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Guilane A, Haleche I, Tazerouti F, Ziam H, Kernif T, Boutellis A. New Haplotypes of Blastocystis sp. Identified in Faeces from Various Animal Groups in Algeria. Acta Parasitol 2024:10.1007/s11686-024-00857-4. [PMID: 38829474 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00857-4] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis sp. is a single-celled, anaerobic, parasitic protozoan commonly found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans globally. Genetic analysis has revealed significant diversity within its species, leading to the identification of at least 40 subtypes (ST1-ST40). This study aimed to identify and differentiate Blastocystis in faeces samples from various animal hosts in Algeria. METHODS A total of 403 fecal samples, collected from both domestic and zoo animals, were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of Blastocystis-specific small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-RNA) gene. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in animals was found to be 38.9%. Through comprehensive phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses, we identified four distinct subtypes (ST1 in both domestic and zoo animals, and ST3, ST4, and ST5 exclusively in zoo animals), encompassing nine different haplotypes, including five that appear original to Algeria. CONCLUSION This study represents the first epidemiological molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. in animals in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Guilane
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, Biology Faculty, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely-Brahim, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Ikram Haleche
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely-Brahim, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Fadila Tazerouti
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, Biology Faculty, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hocine Ziam
- 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, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Amina Boutellis
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, Biology Faculty, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria.
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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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Sun Y, Nan H, Zhang C, Yang X, Zhao Y, Feng G, Ma L. Genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in cattle from Hebei Province, China. Microb Pathog 2024; 190:106629. [PMID: 38522492 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106629] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan parasite that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing chronic diseases such as skin rashes, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle, in Hebei Province, China. 2746 cattle fecal samples were collected from 11 cities in Hebei Province and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the Blastocystis sp. barcoding gene. MEGA, PhyloSuite, and PopART were used to analyze the subtype, sequence signature, pairwise genetic distance, and genetic diversity indices. The results showed that the Blastocystis sp. detection rate was 12.60% (346/2746). The infection rate in different herds was affected by region, age, breeding mode, and variety; that is, the infection rates in areas of southern Hebei, cattle under one year old, intensive raising, and dairy cattle were higher than the infection rates in northern Hebei, cattle over one year old, scatter feeding, and beef cattle. Seven Blastocystis subtypes were identified, namely, ST1, ST2, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST26; ST10 was the dominant subtype, and ST14 was the second most common subtype. A total of 374 polymorphic and conserved sites were obtained, including 273 invariable (monomorphic) sites and 101 variable (polymorphic) sites, accounting for 27.01% of all nucleotides. The nucleotide diversity index (Pi) was 0.07749, and the haplotype (gene) diversity index (Hd) was 0.946. This study provides the first comprehensive information on the epidemiological situation of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle from Hebei Province, China, and revealed rich genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Huizhu Nan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Gang Feng
- Tangshan Municipal Administration Center of Zoo, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Alexeree SMI, Abou-Seri HM, El-Din HES, Youssef D, Ramadan MA. Green synthesis of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles mediated photothermal effects on Blastocystis hominis. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:43. [PMID: 38246979 PMCID: PMC10800310 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-03984-6] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of parasite resistance to antiparasitic agents has become a serious health issue indicating a critical and pressing need to develop new therapeutics that can conquer drug resistance. Nanoparticles are novel, promising emerging drug carriers that have demonstrated efficiency in treating many parasitic diseases. Lately, attention has been drawn to a broad-spectrum nanoparticle capable of converting absorbed light into heat via the photothermal effect phenomenon. The present study is the first to assess the effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) as sole agents and with the combined action of the light-emitting diode (LED) on Blastocystis hominins (B. hominis) in vitro. Initially, the aqueous synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The anti-blastocyst efficiency of these NPs was tested separately in dark conditions. As these NPs have a wide absorption spectrum in the visible regions, they were also excited by a continuous wave LED of wavelength band (400-700 nm) to test the photothermal effect. The sensitivity of B. hominis cysts was evaluated using scanning laser confocal microscopy whereas the live and dead cells were accurately segmented based on superpixels and the k-mean clustering algorithm. Our findings showed that this excitation led to hyperthermia that induced a significant reduction in the number of cysts treated with photothermally active NPs. The results of this study elucidate the potential role of photothermally active NPs as an effective anti-blastocystis agent. By using this approach, new therapeutic antiparasitic agents can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M I Alexeree
- Department of Laser Application in Metrology, Photochemistry, and Agricultural, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Hanan M Abou-Seri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala E Shams El-Din
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Youssef
- Department of Engineering Applications of Lasers, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Ramadan
- Department of Laser Application in Metrology, Photochemistry, and Agricultural, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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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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Özkan-Ahmetoğlu M, Demirel F, Taşar MA, Dinç B, Sarzhanov F, Dogruman-Al F. Investigation of intestinal parasites by conventional and molecular methods in children with gastrointestinal system complaints. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1361-1370. [PMID: 37036521 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem that causes morbidity and mortality, especially in children living in rural areas. In this study, stool samples of pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints were examined by conventional and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. A total of 100 pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints and 50 healthy children were included in the study. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined by direct microscopic examination (native-Lugol method), formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, Kinyoun's acid-fast staining, and Wheatley trichrome staining methods. Real-time PCR was used for the detection of Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis in the stool samples. Sanger sequencing was used to identify Blastocystis spp. subtypes. One or more intestinal parasites were found in 12% (n = 100) of the patient group and 1% (n = 50) of the control group using conventional techniques. By using real-time PCR, Blastocystis spp. was discovered in 14% (14/100) of the patient group and 8% (4/50) of the control group. There was no significant difference in the frequency of Blastocystis spp. between the two groups. The most prevalent Blastocystis subtype was ST1 and the most frequent allele was a2 among the samples successfully amplified and sequenced. D. fragilis was detected in 17% (17/100) of the patient group and 8% (4/50) of the control group by real-time PCR. The prevalence of D. fragilis was not significantly different between the patient and control groups, as well. Blastocystis spp. and D. fragilis were found in high prevalence in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints in this study. Although the role of these protists as a pathogen in humans is still controversial, it is supposed to the presence of the parasites are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. More case-control studies are needed to understand the pathogenic or commensal role of these parasites on the intestinal microbiota, especially in both patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Özkan-Ahmetoğlu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Health Science University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Filiz Demirel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Medine Ayşin Taşar
- Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Health Science University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Bedia Dinç
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Health Science University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Faculty of Medicine, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Kazakhstan
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Chen H, Hao Y, Liu Y, Xu M, Zhang W, Li H, Yang F. The frequency and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in humans and domestic animals in households in Heilongjiang Province, China. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106844. [PMID: 36706827 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan able to infect humans and a large variety of animal hosts worldwide. It exhibits significant genetic diversity, with at least 17 subtypes (STs) identified to date, most of which have low host specificity. In the present study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on Blastocystis infection among humans and domestic animals sharing habitats in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province, in order to investigate the frequency and subtype distribution and to evaluate the risk of the zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp..Results show that the frequency was 10.5% (6/57), and three subtypes (ST1, ST2, and ST3) were found in humans; in animals, the frequency was 17.9% (46/257), and six subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7, ST10, and ST26) were detected. A significant association between Blastocystis sp. infection and eating unwashed vegetables and fruits was found (P = 0.007). We found no effect on gender, age and season on Blastocystis sp. colonization. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Blastocystis ST7 sequences from chicken in two geographical locations formed two distinct clades. Alleles were identified using the Blastocystis 18S database, and a total of 10 different alleles were found in seven STs. Overlap of STs in humans and domestic animals (pig or cattle) was observed in Dongfanghong village. The findings of potentially zoonotic subtypes in domestic animals suggest that these animals may serve as reservoirs of human Blastocystis sp. infections. Multisectoral cooperation is needed to slow down the transmission of Blastocystis in domestic animals, minimize environmental contamination by Blastocystis cysts, and increase molecular epidemiological surveillance of Blastocystis sp. in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Yaru Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Yuqing Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
| | - Mingqi Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - He Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
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Distribution and Phylogenetic Analysis of Subtypes and Alleles of Blastocystis sp. in the Stool Samples Collected from Patients with Gastrointestinal Complaints in İzmir, Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2023:10.1007/s11686-023-00665-2. [PMID: 36806111 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00665-2] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis sp. is one of the most prevalent intestinal protozoa found in humans and many other animals. The present study aimed to examine the distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from patients with gastrointestinal complaints in İzmir, Turkey. METHODS All stool samples of 439 patients with gastrointestinal complaints were examined by native-Lugol and trichrome staining. To investigate the presence of Blastocystis sp. in stool samples, DNA was isolated, and PCR was performed with the barcode region in the SSU rRNA gene. PCR positive samples were sequenced to identify subtypes and alleles of Blastocystis sp. RESULTS The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found to be 16.6% (73/439) in patients with gastrointestinal complaints in İzmir, Turkey. Three different Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified. ST3 (28/55; 51.0%) was the most common subtype followed by ST2 (19/55; 34.5%) and ST1 (8/55; 14.5%). Itching and diarrhea were the most prominent clinical symptoms in Blastocystis sp. positive patients. When clinical symptoms and subtypes were compared, diarrhea was found in 62.5%, 47.4%, and 46.4% of patients with ST1, ST2, and ST3 subtypes, respectively. In addition, itching was found in 37.5%, 32.1%, and 21.1% of patients with ST1, ST3, and ST2, respectively. Six distinct alleles were identified by allele analysis of Blastocystis 18S rRNA gene: allele 4 for ST1, alleles 9, 11, and 12 for ST2, and alleles 34 and 36 for ST3. In this study, Blastocystis sp. was detected in 16 of 21 districts, including the central and rural districts of İzmir. Although ST1 was detected in central districts, it was not found in rural districts. CONCLUSION This study provides comprehensive data on the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of the genetic diversity at the level of subtypes and alleles of Blastocystis sp. in different districts of İzmir province in Turkey. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which evaluates the distribution of subtypes and alleles of Blastocystis sp. according to PCR and SSU rRNA gene sequencing in patients with gastrointestinal complaints in different districts of İzmir province in Turkey.
