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Salehi Sangani G, Hosseini-Safa A, Hosseini Farash BR, Salehi Sangani P, Zarean M, Moghaddas E, Zoghdar Moghadam S, Jarahi L, Gholizadeh A, Berenji F. Detection and subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in human and animal stool samples using high-resolution melting analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2025; 25:171. [PMID: 39910463 PMCID: PMC11800531 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-10423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of the genus Blastocystis using high-resolution melting curve analysis (HRM), a novel molecular technique. Blastocystis sp., a unicellular, anaerobic, and zoonotic parasite, is commonly found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, with prevalence rates ranging from 20% in developed countries to over 60% in developing regions. Although the pathogenicity of Blastocystis remains debated, it has been detected in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Traditionally, direct microscopy with wet mounts is used for the rapid identification of Blastocystis in stool samples. However, molecular diagnostics have become essential for the accurate detection and differentiation of Blastocystis subtypes MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected 730 stool samples from humans and domestic animals. Initial screening for Blastocystis sp. was performed using direct microscopy. Negative samples were cultured in a two-phase culture medium and re-examined after 2-3 days. HRM analysis was then employed to identify and differentiate Blastocystis subtypes using specific primers via real-time PCR. RESULTS Six subtypes were identified, with ST7 (30%) being the most prevalent, followed by ST3 (28%), ST2 (16%), ST1 (14%), ST5 (6%), and ST14 (6%). In humans, ST3 was the most common subtype, also found in poultry and sheep, whereas ST7 was mainly detected in domestic animals. Notably, ST1-ST3 were identified in domesticated animals, indicating a pattern of cross-species transmission. CONCLUSION ST3 (28%) and ST7 (30%) were the most prevalent subtypes across all samples, with distinct distributions in human and animal hosts. The HRM technique demonstrated efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing a rapid and accurate method for Blastocystis subtype identification in developing countries, which can expedite diagnostic responses and reduce the need for sequencing. This supports the potential for HRM to improve epidemiological surveillance and understanding of cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghodratollah Salehi Sangani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini-Safa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pooria Salehi Sangani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zarean
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Moghaddas
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeid Zoghdar Moghadam
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Lida Jarahi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Gholizadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
| | - Fariba Berenji
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rehena J, Harun AB, Karim MR. Epidemiology of Blastocystis in farm animals: A review. Vet Parasitol 2025; 334:110382. [PMID: 39740320 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110382] [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: 08/30/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous gastrointestinal protozoan parasite found both in humans and animals. The purpose of this review is to look at the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in farm animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry, and discuss the potential evidence of transmission between animals and humans, as well as highlight the related risk factors and public health significance. Significant differences have been found in the prevalence of Blastocystis in different hosts worldwide. The global prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 13.6 % in cattle (1219/8961), 15.9 % in sheep (675/4233), 31.7 % in goats (837/2640), 44.57 % in pigs (2589/5808), and 26.29 % in poultry (892/3392). Blastocystis is mainly transmitted through fecal-oral routes. The existence of the same subtypes of the parasite in both animals and humans indicates potential zoonotic transmission. Subtypes ST10 (43.39 %) and ST14 (19.99 %) were most frequently found in cattle, sheep, and goats, while ST5 (62.57 %) was predominantly observed in pigs, and ST6 (16 %) and ST7 (36.6 %) were commonly recorded in poultry. Analysis of risk factors suggests that age, sex, close contact with animals, geographical location, farm management system, and season were the significant risk factors reported in many studies. Although epidemiology and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in different hosts have been described in several studies, understanding the possible transmission pathway from farm animals to humans and the public health impacts of Blastocystis requires more extensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnat Rehena
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Anas Bin Harun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Md Robiul Karim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh.
