essential tool to determine the true prevalence of Blastocystis, and studying the different forms of this microorganism will contribute to a better understanding of its biological cycle and, therefore, the impact of this emerging infection on human health.
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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 50007, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco - Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat 10000, Morocco - Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Rachid Eljaoudi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco - Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat 10000, Morocco - Emergency Department, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Tarik Aanniz
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Er-Rami
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Moulay Ismaïl Military Hospital, Meknes 50007, Morocco - Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Fez 30070, Morocco
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9
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Mateo M, Montoya A, Bailo B, Köster PC, Dashti A, Hernández‐Castro C, Saugar JM, Matas P, Xiao L, Carmena D. Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2542-2558. [PMID: 37725371 PMCID: PMC10650246 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1270] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well-being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. OBJECTIVES We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. METHODS Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017-2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. RESULTS Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that (i) well-cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyFaculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal HealthFaculty of VeterinaryComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Carolina Hernández‐Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical PathologiesUniversity of AntioquiaMedellínColombia
| | - José M. Saugar
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Pablo Matas
- Faculty of Veterinary, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX)Villanueva de la CañadaMadridSpain
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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10
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Tantrawatpan C, Vaisusuk K, Thanchomnang T, Pilap W, Sankamethawee W, Suksavate W, Chatan W, Bunchom N, Kaewkla O, Stensvold CR, Saijuntha W. Distribution of Blastocystis subtypes isolated from various animal hosts in Thailand. Res Vet Sci 2023; 162:104939. [PMID: 37453229 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.06.017] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasitic protist of a variety of hosts, including humans. Mapping the distribution of Blastocystis and its genetic variants across different host species can help us understand the epidemiology of this organism and its role in health and disease. This study aimed to identify subtypes of Blastocystis detected in different animal hosts in Thailand. A total of 825 fecal samples belonging to 18 vertebrate orders, 36 families, 68 genera, and 80 species were collected. Of these, 111 specimens were Blastocystis-positive by culture. Seventy-nine samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA amplification by PCR, and reliable subtype data were obtained for 61 specimens. At least 14 subtypes (ST), namely ST1 to ST10, ST14/ST24/ST25 complex, ST23, ST26, and ST29 were detected. In addition, Blastocystis was found in tortoises. ST1 (3.2%) and ST5 (11.5%) were found in pigs, ST2 (1.6%) and ST3 (3.2%) in non-human primates, ST4 (14.7%) in rodents and ruminants, ST6 (4.9%), ST7 (30%), ST9 (1.6%), and ST29 (1.6%) in birds, ST8 (6.6%) in Green peafowl and East Asian Porcupine, and ST10 (4.9%), ST14/ST24/ST25 (9.8%), ST23 (1.6%) and ST26 (1.6%) in ruminants. The sequence recovered from the elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) (3.2%) was phylogenetically placed within the reptilian cluster of Blastocystis, for which no subtype system is available yet. Of note, we did not obtain Blastocystis sequences from any of the many canids and felids sampled in the study, and our data are in support of host specificity of Blastocystis, according to both colonization and subtype distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chairat Tantrawatpan
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Kotchaphon Vaisusuk
- Department of Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Nursing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | | | - Warayutt Pilap
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Wangworn Sankamethawee
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Warong Suksavate
- Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wasupon Chatan
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Naruemon Bunchom
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Onuma Kaewkla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Weerachai Saijuntha
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
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11
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Elmahallawy EK, Gareh A, Abu-Okail A, Köster PC, Dashti A, Asseri J, Gouda AA, Mubaraki MA, Mohamed SAA, Mohamed YM, Hassan EA, Elgendy M, Hernández-Castro C, Bailo B, González-Barrio D, Xiao L, Carmena D. Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protists in domestic dogs and cats in Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1229151. [PMID: 37483300 PMCID: PMC10357006 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1229151] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Domestic dogs and cats can be a source of human infection by a wide diversity of zoonotic pathogens including parasites. Genotyping and subtyping tools are useful in assessing the true public health relevance of canine and feline infections by these pathogens. This study investigated the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of common diarrhea-causing enteric protist parasites in household dogs and cats in Egypt, a country where this information is particularly scarce. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study a total of 352 individual fecal samples were collected from dogs (n = 218) and cats (n = 134) in three Egyptian governorates (Dakahlia, Gharbeya, and Giza) during July-December 2021. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were carried out by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Basic epidemiological variables (geographical origin, sex, age, and breed) were examined for association with occurrence of infection by enteric protists. Results and discussion The overall prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-4.6) and 38.5% (95% CI: 32.0-45.3), respectively, in dogs, and 6.0% (95% CI: 2.6-11.4) and 32.1% (95% CI: 24.3-40.7), respectively, in cats. All canine and feline fecal samples analyzed tested negative for E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. Dogs from Giza governorate and cats from Dakahlia governorate were at higher risk of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. (p = 0.0006) and G. duodenalis (p = 0.00001), respectively. Sequence analyses identified host-adapted Cryptosporidium canis (n = 4, one of them belonging to novel subtype XXe2) and G. duodenalis assemblages C (n = 1) and D (n = 3) in dogs. In cats the zoonotic C. parvum (n = 5) was more prevalent than host-adapted C. felis (n = 1). Household dogs had a limited (but not negligible) role as source of human giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, but the unexpected high frequency of zoonotic C. parvum in domestic cats might be a public health concern. This is the first molecular-based description of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in cats in the African continent to date. Molecular epidemiological data provided here can assist health authorities and policy makers in designing and implementing effective campaigns to minimize the transmission of enteric protists in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Akram Abu-Okail
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jamal Asseri
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa Aboelabbas Gouda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Murad A. Mubaraki
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yasser M. Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ehssan Ahmed Hassan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, El-Sheikh Zayed, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elgendy
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Carmena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases, Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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12
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Tapia-Veloz E, Guillén M, Trelis M, Carpio-Arias TV, Gozalbo M. Assessment of the Health Status of Spanish Schoolchildren Based on Nutrimetry, Lifestyle and Intestinal Parasites. Nutrients 2023; 15:2801. [PMID: 37375703 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122801] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition in Spanish schoolchildren, and its relationship with lifestyles, has been studied, but Nutrimetry (a nutritional status indicator), and data on intestinal parasitism and its risk factors, have never before been taken into account. A total of 206 children aged 3-11 years, from two schools in the Valencian Community, participated. Demographic characteristics, diet, lifestyles, behavioural habits and anthropometric (weight, height) and coproparasitological data were collected. Nutrimetry was used to analyse nutritional status. Statistical analyses were performed to ascertain associations between lifestyle, selected parasite species and nutritional status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the strength of the association of the suspected risk factors with the presence of intestinal parasitism. The prevalence of overweight was 32.6%. A total of 43.9% had a high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, for which mean daily intake was 2428.7 kcal. Intestinal parasitism was identified in 49.5% of the children (Giardia duodenalis: 28.6%). The source of drinking water was found to be a risk factor for intestinal parasitism. No positive association between the variables analysed and nutritional status could be confirmed. Nutrimetry is a good indicator for a complete analysis of nutritional status. It highlights the prevalence of overweight. Intestinal parasitism was identified in almost half of the participants and is a variable that should not be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estephany Tapia-Veloz
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Guillén
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Science of the Food, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Trelis
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Tannia Valeria Carpio-Arias
- Research Group on Food and Human Nutrition, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Gozalbo
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Science of the Food, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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13
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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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14
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Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis from stray and household cats and cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1554. [PMID: 36707690 PMCID: PMC9883249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28768-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and blastocystosis are among the most important parasitic diseases common between humans and cats. In addition, there are concerns about the possible transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected cats to humans. Hence, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in stray and household cats and cat owners. Our study was performed on 132, 33, and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, as well as cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified using a nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) and sequencing the internal amplified fragments. Furthermore, to perform multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis, the ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were amplified to assess the DNA of G. duodenalis in the fecal samples of cats and cat owners. In addition, Blastocystis was detected by targeting the SSU rRNA gene, and the subtypes of Blastocystis were determined via the sequencing of amplicons. Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis were detected in seven stray cats (5.3%) and one household cat (3%). The bg gene of G. duodenalis was amplified and successfully sequenced in two (1.5%) stray cats and revealed assemblages F and B of G. duodenalis. Sequencing and phylogenic analysis of SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequences of Blastocystis detected ST5 and ST10 in stray cats (1.5%), ST1 in household cats (9.1%), and ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST7 in owners (30.3%). The low prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Blastocystis in cats and the presence of species/assemblages/subtypes with limited zoonotic potential indicate that cats had a minor role in their owners' infection in the investigated population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in cats suggests the necessity of special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with cats. Therefore, it is recommended that veterinarians, physicians, and urban managers plan to prevent, control, or treat these parasites to help the urban community live healthily alongside cats.