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Abu A, Sutthikornchai C, Mahittikorn A, Koompapong K, Chiabchalard R, Arthan D, Soonthornworasiri N, Popruk S. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis Isolated from School-Aged Children in the Thai-Myanmar Border, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:204. [PMID: 36612533 PMCID: PMC9819352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric protozoa that inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and different animals. Moreover, it has a worldwide geographic distribution. Its main mode of transmission is via the fecal-oral route. At present, 26 subtypes are widely distributed across both humans and animals. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis among school-aged children living on the Thai-Myanmar border, Ratchaburi province, Thailand. In total, 508 samples were collected from children at six schools. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was amplified and sequenced in the 600 bp barcode region of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA). The overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 3.35% (17/508). ST3 (11/17) was the most predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (5/17) and ST2 (1/17). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the Tamura92+G+I model using the maximum-likelihood algorithm. Surprisingly, all sequences of the ST3-positive samples were closely correlated with the cattle-derived sequence. Meanwhile, all sequences of the Blastocystis ST1-positive samples were closely correlated with the human-derived sequence. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to validate the zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis. Based on our findings, personal hygiene and sanitation should be improved to promote better health in children in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanee Abu
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chantira Sutthikornchai
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Khuanchai Koompapong
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Rachatawan Chiabchalard
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Dumrongkiet Arthan
- Department of Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Barati M, KarimiPourSaryazdi A, Rahmanian V, Bahadory S, Abdoli A, Rezanezhad H, Solhjoo K, Taghipour A. Global prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105770. [PMID: 36181747 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Animals such as rodents and birds may play a key role in the distribution of Blastocystis sp., either as introducers of the parasite into the water or as receptors of an infection already established in the water. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies at a global scale through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statements were applied. Eligible prevalence studies on Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies, published between 1 January 2000 and 20 January 2022 were collected using a systematic literature search in online databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The variances between studies (heterogeneity) were computed by I2 index. In total, 20 articles (24 datasets) for birds, 18 articles (18 datasets) for rodents, and 10 articles (12 datasets) for water supply were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in birds, rodents, and water was estimated to be 29% (95% CI 12-47%), 18% (95% CI 12-23%), and 10% (95% CI 6%-15%), respectively. Considering the subtypes, Blastocystis sp. with subtypes ST7 in birds, ST4 in rodents, and ST1 in water supplies were the highest reported subtypes. The present results highlight the role of birds, rodents, and water as a reservoir for human-infected Blastocystis sp. Therefore, this global estimate could be beneficial for preventive and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Barati
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Rahmanian
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
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Bertozzo TV, David ÉB, Oliveira-Arbex AP, Victória C, Guimarães S. Frequency, spatial distribution, and genetic diversity of Blastocystis among referred individuals to a clinical laboratory: First report of subtype 9 in Brazil. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106608. [PMID: 35841954 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The enteric protist Blastocystis has a worldwide distribution, however its prevalence in the human population is still underestimated, especially in developing countries where proper diagnosis is not performed in the routine of clinical laboratories. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency, genetic diversity, and spatial distribution of Blastocystis isolates detected in fecal samples referred to a clinical laboratory for routine examination in inner São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 348 leftover stool samples available for disposal from female and male individuals with age ranging from 3 months to 88 years were analyzed by both microscopic examination and PCR/sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. The overall frequency of Blastocystis sp. was 31% (108/348), including 20.1% (70/348) and 31% (108/348) by microscopic examination and PCR/sequencing, respectively. Significant association was found only between Blastocystis infection and age, since the highest rate of positive samples was detected among 5-9 years old individuals (p < 0.0001). In addition, spatial distribution revealed a wide distribution of the positive samples, however they were densely concentrated in more populated areas. Seven subtypes were identified, namely ST1 (40.7%), ST2 (9.2%), ST3 (45.3%), ST4 (0.9%), ST6 (1.8%), ST7 (0.9%) and ST9 (0.9%). The intra-subtype analysis revealed a total of 25 different alleles previously reported. Here, the findings lead us to highlight the following aspects: (1) the identification of a ST9 isolate is a relevant finding since it is considered a very rare subtype in human infections as well as this is the first report in Brazil; (2) the high frequency of Blastocystis in fecal samples submitted for examination in a clinical laboratory points to the need to consider its search in routine parasitological examinations, (3) the spatial distribution of Blastocystis infection was not homogeneous but concentrated in more populated areas where the access for population to diagnostic services in healthcare is likely to be easier and, (4) the genetic variability of Blastocystis isolates suggests exposure of inhabitants living in inner municipalities to different sources of contamination involving anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainá Valente Bertozzo
- Tropical Diseases Posgraduate Program, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Érica Boarato David
- Department of Health Sciences, Sacred Heart University Center (UNISAGRADO), Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cassiano Victória
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Semíramis Guimarães
- Division of Parasitology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, PO Box: 510, Botucatu, SP CEP 18618-689, Brazil.
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12
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Ali SH, Ismail MAM, El-Badry AA, Abu-Sarea EY, Dewidar AM, Hamdy DA. An Association Between Blastocystis Subtypes and Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Significant Different Profile from Non-cancer Individuals. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:752-763. [PMID: 35067864 PMCID: PMC8784229 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis is a common enteric human parasite of non-conclusive pathogenicity which may be determined by subtype (ST) variation. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the primary causes of cancer mortality. Blastocystis ST7 has been shown to reduce beneficial intestinal microbiota and may exacerbate CRC. This study assessed the possible association between Blastocystis STs and CRC in comparison to non-cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 fecal samples were obtained from CRC (100) and non-CRC (100) individuals attending Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Blastocystis was searched for in all samples using microscopy and culturing. Positive subculture samples were genetically sequenced and subtyped using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blastocystis STs were determined by sequencing and a phylogenetic tree was created. Related patient characteristics and tumor stages were analyzed for association with presence of Blastocystis. RESULTS Blastocystis was identified in 52% and 42% of CRC and non-cancer individuals, respectively. ST1, 2, and 3 were isolated from both cancer and non-cancer individuals; however, for the first time, ST7 was only isolated from CRC stool samples with significant association. Associated patient characteristics were evaluated as predictors. CONCLUSION Blastocystosis is highly prevalent in CRC patients, predominantly in the latest CRC grades and stages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the identification of Blastocystis ST7 in CRC patients. To determine whether certain STs of Blastocystis are associated with CRC would require further research, including the role played by gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa H. Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A. M. Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas Y. Abu-Sarea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Dewidar
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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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Comparative molecular prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. a potentially zoonotic infection isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:745-759. [PMID: 33686524 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to assess the weighted molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in humans along with the comparative molecular prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis isolated from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran. METHODS International electronic databases including Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were explored until 4th October 2020. Heterogeneity index was evaluated among studies using Cochran's Q test and I2 index. Finally, 23 eligible studies were qualified to be included in this review. RESULTS The pooled molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in Iran was reported 15.2% (95% CI 11.5-19.7). In addition, the molecular prevalence based on PCR-sequencing and STS primers was reported 12.5% (95% CI 8.6-17.7) and 19.8% (95% CI 13.1-28.8), respectively. Interestingly, there was a considerably higher prevalence among asymptomatic patients [25.1% (95% CI 20.8-30.0)] in comparison to symptomatic ones [21.0% (95% CI 15.9-27.2)]. In addition, the frequency of Blastocystis ST1, ST2, and ST3 from positive samples in symptomatic patients was 19.7%, 35.1%, and 47.4%, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of Blastocystis ST1, ST2, and ST3 from positive samples in asymptomatic patients was 27.1%, 26.8%, and 37.8%, respectively. The results obtained in Iran showed that Blastocystis is more common in asymptomatic patients compared to patients having clinical symptoms. Of note, ST3, as the most common subtype causing clinical symptoms, was the most prevalent reported subtype among both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in the country. CONCLUSIONS Hence, the pathogenicity of the Blastocystis parasite is not subtype-specific and appears to be related to a variety of risk factors. Still the Blastocystis epidemiology is open to question and more large-scale studies should be performed on this aspect.