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Nieto-Clavijo C, Morales L, Delgado-Aldana A, Hernández PC, Torres-Molina I, Gonzalez-Cuiza A, Cortés-Muñoz F, Chaparro-Olaya J. Enhanced Blastocystis subtyping from stool samples using semi-nested barcode PCR: validation with an NGS-based approach. Biotechniques 2024; 76:581-591. [PMID: 39731283 DOI: 10.1080/07366205.2024.2442835] [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: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2006, a PCR method was introduced to subtype Blastocystis by Sanger sequencing of an ≈610 bp amplicon of the 18S rRNA gene. This method, known as barcoding-PCR, has become widespread, although the primer pair used can amplify non-Blastocystis sequences, which can result in false positives. Barcoding-PCR is most effective with DNA extracted from Blastocystis cultures, limiting its sensitivity when used directly with stool samples. As a result, barcoding-PCR can sometimes yield negative results for stool samples confirmed as Blastocystis-positive by microscopy. To improve subtyping from stool-derived DNA, we developed a Semi-Nested barcode PCR that amplifies the barcoding region in a second reaction. Our study shows that this Semi-Nested approach outperforms classical barcoding-PCR, detecting Blastocystis more reliably from stool samples with stronger gel signals and no false positives. This was confirmed by near-complete concordance (68/70 samples) with the Santin-PCR coupled to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) as reference standard for Blastocystis subtyping. Of particular interest, one amplicon matched the only previous report of ST35, marking this as the second global detection of ST35 and the first in Colombia. Overall, Semi-Nested barcoded PCR offers a more robust and sensitive alternative compared to classical barcoding-PCR for subtyping Blastocystis directly from stool samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Nieto-Clavijo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana Morales
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Delgado-Aldana
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula C Hernández
- 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
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Rudzińska M, Sikorska K. Epidemiology of Blastocystis Infection: A Review of Data from Poland in Relation to Other Reports. Pathogens 2023; 12:1050. [PMID: 37624010 PMCID: PMC10458783 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common gut protist of humans and various animals worldwide, with a high level of genetic diversity. Neither its zoonotic potential and transmission routes nor its pathogenicity are fully known. This fact, and the fact that Blastocystis is the most abundant eukaryote in human faeces, raises the question of its relevance to public health. Here, we summarise (in relation to other reports) the results of studies on the prevalence and genotypic variation of Blastocystis, which were carried out in animals, humans, and in water environments in Poland. In humans, the prevalence ranged between 0.14 and 23.6%, in some animals reached 58.97%, and in water environments was 5.1%. Seven subtypes were identified in humans (ST1-ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9), of which ST3 was the most common. Among animals (wild, livestock, and pet animals), eleven STs were identified, with differential host specificity. Humans and animals shared ST1, ST2, ST3, ST6, and ST7, while ST1 and ST3 were present in humans, animals, and water sources. These observations indicate the possibility of Blastocystis transmission between animals and humans. Further studies should be continued in search of the sources and transmission routes of Blastocystis in order to prevent the spread of infections among humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Ni Q, Dong S, Fan Y, Wan W, Teng P, Zhu S, Liang X, Xu H, Yao Y, Zhang M, Xie M. Molecular Epidemiology of Blastocystis in Confined Slow Lorises, Macaques, and Gibbons. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2992. [PMID: 36359116 PMCID: PMC9656527 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal anaerobic parasite infecting non-human primates and many other animals. This taxon threatens the health of NHPs due to its high genetic diversity, impeding efforts to improve confined management and subsequent conservation practices. This study collected 100 and 154 fecal samples from captive macaques, gibbons, and slow lorises in the summer and winter, respectively. The Blastocystis infection, its gene subtypes, and its zoonotic potential based on small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) were analyzed. The prevalence of Blastocystis in the three primate genera was 57.79% (89/154) in the summer (2021) and 29.00% (29/100) in the winter (2020). Four zoonotic subtypes-ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST4-were identified. ST2 was the most prevalent subtype, suggesting that these animals may serve as reservoirs for pathogens of human Blastocystis infections. The macaques showed a more significant variation in Blastocystis infection between seasons than gibbons and slow lorises. The slow lorises in small cages and enclosure areas were potentially more infected by Blastocystis in the summer, indicating that inappropriate captive management may have detrimental effects on their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyong Ni
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Shasha Dong
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Yumai Fan
- Dehong Wildlife Rescue Center, Forestry Bureau of Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi 678499, China
| | - Wen Wan
- Dehong Wildlife Rescue Center, Forestry Bureau of Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi 678499, China
| | - Ping Teng
- Dehong Wildlife Rescue Center, Forestry Bureau of Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi 678499, China
| | - Shaobo Zhu
- Dehong Wildlife Rescue Center, Forestry Bureau of Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi 678499, China
| | - Xiaobi Liang
- Dehong Wildlife Rescue Center, Forestry Bureau of Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi 678499, China
| | - Huailiang Xu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625099, China
| | - Yongfang Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625099, China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611134, China
| | - Meng Xie
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625099, China
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Molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in cancer patients under chemotherapy in Aegean region, Turkey. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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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: 2.3] [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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Masuda A, Matsuda Y, Horikita T, Matsumoto J. Subtype analysis and prevalence of mixed subtype infection of Blastocystis in farmed pigs from Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102490. [PMID: 34737074 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal eukaryotes found in a wide range of animals and in the human population globally. Blastocystis is reported in domestic pigs, with subtype (ST) 5 being the dominant ST, followed by ST1 and ST3. The common method used for ST identification in pigs is PCR-sequencing, which often results in underestimation of the prevalence of mixed infections. Here, we aimed to investigate the ST distribution and the prevalence of mixed ST infection of Blastocystis in pigs from Chiba Prefecture in eastern Japan. A total of 82 fecal samples positive for Blastocystis were collected from two different farms, A and B. PCR was performed with subtype-specific primers, ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST5. The prevalence of single ST5 infection was 37.8% (31/82), whereas mixed infection with ST5 and other STs was 57.3% (47/82). A high percentage of single ST5 infection was observed in sows, piglets, and weaners from farm A (13/15, 86.7%), whereas mixed infection of ST5 and other STs, ST1 and ST3, was observed in 3-5-month-old grower pigs (15/18, 83.3%). Similarly, in farm B, the majority of sows and piglets under 1 month of age showed a single ST5 infection (12/17, 70.6%), whereas weaner, grower, and finisher pigs showed mixed infections with ST5 and other STs, ST1, ST2 and ST3 (27/28, 96.4%). In domestic pigs, diet and rearing environment changes dramatically over the course of animal's lifetime, which may have caused this difference in the prevalence of mixed ST infection among different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Masuda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Yukino Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Horikita
