1
|
Gureser AS, Karasartova D, Sarzhanov F, Kosar N, Taylan-Ozkan A, Dogruman-Al F. Prevalence of Blastocystis and Dientamoeba fragilis in diarrheal patients in Corum, Türkiye. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2977-2987. [PMID: 37779160 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07987-0] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis and Dientamoeba fragilis in diarrhea patients and healthy individuals in Corum, Türkiye, fecal samples from 92 diarrhea patients and 50 healthy individuals were collected and evaluated using direct microscopy and molecular methods to screen for bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 24.6% in total and more frequent in the healthy group (30.0%). The commonly detected STs (subtypes) were ST3 (40.0%) and ST2 (34.2%). The distribution of Blastocystis STs in the healthy and diarrheal groups did not show any difference in sex and age, but ST3 was detected more frequently in patients aged from 40 to 59 years (p < 0.05). Alleles 4 (8/12) and 2 (4/12) were present in ST1; 9 (3/5) and 12 (2/5) in ST2; 34 (9/14), 36 (3/14), and 38 (2/14) in ST3; and only allele 42 (2/2) in ST4. D. fragilis was present in 8.4% of the population. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the healthy and diarrheic groups (12.0% and 6.5%, respectively), neither with respect to age nor sex. Co-infection was 58.3% and was more frequent in healthy individuals (33.3%) than in diarrhea patients (25.0%). Blastocystis ST3 was the most common subtype detected, with D. fragilis at 33.3%. Salmonella, Shigella, or helminth eggs were not observed in all groups, but Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Clostridium difficile toxin were found only in diarrhea patients. These findings support the hypothesis that Blastocystis and D. fragilis may be part of the healthy human gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Semra Gureser
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Djursun Karasartova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Fakhiriddin Sarzhanov
- Faculty of Medicine, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Kazakhstan
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nezahat Kosar
- Microbiology Laboratory, Erbaa Governmental Hospital, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB-University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Şahin M, Cengiz ZT, Halidi AG, Aydemir S. Investigation of Blastocystis hominis Frequency in Patients with Diabetes by Microscopy and Conventional PCR Methods. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2023; 18:202-210. [PMID: 37583637 PMCID: PMC10423908 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i2.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Background We aimed to determine the frequency and subtype of B. hominis in diabetic patients. Methods One hundred and fifty diabetic patients and 100 healthy people without any chronic disease were included in the study. Stool samples were analyzed by native-Lugol, condensation, trichrome staining and PCR methods. Results İn 150 patients with diabetes; B. hominis was detected in 38 (25.3%) by PCR, in 34 (22.7%) by native-Lugol and trichrome staining. In the control group, 14 (14%) out of 100 subjects were positive by PCR, and 10 (10%) were positive by native-Lugol and trichrome staining. In the statistical evaluation, a significant difference was found between gender (P=0.023), age (P=0.045; ≤35 and >35 comparison), duration of diabetes (P=0.04), the HbA1c value (P=0.023; <8 and ≥8 comparison), and B. hominis positivity. ST1 was determined in 76.9% of patients with diabetes, and ST2 was determined in 23.07%. Considering the 3 methods, B. hominis positivity was detected in 40 patients (26.7%) in diabetic group and in 14 participants (14%) in the control group (P=0.011). Conclusion B. hominis is a factor to be considered in patients with diabetes. Herein, the most common subtype detected in the patients with diabetes mellitus was ST1, but this result was not considered sufficient to reveal the importance of the subtype factor in the pathogenicity of B. hominis in patients with diabetes. In this context, there is a need for more comprehensive studies in both diabetic and other immunocompromised patient groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksut Şahin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Taş Cengiz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye
| | | | - Selahattin Aydemir
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Parker W, Patel E, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Laman JD. COVID-19 morbidity in lower versus higher income populations underscores the need to restore lost biodiversity of eukaryotic symbionts. iScience 2023; 26:106167. [PMID: 36785786 PMCID: PMC9908430 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The avoidance of infectious disease by widespread use of 'systems hygiene', defined by hygiene-enhancing technology such as sewage systems, water treatment facilities, and secure food storage containers, has led to a dramatic decrease in symbiotic helminths and protists in high-income human populations. Over a half-century of research has revealed that this 'biota alteration' leads to altered immune function and a propensity for chronic inflammatory diseases, including allergic, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders. A recent Ethiopian study (EClinicalMedicine 39: 101054), validating predictions made by several laboratories, found that symbiotic helminths and protists were associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; p<0.0001). Thus, it is now apparent that 'biome reconstitution', defined as the artificial re-introduction of benign, symbiotic helminths or protists into the ecosystem of the human body, is important not only for alleviation of chronic immune disease, but likely also for pandemic preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jon D. Laman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meclat VYB, Ancheta KSB, Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Phylogenetic relationship of nonmammalian and avian Blastocystis isolates and conventional subtypes. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:192-197. [PMID: 36910318 PMCID: PMC9998794 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist commonly identified in human and animal feces. At present, there are 28 proposed subtypes (STs) identified based on the small subunit rRNA gene, 13 of which are found in both humans and animals. In general, nonmammalian and avian groups are infected by the nonmammalian and avian subtypes (NMASTs). However, NMASTs were also isolated from mammalian hosts, suggesting possible cross-contamination and transmission from nonmammalian and avian hosts to other animals and, potentially, humans. Thus, this study determined the possible relationship between NMAST sequences and conventional STs to provide new insights into Blastocystis classification, identification, and epidemiological significance. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using three statistical models, namely, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor Joining, and Maximum Parsimony, based on the 30 NMAST sequences. The NMAST sequences formed groups clustered closely with other NMAST subtrees. Most sequences of nonmammalian and avian isolates formed distinct monophyletic clades based on their NMAST classification, with some clustering with mammalian and avian STs. These results indicate the close relationship between Blastocystis isolated from mammalian and avian hosts and nonmammalian and avian hosts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Yvonne B. Meclat
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Keith Sigfred B. Ancheta
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Davin Edric V. Adao
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Blastocystis sp. Infection in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Spain: A Case-Control Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090226. [PMID: 36136637 PMCID: PMC9503631 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most prevalent parasite in fecal samples of humans worldwide. In the present report, a case–control study (1:9.89 (≈10)) was performed, by analyzing data from 3682 patients who attended a public hospital in the northern area of Spain showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis was performed in human fecal samples by means of optical microscopy. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was 9.18% (338/3682). Most of the Blastocystis sp.-infected patients tested negative for protozoa and helminths, and were underweight and foreign-born (26.4%), mainly from Africa and Central/South America. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anorexia, halitosis, plus relative eosinophilia, as well as co-infections with pathogenic bacteria were associated with Blastocystis sp. infection. Both type 2 diabetes and treatment with immunosuppressive medicines at the time of Blastocystis sp. detection were associated with a higher proportion of infected patients. This is the first case–control study of Blastocystis sp. in humans in northern Spain and may contribute to surveillance and intervention strategies by public health authorities.
Collapse
|
6
|
Güreser AS, Comba A, Karasartova D, Koşar N, Keskin A, Stensvold CR, Taylan-Ozkan A. Detection of Blastocystis Subtypes in Children with Functional Abdominal Pain and Celiac Disease in Çorum, Turkey. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 17:296-305. [PMID: 36466032 PMCID: PMC9682370 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v17i3.10619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis has been associated with various symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis in children with celiac disease (CeD) or functional abdominal pain (FAP) and to evaluate its subtypes (STs) with respect to demographic, socioeconomic and epidemiological factors. METHODS Overall, 161 fecal samples were collected from healthy children and patients with FAP or CeD in Hitit University Erol Olçok Research and Training Hospital, Corum, Turkey between 2016-2018. Samples were examined using both native-Lugol (NL) and trichrome-stained (TS) smears, and further analyses by PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed. A standard questionnaire was applied to obtain demographic, socioeconomic, epidemiological data. RESULTS Blastocystis was found in 10.6% of the total study population. Neither bacteria nor any other parasites were found, except for one Giardia (0.6%) in the CeD group. The presence/absence of the parasite was not found to be associated with demographic, socioeconomic and epidemiological factors. Blastocysis was detected in 11.5% (6/52) of the CeD, 7.7% (4/52) of the FAP, and 12.3% (7/57) of the healthy group. Diagnostic methods were similar in terms of Blastocystis detection (P= 0.671), and there was fair agreement between the NL, TS and PCR (Fleiss' Kappa=0.847, P=0.001). ST2 (42.8%) and ST3 (35.7%) were the predominant STs followed by ST1 (21.4%). CONCLUSION We observed no difference between study groups in terms of Blastocystis prevalence. ST1, ST2 and ST3 subtypes were detected. Blastocystis prevalence and STs were not related to any of the demographic, socioeconomic and epidemiological factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Semra Güreser
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Atakan Comba