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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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Investigation of Isolated Blastocystis Subtypes from Cancer Patients in Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:584-592. [PMID: 33387270 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is not clear that Blastocystis remains without damage to the digestive tract or has a pathogenic effect in relation to subtypes in immunocompromised people, such as cancer patients. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in cancer patients who were followed-up and treated in the Oncology clinic of Firat University Hospital and to determine the clinical signs of infected sufferers. METHODS 201 patients aged ≥ 18 with a diagnosis of cancer were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients' stool samples were examined between September 2017 and August 2019 by native-Lugol, trichrome staining. Microscopy-positive stool samples were subjected to DNA isolation and subtyped by Sequence Tagged Site (STS)-PCR analysis. The symptoms and demographic characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. RESULTS Totally, 29 (14.4%) samples were positive for Blastocystis after all methods. 15 (51.7%) out of 29 samples were successfully subtyped by the sequenced-tagged site(STS)-PCR, while 14 (48.3%) could not be typed. Three subtypes of Blastocystis were detected: ST3 (40%), ST2 (33%), ST1 (20%), and one mixed infections with ST1/ST2 (6%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of clinical findings and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION The outcomes of our study promote the idea that Blastocystis could be an asymptomatic and harmless commensal organism. However, more comprehensive molecular and clinical studies are needed to fully determine the pathogenicity and epidemiology of Blastocystis in cancer patients.
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Melo GBD, Mazzaro MC, Gomes-Gouvêa MS, Santos ÉAD, Souza LVD, Elias-Oliveira J, Gryschek RCB, Rodrigues RM, Paula FMD. Blastocystis subtypes in patients with diabetes mellitus from the Midwest region of Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2021; 63:e32. [PMID: 33909846 PMCID: PMC8075614 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202163032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protist commonly found in human fecal samples. In Brazil, few studies have been developed, but none of them has explored the presence of Blastocystis in patients with diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the occurrence and molecular identification of Blastocystis sp. among patients with diabetes mellitus in the Midwest region, Goias State, Brazil. Genomic DNA was obtained from 175 fecal samples (99 from the diabetic group and 76 from the control group). PCR was performed using pan-Blastocystis primers from the SSU-rDNA gene. Microscopic examination revealed positivity of 12.1% and 7.9% for Blastocystis in diabetics and in controls, respectively. Amplification of Blastocystis DNA was observed in 34.4% (34 of 99) and 30.3% (23 of 76) from the diabetic and control groups, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses and BLAST searches revealed six subtypes among Blastocystis isolates in the diabetic group, represented by ST1 (38.2%), ST2 (11.8%), ST3 (35.3%), ST6 (2.9%), ST7 (2.9%) and ST8 (8.8%). In the control group, ST1 (21.8%), ST2 (21.8%), ST3 (43.5%), ST6 (4.4%) and ST8 (8.7%) were identified. This study is the first report regarding the occurrence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis in patients with diabetes mellitus in Brazil. The results reinforce the potential risk of Blastocystis infection in patients with diabetes, in addition, it contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity of this enigmatic organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessica Baptista de Melo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM 06), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Michele Soares Gomes-Gouvêa
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Laboratório de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Tropical (LIM 07), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ronaldo Cesar Borges Gryschek
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM 06), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiana Martins de Paula
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM 06), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Sulżyc-Bielicka V, Kołodziejczyk L, Adamska M, Skotarczak B, Jaczewska S, Safranow K, Bielicki P, Kładny J, Bielicki D. Colorectal cancer and Blastocystis sp. infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:200. [PMID: 33853659 PMCID: PMC8048192 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan found worldwide. Based on gene analysis, 17 subtypes (STs, ST1-ST17) have been identified, 9 of which have been isolated from humans. Differences in clinical consequences may depend on differences among the STs. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to a control group and assessed the relationships between Blastocystis sp. infection and sex; age; and CRC grade, stage, and location. METHODS The study included 107 CRC patients (41 women and 66 men, median age 65 years); 124 subjects without colorectal cancer or a history of oncological disease comprised the control group (55 women and 69 men, median age 63). Stool samples were collected from patients before oncological treatment and examined using light microscopy (iodine-stained smear). Additionally, PCR-based identification of Blastocystis sp. was performed in 95 stool samples from CRC patients and 76 stool samples from the control group. RESULTS Light microscopy showed that the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was significantly higher in CRC patients than in the control group (12.15% and 2.42%, respectively; p = 0.0041). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds of Blastocystis sp. infection were fivefold higher in the CRC group than in the control group. PCR-based molecular examinations demonstrated that the proportion of patients infected with Blastocystis sp. was significantly higher in the CRC group than in the control group (12.63% and 2.63%, respectively; p = 0.023). The predominant ST in the CRC group was ST3, detected in nine patients (75%), followed by ST1 (2 patients, 16.7%) and ST2 (1 patient, 8.3%). No association was found between Blastocystis sp. infection and age, sex, or CRC stage, grade, or location. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that CRC was associated with an increased risk of opportunistic Blastocystis sp. infection, even before oncological treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report estimating the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection in CRC patients before oncological treatment in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Kołodziejczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | | - Sylwia Jaczewska
- Early Phase Clinical Trial Unit. Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre-Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paweł Bielicki
- Department of Radiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Józef Kładny
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Bielicki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Seasonal prevalence, risk factors, and One Health intervention for prevention of intestinal parasitic infection in underprivileged communities on the Thai-Myanmar border. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:152-160. [PMID: 33581366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tha Song Yang District, located on the Thai-Myanmar border, contributes to the second highest cases of amoebic dysentery due to intestinal parasitic infections (IPI). However, there were limited disease prevalence data, specific surveillance systems, and interventions available. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the epidemiological features of the IPIs and apply the One Health (OH) approach to solve IPI-related problems. METHODS Prevalence of asymptomatic infections in human and animals, yearly symptomatic cases, and associated risk factors were investigated. The OH intervention included improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the community, microscopic diagnosis training, and stakeholder engagement for IPI prevention designs. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic cases was much higher than that of the symptomatic cases. Infective stages of the intestinal parasites were discovered in animal stool and water samples, indicating possible transmission routes. One year after the intervention, there were significant declines in asymptomatic IPIs and symptomatic cases of amoebic dysentery. Significant improvements in KAP and awareness regarding water and manure-waste management of the community were observed. CONCLUSION We reported the successful application of the OH intervention in reducing the IPI prevalence and mitigating disease-related risks. The intervention might be applied to address other infectious diseases in the future.