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15
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Naguib D, Gantois N, Desramaut J, Arafat N, Even G, Certad G, Chabé M, Viscogliosi E. Prevalence, Subtype Distribution and Zoonotic Significance of Blastocystis sp. Isolates from Poultry, Cattle and Pets in Northern Egypt. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2259. [PMID: 36422329 PMCID: PMC9696183 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a widespread enteric protozoan that frequently infects human and animal groups. Despite its burden and zoonotic potential worldwide, epidemiological investigations remain limited in animal groups that come in contact with humans. Therefore, the largest survey ever conducted in North Africa was performed in Egypt with the aim to investigate the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis sp. in animals. For this purpose, a total of 889 fecal specimens were collected from chickens (217), cattle (373), dogs (144) and cats (155) from six governorates of northern Egypt. These specimens were then screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. using a quantitative real-time PCR, followed by subtyping the isolates. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. reached 9.2% (82/889), with the highest infection rates reported in chickens (17.0%) and domestic cattle (11.0%), highlighting an active circulation of the parasite in both animal groups. In contrast, the low prevalence in cats (2.6%) and the absence of the parasite in dogs suggested that pets are not natural hosts of Blastocystis sp. ST10 and ST14 were largely predominant in cattle, confirming that both STs represented cattle-adapted STs. The report of one ST3 and one ST4 isolate in this animal group could be explained by an accidental zoonosis from humans to animals. All but one of the subtyped isolates in poultry belonged to ST7, which was considered as an avian ST. The presence of a remaining isolate of ST14 likely reflected a transient infection from contact between birds and cattle feces. The same environmental contamination was also likely the source of the ST14 infection in three of the four positive cats, with the remaining animals infected by ST3 as the result of human-to-animal transmission. These occurrences and subtyping data, combined with those previously collected in the Egyptian population, implies that poultry could play a significant role as reservoir for zoonotic transmission, which would not be the case for cattle and pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Naguib
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jeremy Desramaut
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nagah Arafat
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Gaël Even
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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16
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Subtypes and phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis sp. isolates from West Ismailia, Egypt. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19084. [PMID: 36351984 PMCID: PMC9873628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In Egypt, Blastocystis sp. is not yet on the diagnostic list of parasitology reports, and information about its subtypes (STs) is scarce. This study investigated its prevalence and its STs/alleles, performed phylogenetic analysis, and considered the distribution of risk factors associated with Blastocystis sp. infections in West Ismailia, Ismailia governorate. Sociodemographic data, exposure factors, and previous parasitic infection status were recorded for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis for Blastocystis sp. isolated from fecal samples were performed. Eighty Blastocystis sp.-infected individuals (15.3%) were examined. The age of the individuals ranged between 0.60 and 85.0 (mean 17.10 ± 15.70), the male/female ratio was 33/47, and the asymptomatic/symptomatic ratio was 55/25. The findings demonstrate clear evidence of direct contact with animals, poor water quality, and previous parasitic infections. Eleven samples yielded three Blastocystis STs (ST1: allele 4, ST2: alleles 9 and 12, and ST3: allele 34), with ST3 (45.5%) representing the most common subtype. Phylogenetic analysis with a robust bootstrap revealed three distinct clades for isolates of each subtype. This study updates the epidemiological knowledge of the distribution of Blastocystis sp. STs in Egypt and expands the current understanding of the prevalence, risk factor frequencies, and genetic diversity of this protist in the studied area.
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Matovelle C, Tejedor MT, Monteagudo LV, Beltrán A, Quílez J. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Blastocystis sp. Infection in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Spain: A Case-Control Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:226. [PMID: 36136637 PMCID: PMC9503631 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most prevalent parasite in fecal samples of humans worldwide. In the present report, a case-control study (1:9.89 (≈10)) was performed, by analyzing data from 3682 patients who attended a public hospital in the northern area of Spain showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis was performed in human fecal samples by means of optical microscopy. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was 9.18% (338/3682). Most of the Blastocystis sp.-infected patients tested negative for protozoa and helminths, and were underweight and foreign-born (26.4%), mainly from Africa and Central/South America. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anorexia, halitosis, plus relative eosinophilia, as well as co-infections with pathogenic bacteria were associated with Blastocystis sp. infection. Both type 2 diabetes and treatment with immunosuppressive medicines at the time of Blastocystis sp. detection were associated with a higher proportion of infected patients. This is the first case-control study of Blastocystis sp. in humans in northern Spain and may contribute to surveillance and intervention strategies by public health authorities.