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Djursun Karasartova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Nezahat Koşar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Adem Keskin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ayşegül Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Economics and Technology University, TOBB, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Kurpas M, Szostakowska B. Rare Occurrence of Blastocystis in Pet Animals and Their Owners in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland in the Light of Literature Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11112975. [PMID: 35683363 PMCID: PMC9181306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11112975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote with ambiguous pathogenicity, commonly detected in human feces worldwide. It comprises at least 28 genetically diverse subtypes (STs), 12 of which also occur in a wide range of animal species, giving rise to suspicion of zoonotic transmission. To investigate this, we conducted a molecular study of 145 stool samples of pet animals, and 67 of their owners, living in an urban area in Poland. Blastocystis was detected in only three (2.1%) animal samples (of two bearded agamas and a leopard gecko), while all dogs, cats, and pet rodents were Blastocystis-negative. Blastocystis was also present in three (4.5%) owners of animals, but they were cat owners, not reptile owners, and the subtypes identified in them differed significantly from those of reptiles. Additionally, the frequency of Blastocystis in different groups of dogs (depending on how they were kept) was analyzed. This work is the first to find Blastocystis in pet reptiles, and we encourage further investigation of Blastocystis in this poorly examined group of animals, as well as continued study on the transmission of this microorganism between humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Monika Kurpas
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-19-44
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kosik-Bogacka D, Lepczyńska M, Kot K, Szkup M, Łanocha-Arendarczyk N, Dzika E, Grochans E. Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1125. [PMID: 34724915 PMCID: PMC8559403 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women. Methods The study included 425 women aged 45–60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Results Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lepczyńska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Kot
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Szkup
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Łanocha-Arendarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstanców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14 C, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Grochans
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210, Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rauff-Adedotun AA, Meor Termizi FH, Shaari N, Lee IL. The Coexistence of Blastocystis spp. in Humans, Animals and Environmental Sources from 2010-2021 in Asia. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 34681089 PMCID: PMC8533399 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of Blastocystis spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of Blastocystis spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of Blastocystis spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 11800, Malaysia; (A.A.R.-A.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kantzanou M, Karalexi MA, Vrioni G, Tsakris A. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children in Europe over the Last Five Years. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:160. [PMID: 34564544 PMCID: PMC8482161 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0-19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, and Blastocystis hominis. Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for Cryptosporidium to 68.3% for Dientamoeba fragilis. Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kantzanou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria A. Karalexi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jha S, Gupta P, Bhatia M. Blastocystis spp. infection in cases of diarrhea: A pilot study from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with a brief review of literature. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:113-121. [PMID: 34765533 PMCID: PMC8579771 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_90_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are among the most common infections throughout the world. Blastocystis spp. is a mysterious parasite which is commonly encountered in tropical countries. Its pathogenic status is unknown and there is a paucity of literature about this organism from the state of Uttarakhand, India. AIMS The aim was to estimate the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheal stools. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2018 to July 2019. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Nonrepetitive stool samples of 187 consecutive patients of diarrhea attending the inpatient department and outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, were collected after obtaining informed written consent. These samples were subjected to wet mount microscopy and permanent staining. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Fisher's exact test and Kappa coefficient were used in this study. RESULTS The mean age ± standard deviation of the patients was 36.04 ± 11.31 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.49:1. The prevalence of IPI was 36.09%. Giardia intestinalis was the most common parasite. Blastocystis spp. was observed in 6.42% of the stool samples, majority of which were obtained from cases of chronic diarrhea. Moderate agreement (0.48) was observed between wet mount microscopy and permanent staining in the identification of Blastocystis spp. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess the burden and role of different epidemiological and clinical profiles of Blastocystis spp. in Uttarakhand. More studies are required to know its pathogenesis and its role as opportunistic pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Jha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ganci M, Butt H, Tyrrell J, Suleyman E, Ball M. The effect of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis on psychological symptom severity in a sample of clinically diverse males and females. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01700-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHealth outcomes associated with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are disparate and controversial, ranging from health benefits, to years of asymptomatic carriage, through to severe illness. Evidence that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commensal members of the gut microbiota is growing. Despite this, little to no research exists investigating the potential effect of these protozoa on psychological symptom expression. As such, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to be the first to investigate the effect of protozoan carriage on severity of Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue symptoms, and whether this effect changes as a function of sex. The prevalence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in females compared to males, however there were no sex differences in prevalence for Blastocystis sp. (data used in the current study contained ST1, ST3, and Blastocystis ST unspecified) or co-carriage of the two. Females reported significantly more severe symptoms across all four psychological domains compared to males. There was no significant interaction between sex and Blastocystis sp. carriage on psychological symptom severity, and no significant main effect of Blastocystis sp. on symptom severity compared to those who tested negative for protozoa. When investigating the sexes separately, there was no effect of protozoan carriage on psychological symptom expression in either males or females. These findings add weight to the argument that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are not necessarily pathogenic and are likely to be part of a diverse gut (which is typically associated with better health outcomes). Further research is required given that protozoan members of the gut microbiota have been largely ignored in brain-gut-microbiota axis research.
Collapse
|
14
|
Billy V, Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Kadlecová O, Frgelecová L, Parfrey LW, Pomajbíková KJ. Blastocystis Colonization Alters the Gut Microbiome and, in Some Cases, Promotes Faster Recovery From Induced Colitis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:641483. [PMID: 33897648 PMCID: PMC8058373 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.641483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protists are a normal component of mammalian intestinal ecosystems that live alongside, and interact with, bacterial microbiota. Blastocystis, one of the most common intestinal eukaryotes, is reported as a pathogen that causes inflammation and disease, though health consequences likely vary depending on host health, the gut ecosystem, and genetic diversity. Accumulating evidence suggests that Blastocystis is by and large commensal. Blastocystis is more common in healthy individuals than those with immune mediated diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Blastocystis presence is also associated with altered composition and higher richness of the bacterial gut microbiota. It is not clear whether Blastocystis directly promotes a healthy gut and microbiome or is more likely to colonize and persist in a healthy gut environment. We test this hypothesis by measuring the effect of Blastocystis ST3 colonization on the health and microbiota in a rat experimental model of intestinal inflammation using the haptenizing agent dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). We experimentally colonized rats with Blastocystis ST3 obtained from a healthy, asymptomatic human donor and then induced colitis after 3 weeks (short term exposure experiment) or after 13 weeks (long term exposure experiment) and compared these colonized rats to a colitis-only control group. Across experiments Blastocystis ST3 colonization alters microbiome composition, but not richness, and induces only mild gut inflammation but no clinical symptoms. Our results showed no effect of short-term exposure to Blastocystis ST3 on gut inflammation following colitis induction. In contrast, long-term Blastocystis exposure appears to promote a faster recovery from colitis. There was a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, pathology 2 days after colitis induction in the colonized group, and clinical scores also improved in this group. Blastocystis colonization resulted in a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and IL-1β relative gene expression, while expression of IFNγ and IL17re/17C were elevated. We obtained similar results in a previous pilot study. We further found that bacterial richness rebounded in rats colonized by Blastocystis ST3. These results suggest that Blastocystis sp. may alter the gut ecosystem in a protective manner and promote faster recovery from disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Billy