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de Melo GB, Bosqui LR, da Costa IN, de Paula FM, Gryschek RCB. Current status of research regarding Blastocystis sp., an enigmatic protist, in Brazil. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2021; 76:e2489. [PMID: 34231705 PMCID: PMC8240786 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e2489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazilian studies over a period of years (2000-2020), as well as point out relevant aspects of this enigmatic organism. We performed a literature search using six sources of international databases. The data were divided into diagnostic by parasitological and molecular techniques, and relevant aspects. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies were included in the final analysis. The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazil ranged from 0.5% to 86.6%, as determined using parasitological techniques. The highest occurrence was in the North (27.3%) and the lowest, in the Midwest region (13.4%). In Brazil, most studies have employed molecular techniques and are concentrated in the Southeast region. The Blastocystis sp. subtype ST3 had the highest average positivity, followed by ST1 and ST2. These findings represent a panorama that reflects the reality of Brazil; thus, we believe that the effectiveness of parasitological diagnosis should be considered with regard to making an appropriate choice of technique for detecting Blastocystis sp. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of further studies in the context of molecular epidemiology with regard to this genus. Blastocystis sp. is not well understood yet, and very little information regarding this genus is available; hence, further research regarding this genus is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessica Baptista de Melo
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica (LIM06-Laboratorio de Imunopatologia da Esquistossome), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Secao de Helmintologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Larissa Rodrigues Bosqui
- Laboratorio de Imunoparasitologia das Doencas Negligenciadas e Cancer, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, BR
| | - Idessania Nazareth da Costa
- Laboratorio de Imunoparasitologia das Doencas Negligenciadas e Cancer, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, BR
| | - Fabiana Martins de Paula
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica (LIM06-Laboratorio de Imunopatologia da Esquistossome), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Secao de Helmintologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Ronaldo Cesar Borges Gryschek
- Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica (LIM06-Laboratorio de Imunopatologia da Esquistossome), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Secao de Helmintologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Aykur M, Karakavuk E, Karakavuk M, Akıl M, Can H, Döşkaya M, Gürüz Y, Dağcı H. Inhibitory effect of Tunceli garlic (Allium tuncelianum) on blastocystis subtype 3 grown in vitro. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1857725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
- Department of Parasitology, Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Emrah Karakavuk
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Munzur University Faculty of Health Sciences, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mesut Akıl
- Department of Parasitology, Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Ege University Faculty of Science, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dağcı
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
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22
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Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Villamizar X, Hernández PC, Vásquez LR, Tito RY, Ramírez JD. Microbiota characterization in Blastocystis-colonized and Blastocystis-free school-age children from Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:521. [PMID: 33066814 PMCID: PMC7565366 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04392-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a protist that lives in the intestinal tract of a variety of hosts, including humans. It is still unclear how Blastocystis causes disease, which presents an ongoing challenge for researchers. Despite the controversial findings on the association between Blastocystis and clinical digestive manifestations, there is currently no consensus as to whether this protozoan actually behaves as a pathogen in humans. Furthermore, the relationship between Blastocystis and the intestinal microbiota composition is not yet clear. For that reason, the aim of this study was to identify if colonization by Blastocystis is related to changes in the diversity and relative abundance of bacterial communities, compared with those of Blastocystis-free individuals in a group of Colombian children. METHODS We took stool samples from 57 school-aged children attending a daycare institution in Popayán (Southwest Colombia). Whole DNA was extracted and examined by 16S-rRNA amplicon-based sequencing. Blastocystis was detected by real time PCR and other intestinal parasites were detected by microscopy. We evaluated if Blastocystis was associated with host variables and the diversity and abundance of microbial communities. RESULTS The composition of the intestinal bacterial community was not significantly different between Blastocystis-free and Blastocystis-colonized children. Despite this, we observed a higher microbial richness in the intestines of children colonized by Blastocystis, which could, therefore, be considered a benefit to intestinal health. The phylum Firmicutes was the predominant taxonomic unit in both groups analyzed. In Blastocystis-free individuals, there was a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes; similarly, in children colonized by Blastocystis, there was a higher relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria; however, no statistically significant differences were found between the comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS The presence of Blastocystis showed a decrease in Bacteroides, and an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium. It was also evident that the presence of Blastocystis was unrelated to dysbiosis at the intestinal level; on the contrary, its presence did not show statistically differences in the intestinal microbiota composition. Nevertheless, we believe that Blastocystis plays a role in the ecology of the intestinal microbiota through its interaction with other microbial components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Castañeda
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Maestría en Informática Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ximena Villamizar
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula C Hernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis Reinel Vásquez
- Centro de Estudios en Microbiología y Parasitología (CEMPA), Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Raúl Yhossef Tito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Kim MJ, Won EJ, Kim SH, Shin JH, Chai JY. Molecular Detection and Subtyping of Human Blastocystis and the Clinical Implications: Comparisons between Diarrheal and Non-diarrheal Groups in Korean Populations. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:321-326. [PMID: 32615746 PMCID: PMC7338898 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis has recently been recognized as the most common eukaryotic microbe of the human gut. We investigated the prevalence of Blastocystis and their subtypes in diarrheal and non-diarrheal groups and the associated clinical parameters. A total of 324 stool samples were obtained from 196 diarrheal and 128 non-diarrheal subjects. Blastocystis subtypes were determined by sequencing the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed by diarrhea and Blastocystis status. The overall rate of Blastocystis positivity was 9.0% (29/324) but was significantly higher in the non-diarrheal group (18.0% vs. 3.1%, P<0.0001). Of the 6 Blastocystis-positive diarrheal patients, 3 (50.0%), none (0.0%), 2 (33.3%), and 1 (16.7%) were infected with subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, and multiple subtypes, respectively. Of the 23 Blastocystis-positive non-diarrheal patients, 4 (17.4%), 1 (4.3%), and 18 (78.3%) were infected with subtypes ST1, ST2, and ST3, respectively. Blastocystis was less common in the diarrheal than the non-diarrheal group (odds ratio, 0.144; 95% confidence interval, 0.057–0.365, P<0.001). Of the 3 subtypes, ST3 was more frequently observed in the non-diarrheal than diarrheal group (78.3% vs. 33.3%, P=0.0341). Collectively, Blastocystis was found in both the diarrheal and non-diarrheal groups and ST3 was the most common subtype in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Ju Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Won
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun 58128, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun 58128, Korea.,Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do 58128, Korea
| | - Jong Hee Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07549, and Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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24
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Mohammad Rahimi H, Nemati S, Mirjalali H, Sharifdini M, Zali MR. Molecular characterization and identification of Blastocystis and its subtypes from raccoon (Procyon lotor) in north of Iran. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2741-2745. [PMID: 32577820 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06770-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite frequently identified in the intestinal tract of humans and a vast variety of animals, worldwide. Here, we assessed the prevalence of Blastocystis and its subtypes in stool samples of raccoons. Stool samples from 30 raccoons were collected. Total DNA was extracted, and the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. Specific fragment for Blastocystis was successfully amplified in five samples (16.66%). Sequencing analysis revealed ST1, ST2, and ST3 among 1, 2, and 2 Blastocystis-positive samples. Our results documented the presence of Blastocystis subtypes 1-3 in raccoons. Subtype 1 showed higher similarity to the human isolates of Blastocystis. However, it seems that raccoons may emerge as reservoirs for Blastocystis and may be linked to zoonotic transmission of the protist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Molecular identification and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from children and adolescent with cancer in Iran: evaluation of possible risk factors and clinical features. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:462-473. [PMID: 32124201 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the molecular characterization and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cancer children and adolescents in Shiraz, Fars province, southwestern Iran. METHODS Overall, 200 fecal samples obtained from cancer children and adolescents under 18 years old (107 males and 93 females) and checked by microscopy, culture, and molecular methods (PCR). Possible etiological factors and clinical characteristics of Blastocystis infection were also evaluated and compared between Blastocystis infected and non-infected patients. RESULTS Thirteen of 200 (6.5%) stool samples were positive for Blastocystis by microscopy. While 21 of 200 (10.5%) were positive by culture, and 24 of 200 (12%) were positive by PCR. Out of 24 positive samples tested by PCR and sequencing, ST3 was reported as the most common subtype (nine samples, 37.5%), followed by ST2 (eight samples, 33.3%), ST1 (five samples, 20.9%), and ST7 (two samples, 8.3%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in males was significantly higher than females (p = 0.024). Also, Blastocystis was more prevalent in patients who had received at least eight chemotherapy cycles than fewer (p = 0.002). However, no associations were found between Blastocystis-positive rate and age, residence, type of cancers, or contact with animals. Also, there was no significant difference between frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in symptomatic and asymptomatic cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Various controlled epidemiologic and topographic studies need to confirm or reject these possible associations with Blastocystis infection. The data from this study are an invaluable addition to the growing body of research studies on Blastocystis infection in cancer patients.
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Kostopoulou D, Claerebout E, Arvanitis D, Ligda P, Casaert S, Sotiraki S. Identifying human enteric parasitic infections in Greece, with focus on Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Exp Parasitol 2020; 211:107864. [PMID: 32088147 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted in two different areas in Greece to investigate the presence of intestinal human parasitic infections (targeting healthy and individuals with diarrhoea). In total, 876 stool samples were collected from 822 adults and 54 children. Both sedimentation (acid/ether) and concentration/flotation techniques were performed in all samples to detect intestinal parasites. Additionally, a quantitative direct immunofluorescence assay was used specifically for the detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. PCR followed by sequencing was applied to genotype Giardia and Cryptosporidium positive samples. Thirty-five (4%) of the individuals examined harboured at least one species of intestinal parasite, the majority of which were protozoa (3.8%). The species found were Blastocystis hominis (1.8%), Giardia duodenalis (1.3%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.6%), Entamoeba coli (0.2%) and E. histolytica/E. dispar (0.1%). Two persons were positive for Enterobius vermicularis. Genotyping results revealed the presence of G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AII, whereas sequencing was not successful for Cryptosporidium positive samples. A novel multi-locus genotype of G. duodenalis was identified, which has not been described in humans or animals previously. Overall, in the studied population, infection rates with intestinal parasites were low and similar to previous published data. As infection levels were low, no associations could be made between infection status and clinical relevance, risk factors or indication of potential sources of infection, apart from the fact that infections with Giardia were positively correlated to diarrhoea. Based on the parasite species and genotypes detected, there was no indication that animals were an important source of infection. Thus, it is suggested that Giardia infections were more likely to be acquired via human-to-human transmission, either involving indirect pathways such as contaminated food or water, or via direct contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kostopoulou
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium; Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - E Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium.
| | - D Arvanitis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - P Ligda
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium; Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - S Casaert
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium.