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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
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), CIBERCV, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Vicente Monteagudo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), 50013 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
| | - Joaquín Quílez
- AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Shams M, Shamsi L, Yousefi A, Sadrebazzaz A, Asghari A, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Shahabi S, Hatam G. Current global status, subtype distribution and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis in dogs and cats: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:225. [PMID: 35733146 PMCID: PMC9215001 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans. Methods We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3–15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7–10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1–ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1–ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission. Conclusions Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Medical Lab Science, School of Medicine, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Education and Extension Organization, Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Kurpas M, Szostakowska B. Rare Occurrence of Blastocystis in Pet Animals and Their Owners in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland in the Light of Literature Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11112975. [PMID: 35683363 PMCID: PMC9181306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11112975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote with ambiguous pathogenicity, commonly detected in human feces worldwide. It comprises at least 28 genetically diverse subtypes (STs), 12 of which also occur in a wide range of animal species, giving rise to suspicion of zoonotic transmission. To investigate this, we conducted a molecular study of 145 stool samples of pet animals, and 67 of their owners, living in an urban area in Poland. Blastocystis was detected in only three (2.1%) animal samples (of two bearded agamas and a leopard gecko), while all dogs, cats, and pet rodents were Blastocystis-negative. Blastocystis was also present in three (4.5%) owners of animals, but they were cat owners, not reptile owners, and the subtypes identified in them differed significantly from those of reptiles. Additionally, the frequency of Blastocystis in different groups of dogs (depending on how they were kept) was analyzed. This work is the first to find Blastocystis in pet reptiles, and we encourage further investigation of Blastocystis in this poorly examined group of animals, as well as continued study on the transmission of this microorganism between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Monika Kurpas
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-19-44
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Köster PC, Martínez-Nevado E, González A, Abelló-Poveda MT, Fernández-Bellon H, de la Riva-Fraga M, Marquet B, Guéry JP, Knauf-Witzens T, Weigold A, Dashti A, Bailo B, Imaña E, Muadica AS, González-Barrio D, Ponce-Gordo F, Calero-Bernal R, Carmena D. Intestinal Protists in Captive Non-human Primates and Their Handlers in Six European Zoological Gardens. Molecular Evidence of Zoonotic Transmission. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:819887. [PMID: 35059456 PMCID: PMC8763706 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.819887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of four protozoan (Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia duodenalis), one stramenopile (Blastocystis sp.), one microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi), and two ciliate (Balantioides coli, Troglodytella abrassarti) intestinal parasite or commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zookeepers from six European zoological gardens in France (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), and Spain (n = 4). Faecal samples from NHP (n = 454) belonging to 63 species within 35 genera and humans (n = 70) were collected at two sampling periods in each participating institution between October 2018-August 2021. Detection and species identification was accomplished by PCR and Sanger sequencing of the ssu rRNA and/or ITS genes. Sub-genotyping analyses using specific markers were conducted on isolates positive for G. duodenalis (gdh, bg, tpi) and Cryptosporidium spp. (gp60). Overall, 41.0% (186/454) and 30.0% (21/70) of the faecal samples of NHP and human origin tested positive for at least one intestinal protist species, respectively. In NHP, Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent protist species found (20.3%), followed by G. duodenalis (18.1%), E. dispar (7.9%), B. coli and T. abrassarti (1.5% each), and Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi (0.9% each). Occurrence rates varied largely among NHP host species, sampling periods, and zoological institutions. The predominant protist species found in humans was Blastocystis sp. (25.7%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.9%), E. dispar (1.4%), and G. duodenalis (1.4%). Sequencing of PCR-positive amplicons in human and/or NHP confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium in six isolates (C. hominis: 66.7%, C. parvum: 33.3%), G. duodenalis in 18 isolates (assemblage A: 16.7%, assemblage B: 83.3%), Blastocystis in 110 isolates (ST1:38.2%, ST2:11.8%, ST3: 18.2%, ST4: 9.1%, ST5: 17.3%, ST8: 2.7%, ST13: 0.9%), and E. bieneusi in four isolates (CM18: 75.0%, Type IV: 25.0%). Zoonotic transmission events involving Blastocystis ST1-ST4 were identified in four zoological institutions. Zoonotic transmission of C. hominis was highly suspected, but not fully demonstrated, in one of them. Monitoring of intestinal protist species might be useful for assessing health status of captive NHP and their zookeepers, and to identify transmission pathways of faecal-orally transmitted pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annika Weigold
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Imaña
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aly S. Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Licungo, Zambézia, Mozambique
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Salud Veterinaria y Zoonosis (SALUVET), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Caudet J, Trelis M, Cifre S, Soriano JM, Merino-Torres JF. Presence and significance of intestinal unicellular parasites in a morbidly obese population. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:220-227. [PMID: 34650200 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a chronic disease whose pathogenesis has been related to changes in the intestinal microbiota. Yet, the role of protozoa and other unicellular eukaryotic parasites in this microenvironment is still largely unknown. Their presence within the gut ecosystem in obese subjects warrants further study, as well as their influence on the host metabolism and comorbidities. METHODS Herein, a single center, cross-sectional study of 104 obese individuals was performed to assess the presence of six intestinal unicellular parasites in stool using a commercially available kit, and to evaluate its relationship with the presence of abdominal symptoms, metabolic comorbidities, variations in body composition and nutritional deficiencies. RESULTS The overall parasitic colonization rate was 51%, with Blastocystis sp., identified as the most frequent (44.2%), followed by Dientamoeba fragilis (11.5%) and Giardia intestinalis (8.7%), and significantly related to the consumption of ecological fruits and vegetables. Contrary to what previous studies pointed out, colonization with parasites species was significantly associated with fewer abdominal symptoms and depositions per day. The presence of parasites did not correlate with any nutritional deficiencies nor differences in body composition, while it did with significant lower HOMA-IR levels and a lower trend towards metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION Obese subjects frequently harbor unicellular enteric parasites, apparently without clinical nor nutritional harm. This evidence suggests that carrying these microorganisms, from an endocrinological perspective, has a beneficial effect, especially on insulin resistance and possibly on the development of related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Caudet
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Trelis
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain. .,Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - S Cifre
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J M Soriano
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J F Merino-Torres
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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22
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Song J, Yang X, Ma X, Wu X, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu G, Zhao G. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in Chinese bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis). Parasite 2021; 28:81. [PMID: 34907896 PMCID: PMC8672676 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021081] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., a parasitic eukaryote, widely colonizes the intestines of humans and a large number of animals, including rodents and lagomorphs. More than 30 million bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) are farmed in China as a source of meat for human consumption. However, there have been no published articles on Blastocystis infection in Chinese bamboo rats prior to the present study. Herein, 480 fresh faecal samples were collected from R. sinensis on six farms located in four cities (Wugang, Chenzhou, Huaihua and Jishou) in Hunan Province, south-central China, and were examined for Blastocystis infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The total prevalence of Blastocystis in R. sinensis was 4.58% (22/480), and significant differences in prevalence were detected among four age groups (<6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months and >24 months), with the highest prevalence (7.81%) in rats aged 6–12 months but with no positive samples in rats over 24 months. All farms, except for one in Jishou, were positive for Blastocystis infection, with the prevalence ranging from 1.80% to 7.27%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed two potentially zoonotic subtypes (namely ST4 and ST5) in these rodents, with ST4 predominant in all except one farm in Huaihua. Seven and five sequence types were identified within ST4 and ST5, respectively. This is the first report of Blastocystis infection in Chinese bamboo rats and the findings suggest the potential of R. sinensis to transmit Blastocystis to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xun Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Guohua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, Hunan, PR China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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24