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Jun Matsumoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Waleron M, Kalicki M, Sikorska K, Szostakowska B. Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis from Animals and Their Caregivers at the Gdańsk Zoo (Poland) and the Assessment of Zoonotic Transmission. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100984. [PMID: 34681082 PMCID: PMC8533498 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a highly genetically diverse gut protist commonly found in humans and various animals. The role of animals in human infection is only partly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the host specificity and possibility of zoonotic transmission of this microorganism. Subtypes of Blastocystis isolated from 201 zoo animals and their 35 caregivers were identified by sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. Blastocystis was found in 26.86% of animal and 17.14% of human samples. Both mammalian (ST1-ST3, ST5, ST8, ST10, ST13, ST14) and non-mammalian subtypes were detected. Of the subtypes found in non-human primates (ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST13), two subtypes (ST1 and ST3) were also detected in humans. The presence of identical ST1 sequences in three monkeys and their caregiver indicates the possibility of direct transmission of Blastocystis between these animals and humans. Detection of ST5 only in wild boars and peccaries, ST8 only in Marsupial, ST10 and ST14 only in Bovidae, and non-mammalian subtypes in reptiles suggests higher host specificity for these subtypes, and indicates that their transmission between animals and humans is unlikely. Additionally, this was probably the first time that ST5 was found in peccaries, ST2 in patas monkeys, and ST8 in red kangaroos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-583-491-762
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Waleron
- Laboratory of Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Mirosław Kalicki
- Zoological Garden of Gdańsk, Karwieńska 3, 80-328 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Kaczmarek A, Sobociński W, Wesołowska M, Gołąb E, Kołodziej-Sobocińska M, Sałamatin R. Blastocystis occurrence and subtype diversity in wild European terrestrial mammals - The case of Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:120-125. [PMID: 34552843 PMCID: PMC8441101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis cf. Blastocystis hominis is the most common unicellular parasite found in human and animal intestines. Little is known about the life cycle, transmission and mechanisms of pathogenesis for this parasite. The aim of this study was to obtain new data on the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in selected species of mammals found in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, the best preserved lowland forest in temperate Europe. 113 faecal samples were collected in the period 2018–2020 from seven species of wild mammals occurring within the Polish part of BPF and its surroundings. Blastocystis was detected by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in animals was 8.9%. A larger number of stool samples (90) were collected from European bison and only for this species was it possible to calculate the prevalence of infection (5.6%). The isolates obtained from European bison were classified as ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7. Blastocystis was also detected in the grey wolf (Canis lupus) (ST5), wild boar (Sus scrofa) (ST5) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (ST1). In conclusion, for the first time we have demonstrated the presence of Blastocystis in wild European bison. Preliminary studies have shown that Blastocystis is present in at least 4 species of wild mammals in the BPF area and that it exhibits great genetic diversity. Blastocystis is present in wild mammals in the Białowieża Primeval Forest Blastocystis in the Białowieża Primeval Forest exhibits great genetic diversity Intra-species and interspecific transmission of Blastocystis in Białowieża Primeval Forest is highly probable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kaczmarek
- Faculty of Medicine. Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Kazimierza Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Sobociński
- Institute of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gołąb
- Polish Parasitological Society, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Rusłan Sałamatin
- Faculty of Medicine. Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Kazimierza Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland.,Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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Asghari A, Sadrebazzaz A, Shamsi L, Shams M. Global prevalence, subtypes distribution, zoonotic potential, and associated risk factors of Blastocystis sp. in domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2021; 160:105183. [PMID: 34517066 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. is a widely distributed protist among humans and various animal hosts, with significant prevalence in developing countries. Due to the zoonotic nature of its subtypes (STs), we aimed at global estimation of the prevalence, STs distribution, zoonotic potential, and associated risk factors of Blastocystis sp. infection in domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and wild pigs/wild boars (Sus scrofa). The study was designed and conducted in 2021 via searching articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, based on the PRISMA checklist, and meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Totally, 43 papers (47 datasets) reported data on 7977 examined pigs in 24 countries with a total prevalence of 50.9% (95% CI: 42.8-59%). In details, prevalence was higher among domestic pigs [52.4% (95% CI: 43.9-60.7%)] than wild boars [31.2% (95% CI: 11.2-62%)], but is poorly statistically supported as far as the CIs largely overlap. Out of 28 reported STs, nine (ST1-ST7, ST10, and ST15) were reported from domestic pigs, while six (ST1, ST3-ST5, ST8, and ST15) had been isolated from wild boars. Among nine zoonotic STs (ST1-ST8, and ST12), all were identified in examined swine populations, except for ST12. As well, ST1 and ST5 were probably the most frequently circulating STs among these animals. In addition, male and older pigs showed higher Blastocystis sp. infection. Altogether, Blastocystis epidemiology and the distribution of its related STs in pigs is still open to question and requires more extensive studies, especially in the neglected regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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