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Potes-Morales C, Osorio-Delgado LA, Carranza JC, Vallejo GA. The first molecular detection of Blastocystis subtypes in human faecal samples from Ibague, Colombia. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00132. [PMID: 31956703 PMCID: PMC6957836 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. has become one of the protozoans arousing the greatest scientific interest because of the controversy surrounding its biology; it is currently considered one of the most prevalent organisms in humans and animals worldwide. Such prevalence increases, especially in tropical countries where infection rates are high, highlighting the need to conduct studies focused on understanding this protozoan's biology. Interestingly, molecular tools are emerging as the best option for diagnosing this infection. This study was thus aimed at conventional PCR molecular detection and characterisation of Blastocystis spp. in human faecal samples from Ibagué, Colombia, using primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. One hundred human faecal samples with confirmed Blastocystis spp. were studied, revealing the following subtype genetic diversity: ST1 50%, ST2 33% and ST3 17%. The results contributed to the limited information available regarding Blastocystis spp. in Colombia and created a reference point for further studies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterine Potes-Morales
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Laura A Osorio-Delgado
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Julio César Carranza
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Adolfo Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
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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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29
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Melo GBD, Malta FDM, Maruta CW, Criado PR, Castilho VLP, Gonçalves EMDN, Espirito-Santo MCDCD, Paula FMD, Gryschek RCB. Characterization of subtypes of Blastocystis sp. isolated from patients with urticaria, São Paulo, Brazil. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 7:e00124. [PMID: 31872093 PMCID: PMC6911935 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is described as an enteric protist prevalent in fecal samples from humans and animals; its pathogenicity and epidemiology are still controversial. Currently, it has been associated with intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and clinical manifestations of allergic skin, such as chronic urticaria. In the context of urticaria, it is still uncertain whether this organism is directly related to the allergic manifestation or just a common component of the intestinal microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and molecular diversity of Blastocystis sp. in individuals with urticaria from a dermatology outpatient clinic, São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples of 58 patients with urticaria were examined using parasitological methods; and subsequently tested by polymerase chain reaction using Blastocystis-specific primers. The subtypes (STs) and alleles (a) were determined using BLASTn and MLST tools. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST6 and mixed infection (ST1 + ST3) were identified in the patients with urticaria; ST1 (a4), ST3 (a34 and a36) and ST4 (a42) were the most prevalent. Our molecular analyses allowed an initial description of Blastocystis subtypes in patients with urticaria from São Paulo city, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gessica Baptista de Melo
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fernanda de Mello Malta
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Tropical (LIM-07), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Celina Wakisaka Maruta
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Hospital Das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Ricardo Criado
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Hospital Das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina Do ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pagliusi Castilho
- Seção de Parasitologia, Divisão Do Laboratório Central, Hospital Das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiana Martins de Paula
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Cesar Borges Gryschek
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Development and evaluation of high-resolution melting curve analysis for rapid detection and subtyping of Blastocystis and comparison the results with sequencing. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3469-3478. [PMID: 31691003 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent parasite that has a wide distribution. In order to design HRM real-time PCR, primers were selected from SSU rRNA gene to amplify specific fragment with different melting temperatures for each subtype of Blastocystis. Subsequently, HRM real-time PCR was performed and melting curve analysis was done by Rotor-Gene Q software. The results of HRM real-time PCR was then compared with sequence results of "barcoding region" of SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis. To evaluate sensitivity of test, 10-fold serial dilutions of the parasite were prepared from ~ 106 to 1 parasite per mL of stool sample and were investigated by HRM real-time PCR. In order to determine specificity of method, HRM real-time PCR was done for some microorganisms and Blastocystis-negative stool samples. In silico analysis showed that all seventeen subtypes of Blastocystis were distinguish. In vitro analysis revealed that the test discriminated subtypes with specific melting temperatures.
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Javanmard E, Rahimi HM, Niyyati M, Aghdaei HA, Sharifdini M, Mirjalali H, Zali MR, Karanis P. Molecular analysis of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes from treated wastewater routinely used for irrigation of vegetable farmlands in Iran. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2019; 17:837-844. [PMID: 31638033 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Treated wastewater samples were collected, filtered using sterile 47-mm cellulose nitrate membrane and DNA extracted from the filtered materials. The presence of Blastocystis sp. was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis sp. in 5/12 of samples. Based on the subtype analysis after sequencing, 2, 2 and 1 of ST2, ST6 and ST8 were detected among the isolates, respectively. Furthermore, both ST6s were allele 139, alleles 11 and 138 were identified in ST2 and the only ST8 was allele 95. The phylogenetic tree showed that one of ST2 was clustered together with those ST2 that were already reported from humans and animals. The presence of Blastocystis sp. in treated wastewater can indicate the potential role of this type of water for irrigation in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to downstream farmlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Javanmard
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Xiao X, Zhou SH, Jiang N, Tian DZ, Zhou ZM, Zhang M, Ke H, Jiang XC, Lv WL, Gao QH. First record of Leptospira and Blastocystis infections in captive flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) from Enshi County, China. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105065. [PMID: 31220434 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In traditional Chinese medicine, the feces of flying squirrels have long been used to promote blood circulation and relieve bodily stasis. However, the excrement of flying squirrels may harbor zoonotic agents that could be hazardous to public health. To understand the occurrence of bacterial and parasitic infections in this species, we investigated selected zoonotic pathogens including Leptospira and Blastocystis in the urine and feces of flying squirrels in China. Urine and fecal samples from flying squirrels were collected from a family-owned flying squirrel farm located in Enshi County, Hubei Province in China. Leptospira and Blastocystis DNA was extracted from the urine and feces of flying squirrels, and used as targets for PCR amplification, using different specific primers. PCR amplification and DNA sequencing showed that 4.4% (3/69) of flying squirrels were positive for Leptospira, while 30.4% (21/69) of the animals were positive for Blastocystis. Notably, 1.4% (1/69) of flying squirrels were found to be co-infected with Leptospira and Blastocystis. Sequence analyses allowed for the detection of 3 Blastocystis subtypes (ST1, ST3 and ST13), and mixed infections of Blastocystis subtype 1 and subtype 3 were found in 4.4% (3/69) of flying squirrels. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rrs2), the flagellin B gene (flaB), and outer membrane lipoprotein lipL32 gene (LipL32) sequences indicated that the Leptospira species detected in the study was L. interrogans. We concluded that flying squirrels from central China were infected with Leptospira and Blastocystis, suggesting that these animals can be a source of infection for their owners, and using fresh excrement from this animal as traditional medicine could be risky to human health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Leptospira and Blastocystis infection in flying squirrels from Enshi County, China. Our findings provide new data on the epidemiology of these pathogens in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China; Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shu-Han Zhou
- Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
| | - Nan Jiang
- LabAnimal Research Center, Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China; Hubei Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dai-Zhi Tian
- Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, China; Institute of Socio-ecosystems, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Ke
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopaedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Jiang
- Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qing-Hua Gao
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
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Surface ultrastructure, protein profile and zymography of Blastocystis species isolated from patients with colorectal carcinoma. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:294-303. [PMID: 31263336 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic potential of Blastocystis species have been predicted on reporting the enhanced proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells by the parasite solubilized antigen in vitro, and the enhanced drug-induced carcinogenesis by infection in vivo. The present study is the first to investigate some phenotypic characters, namely the surface ultrastructure, protein profiles and protease activity of Blastocystis sp. isolated from three different clinical groups: colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients, symptomatic and asymptomatic infected persons. Under SEM, all CRC Blastocystis sp. isolates had a very rough intensely folded surface in comparison to the less rough and completely smooth surface of all symptomatic and asymptomatic Blastocystis sp. Non-CRC isolates, respectively. Under reducing conditions, the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis had shown a significant presence of 2 protein bands of 230 and 32 KDa in 42.9% of Blastocystis sp. CRC isolates with their complete absence from Non-CRC isolates. While using non-reducing condition with the incorporation of gelatin in the gel to study the protease activity of the parasite, no significant difference existed between isolates of the three groups. In conclusion, the significant difference in surface ultrastructure and in protein profiles exists between Blastocystis sp. of CRC and Non-CRC isolates. These differences might be either secondary to the altered gut environment in the presence of CRC or are indicators of a different pathogenic potential of the parasite isolates inducing malignancy.