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Kosik-Bogacka D, Lepczyńska M, Kot K, Szkup M, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N, Dzika E, Grochans E. Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1125. [PMID: 34724915 PMCID: PMC8559403 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06815-z] [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: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women. Methods The study included 425 women aged 45–60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Results Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lepczyńska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Szkup
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Grochans
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
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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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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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Abdo SM, El-Adawy H, Farag HF, El-Taweel HA, Elhadad H, El-Badry AAM. Detection and molecular identification of Blastocystis isolates from humans and cattle in northern Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:738-745. [PMID: 34475655 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the less well-understood waterborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance. The present study aimed to detect, identify, and subtype Blastocystis in cattle and humans in northern Egypt and to investigate the potential for zoonotic transmission. Fecal samples were collected from 136 humans (68 in contact with animals and 68 no animal contact) and 190 cattle from a rural area in Kafr El-Sheikh Province, Egypt. All samples were microscopically examined by direct wet mount technique and cultured in Jones' medium. Genomic DNA was extracted from positive cultures. A region of the Blastocystis small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified using PCR. Blastocystis subtypes were identified by sequencing of the amplified SSU rRNA gene. The relatedness of sequence types obtained in this study and others submitted in GenBank was compared according to their genetic relatedness. Out of 136 human and 190 cattle samples, Blastocystis was detected in 53 (38.9%) and 37 (19.4%), respectively using either culture or direct wet mount. Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene was amplified in 55 samples (32 humans and 23 animals). Six subtypes were identified (STs 1-3 in humans and ST4, ST10 and ST14 in cattle) and were distinguishable with inter (up to 0.075) and intra (up to 0.024) subtype variations. A close phylogenetic relationship between human and animal isolated STs 1-4 was demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the the potentiality for zoonotic transmission of certain Blastocystis subtypes in northern Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Hosny El-Adawy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Hoda Fahmy Farag
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abdel-Moamen El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Lepczyńska M, Dzika E, Chen W. PREVALENCE OF BLASTOCYSTIS SUBTYPES IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS IN NORTHEASTERN POLAND. J Parasitol 2021; 107:684-688. [PMID: 34478522 DOI: 10.1645/20-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common enteric protist that is linked to intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. At least 24 subtypes (STs) have been described, with the main colonization of ST1-ST4 in humans. In our attempt to determine the distribution of Blastocystis STs in Olsztyn and surroundings in northeastern Poland, 319 stool samples from volunteers were subjected to copro-ELISA and PCR testing. Positive findings were identified in 77, 48, and 46 of the samples via copro-ELISA, PCR, and sequencing, respectively. Blastocystis colonization was not associated with gender or dwelling place but was statistically higher in people age 60-69 yr (32.6%). Five STs (ST1-ST4, ST7) were identified, in which ST3 (37%) was most prevalent, followed by ST2 (19.6%), ST1 (17.4%), ST4 (13%), and ST7 (8.7%). The current study revealed a similar rate of microorganism colonization in Polish volunteers compared to other developed countries, without significant differences in gender and dwelling place. Significant statistical differences were found in different age groups, where Blastocystis was highly detected in elderly people. In the current study, PCR was the most plausible method based on the sequencing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Lepczyńska
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - WenChieh Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Biedersteinerstrasse 29, D-80802, Munich, Germany
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Onder Z, Yildirim A, Pekmezci D, Duzlu O, Pekmezci GZ, Ciloglu A, Simsek E, Kokcu ND, Yetismis G, Ercan N, Inci A. Molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in farm and pet animals in Turkey. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105939. [PMID: 33932364 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A total of 1340 fresh fecal samples from farm and pet animals in Central Anatolia and the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey were investigated using a PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA of Blastocystis sp. An overall Blastocystis sp. prevalence of 19.4% (183/940) was found in farm animals, including cattle, sheep, water buffaloes, and chickens. Fecal samples of dogs, cats, and horses were negative. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in sheep (38.2%) among the farm animals. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed two animal-specific subtypes, including ST10 in cattle and sheep and ST14 in water buffaloes. The zoonotic subtype ST7 was identified in chickens. Our results indicated a high prevalence of animal-specific subtypes in livestock and zoonotic subtype ST7 in chickens, highlighting the potential risk of chickens for zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis in the research area. This study is the first large-scale evaluation of Blastocystis in animal hosts in Turkey, and contributes to the molecular epidemiology and genetics of Blastocystis. Our results should be considered by authorities as an indication of the zoonotic importance of Blastocystis sp. and the need for surveillance in public health intervention programs.
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Salvador F, Lobo B, Goterris L, Alonso-Cotoner C, Santos J, Sulleiro E, Bailo B, Carmena D, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Bosch-Nicolau P, Espinosa-Pereiro J, Fuentes I, Molina I. Blastocystis sp. Carriage and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Is the Association Already Established? BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10040340. [PMID: 33921803 PMCID: PMC8072823 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The intestinal protist Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common intestinal parasites observed in humans, and has a worldwide distribution, being more prevalent in developing countries. Although this parasite has been described decades ago, the pathogenic potential it is still not understood completely. It has been suggested that Blastocystis sp. could be related with irritable bowel syndrome, a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort with defecation, and changes in the frequency or form of stool. In our study, we compare a group of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with a group of healthy volunteers; no differences regarding the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. detection was found between both groups. Abstract Background: The aim of the present study is to describe the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. detection among asymptomatic subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome in order to evaluate the potential association between irritable bowel syndrome and the parasitic infection. Methods: Cross-sectional study where adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria were included. A control group was formed by asymptomatic subjects older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria were: immunosuppressive condition or having received any drug with demonstrated activity against Blastocystis sp. within the last 6 months before study inclusion. Epidemiological and clinical information was collected from all included participants. Two stool samples were obtained from all participants: one sample for microscopic examination and one sample for Blastocystis sp. PCR detection. Blastocystis sp. infection was defined by the positivity of any of the diagnostic techniques. Results: Seventy-two participants were included (36 asymptomatic subjects and 36 patients with irritable bowel syndrome). Thirty-five (48.6%) were men, and median age of participants was 34 (IQR 29–49) years. The overall rate of Blastocystis sp. carriage was 27.8% (20/72). The prevalence assessed through microscopic examination was 22.2% (16/72), while the prevalence measured by PCR was 15.3% (11/72). When comparing the presence of Blastocystis sp. between asymptomatic subjects and IBS patients, we did not find any statistically significant difference (36.1% vs. 19.4% respectively, p = 0.114). Conclusions: regarding the occurrence of Blastocystis sp., no differences were found between asymptomatic participants and patients with irritable bowel disease irrespective of the diagnostic technique performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.-M.); (P.B.-N.); (J.E.-P.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-274-60-90; Fax: +34-93-489-40-91
| | - Beatriz Lobo
- Digestive System Research Unit, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd); Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.L.); (C.A.-C.); (J.S.)
| | - Lidia Goterris
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (L.G.); (E.S.)
| | - Carmen Alonso-Cotoner
- Digestive System Research Unit, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd); Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.L.); (C.A.-C.); (J.S.)
| | - Javier Santos
- Digestive System Research Unit, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd); Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (B.L.); (C.A.-C.); (J.S.)
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (L.G.); (E.S.)
| | - Begoña Bailo
- National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (B.B.); (D.C.); (I.F.)
| | - David Carmena
- National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (B.B.); (D.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.-M.); (P.B.-N.); (J.E.-P.); (I.M.)
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.-M.); (P.B.-N.); (J.E.-P.); (I.M.)
| | - Juan Espinosa-Pereiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.-M.); (P.B.-N.); (J.E.-P.); (I.M.)
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (B.B.); (D.C.); (I.F.)
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.S.-M.); (P.B.-N.); (J.E.-P.); (I.M.)