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Tito RY, Chaffron S, Caenepeel C, Lima-Mendez G, Wang J, Vieira-Silva S, Falony G, Hildebrand F, Darzi Y, Rymenans L, Verspecht C, Bork P, Vermeire S, Joossens M, Raes J. Population-level analysis of Blastocystis subtype prevalence and variation in the human gut microbiota. Gut 2019; 68:1180-1189. [PMID: 30171064 PMCID: PMC6582744 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human gut microbiome studies are mainly bacteria- and archaea-oriented, overlooking the presence of single-cell eukaryotes such as Blastocystis, an enteric stramenopiles with worldwide distribution. Here, we surveyed the prevalence and subtype variation of Blastocystis in faecal samples collected as part of the Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP), a Western population cohort. We assessed potential links between Blastocystis subtypes and identified microbiota-host covariates and quantified microbiota differentiation relative to subtype abundances. DESIGN We profiled stool samples from 616 healthy individuals from the FGFP cohort as well as 107 patients with IBD using amplicon sequencing targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. We evaluated associations of Blastocystis, and their subtypes, with host parameters, diversity and composition of bacterial and archaeal communities. RESULTS Blastocystis prevalence in the non-clinical population cohort was 30% compared with 4% among Flemish patients with IBD. Within the FGFP cohort, out of 69 previously identified gut microbiota covariates, only age was associated with Blastocystis subtype carrier status. In contrast, a strong association between microbiota community composition and Blastocystis subtypes was observed, with effect sizes larger than that of host covariates. Microbial richness and diversity were linked to both Blastocystis prevalence and subtype variation. All Blastocystis subtypes detected in this cohort were found to be less prevalent in Bacteroides enterotyped samples. Interestingly, Blastocystis subtypes 3 and 4 were inversely correlated with Akkermansia, suggesting differential associations of subtypes with host health. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasise the role of Blastocystis as a common constituent of the healthy gut microbiota. We show its prevalence is reduced in patients with active IBD and demonstrate that subtype characterisation is essential for assessing the relationship between Blastocystis, microbiota profile and host health. These findings have direct clinical applications, especially in donor selection for faecal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Y Tito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Chaffron
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N), CNRS UMR 6004, Université de Nantes, École Centrale de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Clara Caenepeel
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gipsi Lima-Mendez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Vieira-Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gwen Falony
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Youssef Darzi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Rymenans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chloë Verspecht
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peer Bork
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Severine Vermeire
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
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Mokhtar AB, Ahmed SA, Eltamany EE, Karanis P. Anti- Blastocystis Activity In Vitro of Egyptian Herbal Extracts (Family: Asteraceae) with Emphasis on Artemisia judaica. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091555. [PMID: 31058875 PMCID: PMC6539629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. (known as Qaysoom), Echinops spinosus L. (known as Shoak Elgamal) and Artemisia judaica L.(known Shih Baladi) are members of the Asteraceae family known for their traditional medical use in Egypt. The ethanol extracts of these plants were evaluated for their efficacy against a protozoan parasite (Blastocystis). Two different molecular subtypes of Blastocystis were used (ST1 and ST3). Significant growth inhibition of Blastocystis was observed when exposed to both A. judaica (99.3%) and A. fragrantissima (95.6%) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) at 2000 µg/mL. Under the effect of the extracts, changes in Blastocystis morphology were noted, with the complete destruction of Blastocystis forms after 72 h with the dose of 4000 µg/mL. Different subtypes displayed different responses to the herbal extracts tested. ST1 exhibited significantly different responses to the herbal extracts compared to ST3. A. judaica was selected as the herb of choice considering all of its variables and because of its effective action against Blastocystis. It was then exposed to further fractionation and observation of its effect on ST1 and ST3. Solvent portioned fractions (dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-hexane) in A. judaica were found to be the potent active fractions against both of the Blastocystis subtypes used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira B Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat 77413, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
| | - Enas E Eltamany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 45122, Egypt.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
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Effect of Blastocystis sp. in dengue patients-Increase in the treatment cost and exacerbation of symptoms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211034. [PMID: 30893309 PMCID: PMC6426293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing incidences of dengue have become a global health threat with major clinical manifestation including high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms were also expressed among Blastocystis sp. infected individuals, a parasite commonly seen in human stools. This parasite has been previously reported to replicate faster upon exposure to high temperature. The present study is a hospitalized-based cross-sectional study involved the collection of faecal sample from dengue patients. Stool examination was done by in vitro cultivation to isolate Blastocystis sp. Growth pattern of all the positive isolates were analyzed to identify the multiplication rate of Blastocystis sp. isolated from dengue patients. Distribution of Blastocystis sp. among dengue patients was 23.6%. Dengue patients who were positive for Blastocystis sp. infection denoted a significantly higher fever rate reaching 38.73°C (p<0.05) compared to the non-Blastocystis sp. infected patients (38.44°C). It was also found that Blastocystis sp. infected patients complained of frequenting the toilet more than five times a day (p<0.05) compared to those who were non-Blastocystis sp. infected. At the same time, the duration of hospitalization was significantly longer (p<0.05) for Blastocystis sp. infected dengue patients compared to the non-Blastocystis sp. infected patients. Besides, Blastocystis sp. isolated from dengue patients (in vivo thermal stress) showed a higher growth rate compared to the non-dengue isolated which was exposed to high temperature (in vitro thermal stress). Our findings suggest that presence of Blastocystis sp. during dengue infection could trigger the increase of temperature which could be due to highly elevated pro inflammatory cytokines by both parasitic and virus infection. This could justify why the temperature in Blastocystis sp. infected dengue patients is higher compared to the non-Blastocystis sp. infected patients. Higher temperature could have triggered a greater parasite multiplication rate that contributed to the aggravation of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Javanmard E, Niyyati M, Ghasemi E, Mirjalali H, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Zali MR. Impacts of human development index and climate conditions on prevalence of Blastocystis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2018; 185:193-203. [PMID: 29802845 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent eukaryotic microorganism that has been frequently reported from the stool samples of human and animals, all over the world. The prevalence of this parasite has close correlation with the climate and hygiene situation of studied populations. For the current study, English and Persian databases were searched for the following terms: "Blastocystis hominis", "Blastocystis sp.", "Intestinal Parasites", "Prevalence" and "Iran". In order to data analysis and assess the possibility of publication bias, STATA v11 and Begg's Funnel plot were employed respectively. From 605 searched cases, 86 publications met our criteria for the analysis. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis was 9.1% (95%CI: 8.2%, 10.1%). The results represented that the prevalence of the parasite using molecular techniques or cultivation followed by molecular techniques (20.89%) was higher than only microscopical examination (8.96%). The prevalence rate of Blastocystis according to human development index was 7.6%, 7.2%, 11.9%, 13.4%, and 3.3% for ranks 1 to 5, respectively. This is the first study signifying the prevalence of Blastocystis regarding the human development index and climate conditions. The findings represented that although human development index, low levels of socioeconomic situations together with appropriate climate such as sufficient humidity and high temperature increase the chance of transmission of Blastocystis in a society.
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Greige S, El Safadi D, Bécu N, Gantois N, Pereira B, Chabé M, Benamrouz-Vanneste S, Certad G, El Hage R, Chemaly M, Hamze M, Viscogliosi E. Prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolates from poultry in Lebanon and evidence of zoonotic potential. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:389. [PMID: 29973261 PMCID: PMC6030734 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. is a common protozoan parasite frequently identified in the digestive tract of humans and a large variety of animal hosts worldwide, including birds. It exhibits a large genetic diversity with the identification of 17 subtypes (STs), most of them with low host specificity. ST6 and ST7 were identified in birds and suggested to represent avian STs only in the context of scarce small-scale epidemiological surveys. Moreover, these two STs also account for a significant proportion of human infections whose zoonotic origin has never been clearly confirmed. Therefore, molecular screening of Blastocystis sp. was conducted by quantitative real-time PCR for fecal samples from poultry farms and their in-contact humans from slaughterhouses in Lebanon. In parallel, a control group consisting of patients hospitalized in the same geographical area and reporting no contact with poultry was also screened for the presence of the parasite. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was shown to reach around 32% in chicken samples and 65% in the farms screened. All the avian isolates were subtyped and belonged to either ST6 or ST7, with a large predominance of ST6. Fifty-four percent of slaughterhouse staff members were positive for Blastocystis sp. compared with a similar prevalence of 56% in hospitalized patients. ST3 was predominant in both human cohorts followed by either ST1 then ST2 among slaughterhouse staff or by ST2 then ST1 among hospitalized patients. ST6 was also identified in two slaughterhouse workers and not in the group of hospitalized patients. Gene sequence identity was observed between chicken and human ST6 isolates from the same slaughterhouse. CONCLUSIONS Our data revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in chicken samples and confirmed that ST6 and ST7 represented avian-adapted STs. Among both human cohorts, Blastocystis sp. infection was shown to exceed 50% with a predominance of ST3. The identification of ST6 in slaughterhouse staff members confirmed the zoonotic transmission of this ST through repeated and direct contact between chickens and their handlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Greige
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Noémie Bécu
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Unité de Biostatistiques, Direction de la Recherche Clinique (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sadia Benamrouz-Vanneste
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Laboratoire Ecologie et Biodiversité, Faculté de Gestion Economie et Sciences, Institut Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Département de la Recherche Médicale, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Faculté de Médecine et Maïeutique, Université Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Rima El Hage
- Institut de Recherche Agronomique Libanais (IRAL), Laboratoire de Microbiologie Alimentaire, Station de Fanar, Jdeideh El-Metn, Lebanon
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Ploufragan - Plouzané, Unité Hygiène et qualité des produits avicoles et porcins, Université Bretagne-Loire, Ploufragan, France
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé Environnement (LMSE), Ecole Doctorale des Sciences et de Technologie, Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.
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Li WC, Wang K, Gu Y. Occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and Pentatrichomonas hominis in sheep and goats in China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:93. [PMID: 29454366 PMCID: PMC5816562 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global data regarding the molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and Pentatrichomonas hominis in sheep and goats are sparse. China has one of the largest sheep and goat populations in the world. In this study we investigated the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis in domestic sheep and goats in China, and analyzed the genetic characterization of these two parasite species. Methods In total, we collected fresh fecal samples from 832 sheep and 781 goats located on seven and ten farms, respectively, in the central eastern region of China. The corresponding sequences obtained in this study were subject to molecular analysis for subtype and allele identification of Blastocystis sp., and species and genotype confirmation of P. hominis. Results The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was 6.0% (50/832) in sheep and 0.3% (2/781) in goats. The most predominant subtype (ST) of Blastocystis sp. in sheep was ST10 (50.0%), followed by ST14 (20%), ST5 (16%), novel sequence 1 (6%), novel sequence 4 (4%), novel sequence 2 (2%) and novel sequence 3 (2%). However, only ST1 was observed in goats. No mixed infections with different subtypes were found in this study. The 18S alleles showed allele 2 (100%) for ST1; allele 115 (75%) for ST5; and no match allele for ST5 (25%), ST10 (100%), ST14 (100%), novel sequence 1 (100%), novel sequence 2 (100%), novel sequence 3 (100%), and novel sequence 4 (100%) on the Blastocystis subtype (18S) and Sequence Typing (MLST) database. For P. hominis, two goats (0.3%) and zero sheep (0%) were identified as positive in this study. The 18S rRNA gene sequences of two P. hominis isolates from goats displayed 100% identity to type CC1, found previously in dogs, monkeys and humans. Conclusions These results provide the detailed data on the occurrence and molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis in sheep and goats in China. They also contribute to and expand our knowledge of the Blastocystis sp. and P. hominis epidemiology around the world. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2671-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chao Li
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China
| | - Youfang Gu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, China, People's Republic of China.
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Subtype distribution and genetic characterizations of Blastocystis in pigs, cattle, sheep and goats in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 57:171-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Song JK, Yin YL, Yuan YJ, Tang H, Ren GJ, Zhang HJ, Li ZX, Zhang YM, Zhao GH. First genotyping of Blastocystis sp. in dairy, meat, and cashmere goats in northwestern China. Acta Trop 2017; 176:277-282. [PMID: 28864325 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting in small intestines of human and animals. Although its pathogenicity has been remaining controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission between human and animals was recognized. The goat was one of the most important economic animals supplying people with cashmere, meat, and dairy products. However, few studies were to investigate Blastocystis infection in goats. A total of 789 faecal specimens of goats (including 362 of dairy, 193 of meat and 234 of cashmere goats) were collected from multiple regions of Shaanxi province in northwestern China to investigate the colonization frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis, and to assess the zoonotic potential of these goats. The respective colonization frequencies of Blastocystis in dairy, meat and cashmere goats were 54.1% (196/362), 40.4% (78/193) and 78.6% (184/234). The prevalence of Blastocystis in pre-weaned (0-2-month) goats was significantly lower than that in goats of other age groups, and the highest colonization was observed in goats of 7-11-month age group. Sequence analysis of Blastocystis positive samples indicated the presence of seven subtypes in these goats, including six known subtypes (STs1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14) and one possible novel subtype (isolate Sd26), with the subtype 10 as the predominant one. Additionally, zoonotic subtypes were found in dairy (ST1, ST3 and ST5) and cashmere (ST4 and ST5) goats, but not detected in meat goats. These results showed that Blastocystis is highly prevalent, widely distributed and genetically diverse in goats in Shaanxi province, northwestern China, and zoonotic potential of dairy and cashmere goats to transmit Blastocystis.
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Oliveira-Arbex AP, David ÉB, Guimarães S. Blastocystis genetic diversity among children of low-income daycare center in Southeastern Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 57:59-63. [PMID: 29126996 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis, an unicellular anaerobic eukaryote, is known to be a very common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals fecal samples worldwide. Currently, there is an increasing interest to yield insights into its prevalence and diversity in human populations living in poor and deprived areas. In this study, we describe the prevalence and genetic variability of Blastocystis isolates obtained from daycare center attendees aged 0 to 6years and staff, as well as some children family members and their dogs in a low-income community in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 181 stool samples (123 from daycare children, 14 from workers, 44 from household members and 20 from dogs) were submitted to DNA extraction, tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the SSUrDNA gene and the amplicons retrieved were sequenced. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 40.7% (50/123) in children, 28.6% (4/14) in workers and 50% (22/44) in household members. No dog was found positive. Of the 76 PCR products generated, 57 were successfully sequenced. Four subtypes were identified and the most common were ST1 (54.4%) and ST3 (33.3%), followed by ST2 (7.0%) and ST7 (5.3%). The intra-subtype analysis revealed a total of 10 different alleles previously reported. No statistically significant correlation was observed between subtypes and sociodemographic variables analyzed. Here, the following findings must be highlighted: (1) predominance of subtypes 1 and 3, a pattern that has been observed in many populations worldwide; (2) absence of ST4, a common subtype in Europe but rarely detected in South America's human populations and, (3) human infection with ST7, a subtype primarily found in birds but occasionally seen in human infections, raising the possibility of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Oliveira-Arbex
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Érica Boarato David
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Sagrado Coração University (USC), Department of Health Sciences, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Semíramis Guimarães
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Zhang W, Ren G, Zhao W, Yang Z, Shen Y, Sun Y, Liu A, Cao J. Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Subtyping of Blastocystis in Cancer Patients: Relationship to Diarrhea and Assessment of Zoonotic Transmission. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1835. [PMID: 28983297 PMCID: PMC5613175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) and Blastocystis are common pathogens responsible for diarrhea in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The number of cancer patients has been increasing and diarrhea is a common clinical symptom in the treatment of cancers. To understand the prevalences and genotypes/subtypes of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in cancer patients in China, to track the infection sources, and to explore the relationships between E. bieneusi and Blastocystis infections and diarrhea, 381 fecal specimens were collected from cancer patients. Each of them was analyzed for the presence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis by PCR amplifying and sequencing the ITS region of the rRNA gene and the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene, respectively. 1.3 and 7.1% of cancer patients were positive for E. bieneusi and Blastocystis, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in the infection rates between the groups by age, gender, and residence. E. bieneusi and Blastocystis were both significantly more common in cancer patients with diarrhea, and significant relationship of Blastocystis to diarrhea was found in chemotherapy group. Two E. bieneusi genotypes (D and a novel one named as HLJ-CP1) and two Blastocystis subtypes (ST1 and ST3) were identified with three novel ST1 sequences. This is the first report of occurrence and molecular characterizations of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in cancer patients in China. E. bieneusi genotype D and Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 have been identified in humans and animals while one novel E. bieneusi genotype falling into zoonotic group 1, implying a potential of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Guangxu Ren
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Ziyin Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and FilariasisShanghai, China
| | - Yihua Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and FilariasisShanghai, China
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Lepczyńska M, Białkowska J, Dzika E, Piskorz-Ogórek K, Korycińska J. Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity? Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:1531-1540. [PMID: 28326446 PMCID: PMC5554277 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-2965-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples. This parasite is recognized and diagnosed more often than ever before. Furthermore, some strains develop resistance against currently recommended drugs, such as metronidazole; therefore, the use of natural remedies or special diets has many positive aspects that may address this problem. The goal of this review is to compare natural treatments and various diets against the efficacy of drugs, and describe their influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, which affects Blastocystis growth and the occurrence of symptoms. This article reviews important work in the literature, including the classification, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, genetics, biology, and treatment of Blastocystis. It also includes a review of the current knowledge about human gut microbiota and various diets proposed for Blastocystis eradication. The literature has revealed that garlic, ginger, some medical plants, and many spices contain the most effective organic compounds for parasite eradication. They work by inhibiting parasitic enzymes and nucleic acids, as well as by inhibiting protein synthesis. The efficacy of any specific organic compound depends on the Blastocystis subtype, and, consequently, on its immunity to treatment. In conclusion, the article discusses the findings that human gut microbiota composition triggers important mechanisms at the molecular level, and, thus, has a crucial influence on the parasitic pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lepczyńska
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, Olsztyn, 10-561, Poland.