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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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Molecular detection of Blastocystis in black bears and sika deer in northern China. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1481-1487. [PMID: 33537839 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Protists of the Blastocystis genus are distributed worldwide and can infect a range of hosts. However, data concerning Blastocystis infection are limited for sika deer and are not available for black bears. Therefore, in the present study, a total of 312 black bears (Ursus thibetanus) from Heilongjiang Province and 760 sika deer (Cervus nippon) from four different northern Chinese provinces were investigated. Blastocystis infection in these animals was detected via PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA gene in fecal samples. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in black bears and sika deer was 14.4% (45/312 positive samples) and 0.8% (6/760 positive samples), respectively. Young black bears (18.3%) had a significantly higher Blastocystis prevalence than adult bears (9.1%). The prevalence of Blastocystis was significantly higher in black bears raised outdoors (24.6%) than in bears raised indoors (12.2%). Blastocystis-positive sika deer were only found in Jilin Province (1.3%, 6/480). Female sika deer (0%, 0/61) had a significantly lower Blastocystis prevalence than males (0.9%, 6/699). Sanger sequencing was used to determine the small subunit rRNA gene sequences of the Blastocystis-positive PCR products. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree based on the small subunit rRNA gene sequences showed that only Blastocystis subtype (ST)1 was identified in black bears, whereas ST10 and ST14 were found in sika deer. This is the first report of Blastocystis ST1 infection in black bears. These findings also extend the distribution information of Blastocystis subtypes, which will provide a foundation for further study of Blastocystis in different hosts in China.
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Uiterwijk M, Mughini-Gras L, Nijsse R, Wagenaar JA, Ploeger HW, Kooyman FNJ. Giardia duodenalis multi-locus genotypes in dogs with different levels of synanthropism and clinical signs. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:605. [PMID: 33267878 PMCID: PMC7709413 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In dogs, infections with Giardia duodenalis are mainly caused by assemblages C and D, but also by the potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B. The aims of this study were to assess differences in assemblages (i) between dogs living mainly in close proximity to humans (synanthropic dogs) versus dogs living mainly among other dogs, (ii) between samples of dogs with or without loose stool, and (iii) related to the amount of cysts shedding. METHODS One hundred eighty-nine qPCR Giardia positive fecal samples of dogs originating from four groups (household, sheltered, hunting, and dogs for which a veterinarian sent a fecal sample to a diagnostic laboratory) were used for genotyping. For this, multi-locus genotyping of beta-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and genotyping of SSU rDNA gene fragments were performed. Fecal consistency was scored (loose or non-loose stool), and cysts per gram of feces were determined with qPCR. RESULTS Assemblage D was the most prevalent in all groups, followed by the other canid assemblage C. Also, mixed C/D was common. In two (synanthropic) household dogs, the potentially zoonotic assemblage AI was present. Although occurrence of assemblage AI in household dogs was not significantly different from dogs living among other dogs (sheltered and hunting dogs), it was significantly higher compared to dogs for which a sample was sent to a diagnostic laboratory. Dogs with assemblage D shed significantly more cysts than dogs with other assemblages (except for mixed C/D results) or dogs in which no assemblage could be determined. None of the assemblages was significantly associated with loose stool. CONCLUSION Not only do dogs mainly shed the canid Giardia duodenalis assemblages D and/or C, the numbers of cysts per gram for the canid assemblage D were also higher than for the potential zoonotic assemblage AI. Based on the assemblages shed by dogs, the risk to public health posed by dogs is estimated to be low, even though the dogs that shed AI were synanthropic household dogs. Loose stool in infected dogs was not associated with any particular Giardia assemblage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Uiterwijk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Present Address: National Reference Laboratory, The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Harm W. Ploeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans N. J. Kooyman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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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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Prevalence, Molecular Characterization and Risk Factors of Blastocystis sp. from Farmed Pigs in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:1005-1010. [PMID: 32556839 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis is an enteral eukaryote that omnipresent existence in animals and humans global. The objective of the current study investigated the frequency and subtypes to evaluate risk factors for Blastocystis infection in pigs in southwestern China. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 866 fecal samples were collected from farmed pigs in Yunnan province, which were determined by the molecular method of the nested PCR and phylogenetic analysis established on the small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) gene fragment. RESULTS A total of 433 specimens were detected Blastocystis positive, and the prevalence of is 50.0% (433/866). The significant differences in prevalence were also observed in pigs from regions (P < 0.01, df = 8, χ2 = 29.17) and age groups (P < 0.01, df = 2, χ2 = 66.6). Older pigs had more Blastocystis infection than younger ones. Moreover, three zoonotic subtypes were identified by DNA sequence analysis, included ST1 (7.39%, 32/433), ST3 (4.39%, 19/433) and ST5 (88.22%, 382/433). CONCLUSIONS The results suggested a high prevalence and diversified subtypes in farmed pigs in Yunnan province, southwestern China, which indicated pigs are most likely to potential reservoirs and zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis for human infection. To our knowledge, the study is the first large-scale systematic statement of Blastocystis colonization in Yunnan province, Southwestern China, which contributed to the in-depth study of genetic characteristics and prevention, control and treatment of Blastocystis in pigs in Yunnan province and other regions.
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Ascuña-Durand K, Salazar-Sánchez RS, Castillo-Neyra R, Ballón-Echegaray J. Relative Frequency of Blastocystis Subtypes 1, 2, and 3 in Urban and Periurban Human Populations of Arequipa, Peru. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:178. [PMID: 33261137 PMCID: PMC7709661 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common protozoa found in the human gut and are genetically diverse and widely distributed around the world. Nonspecific and inconsistent symptoms have been associated with this protozoon; thus, its clinical importance remains controversial. Our aim was to estimate the relative frequency of Blastocystis subtypes 1, 2, and 3, which are the predominant subtypes reported in South America, based on conserved regions of SSU rDNA sequences and determine the factors associated with them. A total of 116 Blastocystis-positive stool samples were processed using conventional PCR with Blastocystis-specific primers. We identified subtype 1 (10.3%), subtype 2 (7.8%), subtype 3 (25.0%), and mixed subtype infections (8.7%). However, we could not identify any Blastocystis subtypes in 48.3% of the samples; therefore, it is likely that other subtypes were present in the area. No association was found between any gastrointestinal symptom and single or mixed Blastocystis subtypes. We found a statistically significant association between Blastocystis subtype 2 and irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 17.8, 95% CI = 1.5-408.4, p = 0.039); however, the number of samples with IBS was small (n= 4). There was no association between the Blastocystis subtypes and any epidemiological variable studied. In rural populations, we only identified subtype 1, while in urban and periurban populations, we identified subtypes 1, 2, and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra Ascuña-Durand
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, 04001 Arequipa, Peru;
| | - Renzo S. Salazar-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, 04001 Arequipa, Peru;
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
| | - Ricardo Castillo-Neyra
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jorge Ballón-Echegaray
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Santa Catalina 117, 04001 Arequipa, Peru
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Kwak D, Seo MG. Genetic Analysis of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Protozoa and Microsporidia in Shelter Cats in South Korea. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110894. [PMID: 33121067 PMCID: PMC7693795 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Feral cats that are roaming outside can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, negatively impacting public health. They may experience high levels of parasitic infection. Some gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia possessing zoonotic potential in cats include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we show the infection rates and risk factors of intestinal protozoa and microsporidia detected from shelter cats on Jeju Island in South Korea in 2020. Among 158 cats, we detected genes for five internal protozoa and microsporidia, namely, Cryptosporidium felis (0.6%), G. duodenalis (3.8%), Blastocystis sp. (0.6%), E. bieneusi (3.8%), and T. gondii (1.3%). Furthermore, 16 cats (10.1%) were PCR-positive for at least one protozoan or microsporidium. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the existence of C. felis, G. duodenalis assemblage F, Blastocystis sp. ST4 subtype, and E. bieneusi genotype Peru11 in cats in South Korea. Despite the small number of positive samples, this study expands our understanding of the incidence of zoonotic gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia in shelter cats and genetically characterizes the isolates found in the infected animals. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need for a better control strategy on protozoa and microsporidia in cats, tailored to their individual needs, to protect animal and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Min-Goo Seo
- Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Liao S, Lin X, Sun Y, Qi N, Lv M, Wu C, Li J, Hu J, Yu L, Cai H, Xiao W, Sun M, Li G. Occurrence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in household, shelter, breeding, and pet market dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17736. [PMID: 33082394 PMCID: PMC7576217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal protozoans that infect humans and animals worldwide. A survey that assessed the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and zoonotic potential of these pathogens was conducted on a variety of dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. A total of 651 canine stool samples from household (n = 199), shelter (n = 149), breeding (n = 237), and pet market dogs (n = 66) were collected from eight districts in Guangzhou. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were detected by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. Giardia duodenalis-positive specimens were further assigned into assemblages using the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were found in 21 (3.2%), 20 (3.1%), and 35 (5.4%) samples, respectively. The overall prevalence of shelter dogs (40.28%, 60/149) was significantly higher than that of household (3.0%, 6/199), breeding (2.1%, 5/237), and pet market dogs (7.5%, 5/66) (χ2 = 154.72, df = 3, P < 0.001). Deworming in the past 12 months had a strong protective effect on the risk of contracting parasite infections (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between age or sex groups (P > 0.05). Dog-specific C. canis (n = 19) and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) were the only two Cryptosporidium species. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of three G. duodenalis assemblages: dog-specific assemblages D (n = 14) and C (n = 5), and cat-specific F (n = 1). Zoonotic Blastocystis ST3 (n = 28) was the dominant subtype, followed by ST1 (n = 6) and ST10 (n = 1). To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale investigation on the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in dogs in China. Our results indicated that the dogs seemed to play a negligible role as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis transmission to humans, but they are potential novel suitable hosts of Blastocystis sp. A strict sentinel surveillance system of dogs should be established to minimise the zoonotic risk of spreading blastocystosis among humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Minna Lv
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linzeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guoqing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Hložková O, Brožová K, Jirsová D, Stensvold CR, Kolísko M, Jirků Pomajbíková K. A Study on the Prevalence and Subtype Diversity of the Intestinal Protist Blastocystis sp. in a Gut-Healthy Human Population in the Czech Republic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:544335. [PMID: 33123491 PMCID: PMC7573152 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.544335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist colonizing the human intestine the prevalence of which varies across non-industrialized and industrialized countries. Its role in the human gut ecosystem remains unclear due to persisting gaps in knowledge of epidemiology and factors affecting gut colonization. Here, we aimed to expand the knowledge of the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in the gut-healthy humans in one of the industrialized European countries, including the distribution of its subtypes, the correlation between its occurrence and several factors such as lifestyle, contact with animals, age, and sex. A total of 288 stool samples were obtained from asymptomatic individuals over the entire age-range and 136 samples from animals with which the volunteers were in frequent contact. All samples were examined in parallel by PCR and xenic in vitro culture. Blastocystis sp. was detected in samples from both human and non-human hosts. In humans, the overall prevalence was 24% and eight subtypes were found; in animals, the prevalence was 10%, and only five subtypes were detected. A higher incidence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in individuals (i) traveling outside Europe, (ii) in frequent contact with livestock, and (iii) over 50 years of age. We found no effect on gender on Blastocystis sp. colonization. Summary This study provides data on the prevalence and diversity of the gut protist Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in a gut-healthy human population with emphasis on several factors such as contact with animals, lifestyle, age, and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Lhotská
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Hložková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Brožová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Dagmar Jirsová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Martin Kolísko
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
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40
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Hublin JSY, Maloney JG, Santin M. Blastocystis in domesticated and wild mammals and birds. Res Vet Sci 2020; 135:260-282. [PMID: 33046256 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous parasite that infects a broad range of vertebrate hosts including humans and domestic and wild animals. While human infections have been occasionally associated with gastrointestinal illnesses and/or urticaria, animal infections are not usually associated with disease. However, from a public health perspective, most subtypes isolated in humans have also been isolated from animals raising the question of the importance of animal reservoirs in the epidemiology of this parasite. The identification of Blastocystis in water supplies suggests water can be a potential vehicle in the transmission of this parasite not only for humans but also for animals. In addition, Blastocystis has been detected in retail fresh produce. Knowledge of this parasite has greatly expanded in the last two decades from simple microscopic observations to the application of molecular tools to explore Blastocystis taxonomy and epidemiology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Blastocystis in animals highlighting the subtype diversity of this widespread and genetically diverse parasite in different animal groups. This information will be useful in understanding the current status of taxonomy, epidemiology, zoonotic potential, and public health importance of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine S Y Hublin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - 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
| | - 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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Current status of Blastocystis sp. in animals from Southeast Asia: a review. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3559-3570. [PMID: 32951145 PMCID: PMC7502158 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06828-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most frequently observed eukaryotic gastrointestinal symbiont in humans and animals. Its low host specificity and zoonotic potential suggest that animals might serve as possible reservoirs for transmission. The prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in animal populations in Southeast Asia, a hotspot for zoonotic diseases, are reviewed. Recommendations for future research aimed at understanding the zoonotic role of Blastocystis are also included. Seven countries have, so far, reported Blastocystis infection in various animals, such as livestock, poultry, companion animals, and non-human primates. Pigs were the most studied animals, and there were records of 100% prevalence in pigs, cattle, and ostriches. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches, twelve Blastocystis sp. subtypes (STs), namely ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST8, ST9, ST10, ST12, and ST14 have been recognised infecting animals of Southeast Asia. ST1 and ST5 were the most frequently identified, and Malaysia observed the most diverse distribution of subtypes. Further investigations on Blastocystis sp. in various animal hosts, using adequate sample sizes and uniform detection methods, are essential for a better understanding of the distribution of this organism. Detailed genome studies, especially on STs shared by humans and animals, are also recommended.