| | - J Białkowska
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska 30, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - E Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, Olsztyn, 10-561, Poland
| | - K Piskorz-Ogórek
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, Olsztyn, Poland
- Regional Specialized Children's Hospital in Olsztyn, Żołnierska 18A, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J Korycińska
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, Olsztyn, 10-561, Poland
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Sánchez A, Munoz M, Gómez N, Tabares J, Segura L, Salazar Á, Restrepo C, Ruíz M, Reyes P, Qian Y, Xiao L, López MC, Ramírez JD. Molecular Epidemiology of Giardia, Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium among Indigenous Children from the Colombian Amazon Basin. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:248. [PMID: 28270802 PMCID: PMC5318379 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of intestinal parasites in children is most likely due to lack of natural or acquired resistance and differences in behavior and habits closely related to environmental and socioeconomic determinants. The most important protozoa that parasitize humans are Giardia, Entamoeba, Blastocystis, and Cryptosporidium. These parasites present wide intraspecific genetic diversity and subsequently classified into assemblages and subtypes. The Amazon basin is the largest in the world and is the fifth freshwater reserve on the planet. Contradictorily, people living in these areas (Indigenous populations) have poor quality of life, which favors the infection of diseases of fecal-oral transmission. The aim of this work was to unravel the molecular epidemiology of Giardia, Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium across four communities (Puerto Nariño, San Juan del Soco, Villa Andrea and Nuevo Paraíso). We obtained 284 fecal samples from children under 15 years old that were analyzed by direct microscopy (261 samples) and Real Time PCR (qPCR) (284 samples). The positive samples for these protozoa were further characterized by several molecular markers to depict assemblages and subtypes. We observed a frequency of Giardia infection by microscopy of 23.7% (62 samples) and by qPCR of 64.8% (184 samples); for Blastocystis by microscopy of 35.2% (92 samples) and by qPCR of 88.7% (252 samples) and for Cryptosporidium only 1.9% (5 samples) were positive by microscopy and qPCR 1.8% (5 samples). Regarding the Giardia assemblages, using the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) marker we observed AI, BIII and BIV assemblages and when using triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) we observed assemblages AI, AII, BIII and BIV. In contrast, Blastocystis STs detected were 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Lastly, the species C. viatorum, C. hominis (with the subtypes IdA19 and IaA12R8) and C. parvum (with the subtype IIcA5G3c) were identified. We observed a high profile of zoonotic transmission regarding the Giardia assemblages and Blastocystis STs/alleles. Also, we highlight the elevated frequency of infection by these two protozoans suggesting an active transmission in the area. Our findings reinforces the need to deploy better epidemiological surveillance systems for enteric pathogens in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Sánchez
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de ColombiaBogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR, Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del RosarioBogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Munoz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR, Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Gómez
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Tabares
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Segura
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ángela Salazar
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cristian Restrepo
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Miguel Ruíz
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Patricia Reyes
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yuchen Qian
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Myriam C López
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan D Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR, Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario Bogotá, Colombia
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Del Coco VF, Molina NB, Basualdo JA, Córdoba MA. [Blastocystis spp.: Advances, controversies and future challenges]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2017; 49:110-118. [PMID: 28189279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is the most common protozoan detected in human stool samples. In developing countries, infection rates are higher than 20%. The presence of this parasite in the feces of several host species suggests its zoonotic potential. The clinical relevance and the pathogenic role of Blastocystis spp. in the intestinal tract remain unclear. There are several clinical reports that recognize it as the etiologic agent of several intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, although the pathogenicity of this parasite has not been proved yet. This wide range of clinical manifestations could be related to the genetic diversity exhibited by this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria F Del Coco
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CABA, Argentina.
| | - Nora B Molina
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan A Basualdo
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María A Córdoba
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
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SANKUR F, AYTURAN S, MALATYALI E, ERTABAKLAR H, ERTUG S. The Distribution of Blastocystis Subtypes among School-aged Children in Mugla, Turkey. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 12:580-586. [PMID: 29317883 PMCID: PMC5756308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a common protozoon that inhabits human intestinal tract and has a worldwide distribution. This study aimed to determine subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis among school-aged children in a western city of Turkey between Mar and Jun 2014. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children in Mugla between Mar and Jun 2014. Overall, 468 stool samples from children were examined by direct microscopy and inoculated into Jones medium. Blastocystis partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU-rDNA) was amplified and sequenced from culture positive isolates. Subtypes were determined according to closest or exact match at GenBank and Blastocystis ST (18S) database. RESULTS The positive rate of Blastocystis was 7.4% (n=35) with xenic in-vitro culture (XIVC). The subtypes could be identified for 33 (94.2%) isolates; 12 (34.2%) were ST3, 11 (31.4%) were ST1, 9 (25.7%) were ST2, one was (2.8%) ST7. No relationship was found between Blastocystis infected and non-infected cases in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, none of the possible risk factors was related to Blastocystis infection. CONCLUSION Subtypes in children was similar to those reported in most of the studies that found ST3 as the most common subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda SANKUR
- Microbiology Laboratory, Training and Research Hospital, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Seniz AYTURAN
- Microbiology Laboratory, Training and Research Hospital, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Erdogan MALATYALI
- Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey,Correspondence
| | - Hatice ERTABAKLAR
- Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
| | - Sema ERTUG
- Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey
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Yersal O, Malatyali E, Ertabaklar H, Oktay E, Barutca S, Ertug S. Blastocystis subtypes in cancer patients: Analysis of possible risk factors and clinical characteristics. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:792-796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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49
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Rijsman LH, Monkelbaan JF, Kusters JG. Clinical consequences of polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 31:1808-1815. [PMID: 27061336 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostics of intestinal protozoa has led to higher sensitivity and (subtype) specificity, more convenient sampling, and the possibility for high-throughput screening. PCR for routine detection of human intestinal protozoa in fecal samples is used by an increasing number of clinical laboratories. This paper discusses the recent developments in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa, with an emphasis on PCR-based diagnostics. Although many reviews have described the technical aspects of PCR-based diagnostics, this review focuses on the clinical consequences that result from the shift from microscopic toward PCR-based diagnostics. Despite its undisputed superiority, the use of PCR comes with challenges that clinicians should be aware of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas H Rijsman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jan F Monkelbaan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, CX, The Netherlands
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Dogan N, Aydin M, Tuzemen NU, Dinleyici EC, Oguz I, Dogruman-Al F. Subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. isolated from children in Eskisehir, Turkey. Parasitol Int 2016; 66:948-951. [PMID: 27989831 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is the most common enteric protist found in human feces. The pathogenic role of Blastocystis remains controversial and it has been suggested that the symptomatology of Blastocystis is associated with its subtypes (ST). However, only few studies have investigated the relationship between the symptomatology and subtypes of Blastocystis in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis in children aged 3 to 13years with or without gastrointestinal complaints and determine the distribution of the subtypes of Blastocystis. A total of 303 stool samples obtained from symptomatic (n=84) and asymptomatic (n=219) children were included in the study. The presence of Blastocystis was investigated using native-lugol examination, trichrome staining and real-time PCR method. Using the real-time PCR method, 115 samples were found positive for Blastocystis. Subtyping was successfully performed on 46 samples using sequenced-tagged site (STS) primers and PCR. The remaining 69 samples could not be subtyped. The most frequently detected subtype was ST3 (43.4%) followed by ST1 (26.1%), ST4 (10.9%) and ST2 (8.7%). The mixed subtypes were identified in five samples (10.9%) as; ST1+ST3 (n=3), ST1+ST2 (n=1) and ST2+ST3 (n=1). None of the samples had ST5, ST6 or ST7. No statistically significant difference was found between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups in terms of the Blastocystis positivity and the distribution of subtypes (p>0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the subtype distribution of Blastocystis in children in Turkey and the results are in agreement with the related data available in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihal Dogan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
| | - Merve Aydin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Nazmiye Ulku Tuzemen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ener Cagri Dinleyici
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ilkiz Oguz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
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