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Reh L, Muadica AS, Köster PC, Balasegaram S, Verlander NQ, Chércoles ER, Carmena D. Substantial prevalence of enteroparasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. in asymptomatic schoolchildren in Madrid, Spain, November 2017 to June 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31662160 PMCID: PMC6820128 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.43.1900241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundProtozoan enteroparasites Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis are major contributors to the burden of gastrointestinal illness in children globally, whereas the stramenopile Blastocystis species has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome and skin disorders.AimTo investigate the carriage of these parasites in voluntary asymptomatic schoolchildren (4‒14 years) in 12 different primary and secondary schools in Leganés (Madrid, Spain).MethodsIn a prospective cross-sectional study, stool samples and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Detection of enteric parasites was conducted by PCR-based methods and confirmed by sequence analysis. We calculated prevalence and odds ratios (OR) with logistic regression.ResultsStool samples and questionnaires were provided by 1,359 schoolchildren from 12 schools. The individual prevalence for any parasite was 28%; Blastocystis sp.: 13%; G. duodenalis: 18%; Cryptosporidium spp.: 1%. Two schoolchildren were infected with all three species and 53 with two species. Multivariable risk factor analysis using logistic regression models indicated that an existing infection with one parasite increased the odds for an additional infection with another parasite. The odds of Blastocystis sp. carriage increased up to the age of 10 years and being female increased the odds of Cryptosporidium spp. infection. Washing vegetables before preparing a meal was protective for Blastocystis sp. infection.ConclusionWe detected a larger than expected proportion of asymptomatic cases in the participanting schoolchildren. Further investigation of asymptomatic children should be considered. Good hygiene measures should be encouraged for individuals of all ages to protect from protozoal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Reh
- These authors contributed equally.,European Program for Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aly Salimo Muadica
- These authors contributed equally.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pamela Carolina Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sooria Balasegaram
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neville Q Verlander
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Mohammadpour I, Bozorg-Ghalati F, Gazzonis AL, Manfredi MT, Motazedian MH, Mohammadpour N. First molecular subtyping and phylogeny of Blastocystis sp. isolated from domestic and synanthropic animals (dogs, cats and brown rats) in southern Iran. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:365. [PMID: 32698882 PMCID: PMC7374852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist that infects humans and many animals globally. Thus far, 22 subtypes (STs) have been identified in mammalian and avian hosts. Since various STs are common to humans and animals, it was suggested that some human infections might arise from zoonotic transmission. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the presence of Blastocystis sp. in domestic (dogs and cats) and synanthropic animals (rats) of Fars Province, Iran, and to genetically characterize the samples. METHODS A total of 400 fresh faecal samples from 154 dogs, 119 cats, and 127 rats were inspected by direct microscopy, Wheatley's trichrome staining, in vitro culture, and 18S rRNA gene nested-PCR. Finally, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. RESULTS Out of 400 samples, 47 (11.8%) and 61 (15.3%) samples were detected as positive by direct wet mount and culture, respectively. Molecular analysis detected a larger number of positive samples (n = 70, 17.5%): nested-PCR showed that 29 (18.8%) dogs, 21 (17.7%) cats, and 20 (15.8%) rats were infected by Blastocystis sp. Sequence analysis of positive samples indicated the presence of zoonotic STs in all investigated host species. Specifically, ST2 (allele 9), ST3 (allele 34), ST4 (allele 94), ST7 (allele 99), ST8 (allele 21), and ST10 (allele 152) were detected in dogs; ST1 (allele 2), ST3 (allele 34), ST4 (allele 94), ST10 (allele 152), and ST14 (allele 159) were detected in cats; and ST1 (allele 2), ST3 (allele 34), and ST4 (allele 92) were detected in rats. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that domestic dogs and cats can serve as possible reservoirs for in-contact humans, especially those who handle shelter-resident and client-owned animals. Moreover, rats as synanthropic animals can function as a potential source of human infections. Conversely, humans can act as a source of infections to animals. These results should be reinforced in future molecular epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Mohammadpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Bozorg-Ghalati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Mohammadpour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Zeinab Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rivero-Juarez A, Dashti A, López-López P, Muadica AS, Risalde MDLA, Köster PC, Machuca I, Bailo B, de Mingo MH, Dacal E, García-Bocanegra I, Saugar JM, Calero-Bernal R, González-Barrio D, Rivero A, Briz V, Carmena D. Protist enteroparasites in wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus) and black Iberian pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) in southern Spain: a protective effect on hepatitis E acquisition? Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:281. [PMID: 32493465 PMCID: PMC7271453 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04152-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have independently evaluated the occurrence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and enteroparasites in swine, but no surveys have been conducted to jointly assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of enteroparasites in pigs and wild boars, their sympatric transmission between hosts, and their potential interaction with HEV. METHODS We prospectively collected serum and faecal samples from black Iberian domestic pigs and wild boars from southern Spain between 2015‒2016. We evaluated for HEV in serum and faeces, and for the presence of enteroparasites (Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocystis sp., Neobalantidium coli and Strongyloides spp.) in the same faecal samples. The prevalence of each intestinal parasite species was calculated. RESULTS A total of 328 animals (56.7% black Iberian pigs and 43.3% wild boars) were included in the study. The overall global prevalence of HEV in serum was 16.8%. The overall global prevalence of each enteroparasite species was 19.5% for G. duodenalis, 8.2% for Cryptosporidium spp., 41.8% for Blastocystis sp., 31.4% for N. coli, and 8.8% for Strongyloides spp. HEV-infected animals showed a significantly lower prevalence of G. duodenalis (3.2 vs 20%; P = 0.002) and Blastocystis sp. (38.7 vs 80%; P < 0.001) than those uninfected by HEV. Animals carrying G. duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. infections showed a significantly lower rate of HEV infection than those not harbouring these enteroparasites (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study found a high prevalence of enteroparasites in black Iberian pigs and wild boars in southern Spain, suggesting a sympatric co-transmission of some of the species investigated. It is suggested that extracellular G. duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. might have a protective effect on HEV acquisition in swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Aly Salimo Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Maria de los Angeles Risalde
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Compared Pathological Anatomy, University of Córdoba, Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Isabel Machuca
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Marta Hernández de Mingo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Elena Dacal
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - José M. Saugar
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - 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, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Briz
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid Spain
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Molecular Diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in Asymptomatic School Children in Leganés, Madrid (Spain). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040466. [PMID: 32218318 PMCID: PMC7232429 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric parasites including Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and to a lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, are major worldwide contributors to diarrhoeal disease. Assessing their molecular frequency and diversity is important to ascertain the sources of infection, transmission dynamics, and zoonotic potential. Little molecular information is available on the genotypes of these pathogens circulating in apparently healthy children. Here, we show that asymptomatic carriage of G. duodenalis (17.4%, 95% CI: 15.5‒19.4%), Blastocystis sp. (13.0%, 95% CI: 11.4‒14.8%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5‒1.5%) is common in children (1‒16 years; n = 1512) from Madrid, Spain. Our genotyping data indicate that; (i) the observed frequency and diversity of parasite genetic variants are very similar to those previously identified in Spanish clinical samples, so that the genotype alone does not predict the clinical outcome of the infection, (ii) anthroponotic transmission accounts for a large proportion of the detected cases, highlighting that good personal hygiene practices are important to minimizing the risk of infection, (iii) Blastocystis ST4 may represent a subtype of the parasite with higher pathogenic potential, and (iv) Enterocytozoon bieneusi does not represent a public health concern in healthy children.
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Peña S, Carrasco G, Rojas P, Castillo D, Ozaki LS, Mercado R. Determination of subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in Chilean patients with and without inflammatory bowel syndrome, A preliminary report. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 8:e00125. [PMID: 31890923 PMCID: PMC6926359 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & METHODS Blastocystis sp. is one of the most prevalent unicellular eukaryote of the human large intestine in Chile and worldwide. It is classified in subtypes (STs), where using the polymorphic sequences of its 18S rRNA genes currently recognizes 22. STs 1-9 and ST12 have been reported in humans. It has been hypothesized that different STs of Blastocystis sp. differentially affect the clinical severity of the digestive disease in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, but more studies ar4e needed to establish this statement. To contribute in the elucidation of the potential relationship between Blastocystis sp. subtypes and IBS severity, 37 IBS patient fecal samples were collected at hospitals in Santiago (Chile) and were screened for the presence of vacuolated forms of Blastocystis sp. by using conventional microscopy. Positive samples were submitted to PCR and sequencing for determining STs. The same procedure was performed in fecal samples from five non-IBS Blastocystis sp. carriers for preliminary comparative purpose. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Four out of the 37 samples from the IBS patients were found positive for Blastocystis sp. (10.81%) by using microscopy. The presence of this microorganism in these four samples were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Subtypes and their respective closest match alleles were searched and the ST1, ST2 and ST4 subtypes were found in these patients. ST4 subtype is scarcely detected in South America countries, being reported previously only in Colombia and Brazil. In this ST4 subtype we determined the allele 42 which is the most frequent allele observed in human Blastocystis isolates. In the non-IBS individuals' carriers, three subtypes were found: ST1, ST2 and ST3, even belonging to the same family group. Closest match alleles: 2, 12 and 34 here detected were also commonly reported globally. Instead of the small number of IBS patients studied here, the frequency of blastocystosis detected (10.81%) was lower than the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections described for the Chilean general population (30.4%). In Chile, clear correlation of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and IBS severity is still lacking with this study but it may lead and contribute to a better understanding of its pathogenicity and worldwide epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Peña
- Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Carrasco
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Rojas
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Douglas Castillo
- Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luiz S. Ozaki
- Centre for Biological Data Sciences, Life Sciences, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rubén Mercado
- Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Not A, Salvador F, Goterris L, Sulleiro E, López I, Balladares M, García E, Paz C, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Bosch-Nicolau P, Sao-Avilés A, Molina I. Microscopic examination after concentration techniques for Blastocystis sp. detection in serial faecal samples: How many samples are needed? Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00137. [PMID: 32055721 PMCID: PMC7005442 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently observed intestinal parasites in humans. It is suggested that sensitivity of classical parasitological tests for the Blastocystis sp. diagnosis increases when increasing the number of investigated samples, although there is a lack of information. The aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity of classical parasitological tests for the Blastocystis sp. diagnosis depending on the number of investigated samples and to determine risk factors associated to high parasite burden. Methods Retrospective study where patients in whom three consecutive stool samples were examined for parasitic diagnosis through microscopic examination at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) from January to April 2019 were included. To determine risk factors associated to high parasite burden, a case-control study was performed including patients with at least one positive stool sample for Blastocystis sp.: cases were those patients with only one or two positive stool samples, and controls were those with all three stool positive samples). Clinical records were reviewed from included patients to collect clinical and demographic information. Results In 2771 patients three consecutive stool samples were examined for parasitic diagnosis, with an overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. detection of 23.3%. The proportions of positive cases depending on the number of investigated samples were: 22.3% when taking into account the first sample, 22.9% when taking into account the first and second samples, and 23.3% when taking into account the three samples, with no statistically significant differences among them. For the case-control study we finally included 63 cases and 133 controls. No differences were found regarding clinical and demographic characteristics among groups. Conclusion Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was high in our study (23.3%). The sensitivity of classical parasitological methods for Blastocystis sp. diagnosis did not increase when increasing the number of investigated samples, and no risk factors associated to high parasite burden were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Not
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Goterris
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel López
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martha Balladares
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena García
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Paz
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Augusto Sao-Avilés
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Li TC, Li Z, Zhang YL, Chen WJ, Dong XL, Yang JF, Li HX, Zou FC. Assessment of the subtypes and the zoonotic risk of Blastocystis sp. of experimental macaques in Yunnan province, southwestern China. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:741-748. [PMID: 31897788 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteral eukaryote with an omnipresent existence in animals and humans globally. Animals have been proposed to be a major reservoir for the transmission of Blastocystis to individuals due to their high prevalence and large amount of zoonotic subtypes. However, limited data on Blastocystis infection in experimental macaques in China exists. The objective of the current study was to investigate the frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis infection in macaques in southwestern China. A total of 505 fecal samples were collected from experimental macaques in Yunnan province and were analyzed by nested PCR and phylogenetic analyses on the basis of small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragments. A total of 235 specimens were positive for Blastocystis sp., and the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 46.5% (235/505). Significant differences in prevalence were also observed among the various species of macaques (P < 0.0133, df = 2, χ2 = 8.64) and the different feed types (P < 0.0093, df = 1, χ2 = 6.77). Moreover, three zoonotic subtypes, ST1, ST3, and ST5, were identified by DNA sequence analysis. There were mainly single subtype infections with some mixed subtype infections, and the predominant subtype was ST3. The results suggested a high prevalence and diversified subtypes in macaques in Yunnan province, southwestern China. Macaques are likely to be potential reservoirs capable of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp. to humans. To our knowledge, this study is the first large-scale systematic analysis of Blastocystis sp. colonization in Yunnan province in the subtropics of China; these results contribute to the in-depth study of genetic characteristics and the prevention, control, and treatment of Blastocystis sp. in macaques in Yunnan province and other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Cui Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Zhang
- Kunming Primate Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Lan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xia Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China.
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Calero-Bernal R, Santín M, Maloney JG, Martín-Pérez M, Habela MA, Fernández-García JL, Figueiredo A, Nájera F, Palacios MJ, Mateo M, Balseiro A, Barral M, Lima-Barberoi JF, Köster PC, Carmena D. Blastocystis sp. Subtype Diversity in Wild Carnivore Species from Spain. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 67:273-278. [PMID: 31691450 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and molecular diversity of the stramenopile eukaryote Blastocystis sp. was investigated by PCR and sequencing (Sanger and NGS) methods in 380 faecal specimens of free-living carnivores in Spain. Blastocystis sp. was confirmed in 1.6% (6/380) of the specimens analysed. Two samples from a common genet and a fox were successfully subtyped as ST7 by Sanger. Using NGS, ST14 was found in a fox and a European polecat, ST7 in a fox, and two additional foxes presented mixed infections of ST1/ST2/ST4 and ST1/ST2/ST7, respectively. Wild carnivore species could act as carriers of zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA
| | - Manuel Martín-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José L Fernández-García
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ana Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Luis Jacinto Ramallo García s/n, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - María J Palacios
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Luis Jacinto Ramallo García s/n, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Veterinary Faculty, Alfonso X El Sabio University, Avenida Universidad 1, 28691, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24007, León, Spain
| | - Marta Barral
- Department of Animal Health, Basque Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (NEIKER), Berreaga 1, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José F Lima-Barberoi
- SaBio Working Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.,SABIOTec Spin Off, Camino de Moledores s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Gazzonis AL, Marangi M, Zanzani SA, Villa L, Giangaspero A, Manfredi MT. Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in dogs housed in Italian rescue shelters. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3011-3017. [PMID: 31418113 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous protozoan with a wide range of hosts. In humans, its presence has been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, although its role as a pathogen still needs to be elucidated. Until now, 17 Blastocystis subtypes (STs) have been identified, with ST1-ST4 the most commonly found in humans. Among domestic animals, the same STs reported in humans have been detected in dogs. An epidemiological survey on dog kennels was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis and the STs involved. Overall, 99 faecal samples were collected from the rescue shelters. Blastocystis detection was performed through conventional barcoding PCR targeting the 1800-bp SSU-rDNA, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Blastocystis DNA was found in 21 faecal samples (21.2%), and all samples were successfully sequenced and identified as ST3 in a unique monophyletic group. The presence of Blastocystis was reported for the first time in dogs from Italy, with the identification of ST3, the subtype most commonly found in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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