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Lucia Frgelecová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mossallam SF, El- Mansoury SA, Tolba MM, Kohla AA, Khedr SI. In vitro susceptibility of human Blastocystis subtypes to simeprevir. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:2491-2501. [PMID: 33935570 PMCID: PMC8071969 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and aim Blastocystis is a common enteric parasite, having a worldwide distribution. Many antimicrobial agents are effective against it, yet side effects and drug resistance have been reported. Thus, ongoing trials are being conducted for exploring anti-Blastocystis alternatives. Proteases are attractive anti-protozoal drug targets, having documented roles in Blastocystis. Serine proteases are present in both hepatitis C virus and Blastocystis. Since drug repositioning is quite trendy, the in vitro efficacy of simeprevir (SMV), an anti-hepatitis serine protease inhibitor, against Blastocystis was investigated in the current study. Methods Stool samples were collected from patients, Alexandria, Egypt. Concentrated stools were screened using direct smears, trichrome, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stains to exclude parasitic co-infections. Positive stool isolates were cultivated, molecularly subtyped for assessing the efficacy of three SMV doses (100,150, and 200 μg/ml) along 72 hours (h), on the most common subtype, through monitoring parasite growth, viability, re-culture, and also via ultrastructure verification. The most efficient dose and duration were later tested on other subtypes. Results Results revealed that Blastocystis was detected in 54.17% of examined samples. Molecularly, ST3 predominated (62%), followed by ST1 (8.6%) and ST2 (3.4%). Ascending concentrations of SMV progressively inhibited growth, viability, and re-culture of treated Blastocystis, with a non-statistically significant difference when compared to the therapeutic control metronidazole (MTZ). The most efficient dose and duration against ST3 was 150 µg/ml for 72 h. This dose inhibited the growth of ST3, ST1, and ST2 with percentages of 95.19%, 94.83%, and 94.74%, successively and viability with percentages of 98.30%, 98.09%, and 97.96%, successively. This dose abolished Blastocystis upon re-culturing. Ultra-structurally, SMV induced rupture of Blastocystis cell membrane leading to necrotic death, versus the reported apoptotic death caused by MTZ. In conclusion, 150 µg/ml SMV for 72 h proved its efficacy against ST1, ST2, and ST3 Blastocystis, thus sparing the need for pre-treatment molecular subtyping in developing countries.
Collapse
Key Words
- Blastocystis subtypes
- CV, central vacuole
- DMSO, Dimethyl Sulfoxide
- IBS, irritable bowel syndrome
- In vitro
- MLO, Mitochondrion-like organelle
- MTZ, Metronidazole
- PCR, Polymerase chain reaction
- Re-culture
- SEM, Scanning electron microscopy
- SMV, Simeprevir
- ST, subtypes
- Simeprevir
- TEM, Transmission electron microscopy
- Ultrastructure
- Viability
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shereen F. Mossallam
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Corresponding author at: Medical Parasitology Department, El Mowasah Medical and Educational Complex, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Salwa A.T. El- Mansoury
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona M. Tolba
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A. Kohla
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safaa I. Khedr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Hložková O, Brožová K, Jirsová D, Stensvold CR, Kolísko M, Jirků Pomajbíková K. A Study on the Prevalence and Subtype Diversity of the Intestinal Protist Blastocystis sp. in a Gut-Healthy Human Population in the Czech Republic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:544335. [PMID: 33123491 PMCID: PMC7573152 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.544335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist colonizing the human intestine the prevalence of which varies across non-industrialized and industrialized countries. Its role in the human gut ecosystem remains unclear due to persisting gaps in knowledge of epidemiology and factors affecting gut colonization. Here, we aimed to expand the knowledge of the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in the gut-healthy humans in one of the industrialized European countries, including the distribution of its subtypes, the correlation between its occurrence and several factors such as lifestyle, contact with animals, age, and sex. A total of 288 stool samples were obtained from asymptomatic individuals over the entire age-range and 136 samples from animals with which the volunteers were in frequent contact. All samples were examined in parallel by PCR and xenic in vitro culture. Blastocystis sp. was detected in samples from both human and non-human hosts. In humans, the overall prevalence was 24% and eight subtypes were found; in animals, the prevalence was 10%, and only five subtypes were detected. A higher incidence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in individuals (i) traveling outside Europe, (ii) in frequent contact with livestock, and (iii) over 50 years of age. We found no effect on gender on Blastocystis sp. colonization. Summary This study provides data on the prevalence and diversity of the gut protist Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in a gut-healthy human population with emphasis on several factors such as contact with animals, lifestyle, age, and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Lhotská
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Hložková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Brožová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Dagmar Jirsová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Martin Kolísko
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Singer R, Xu TH, Herrera LNS, Villar MJ, Faust KM, Hotez PJ, Aiken ARA, Mejia R. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in a Low-Income Texas Community. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1386-1395. [PMID: 32207401 PMCID: PMC7253135 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated hundreds of millions of people worldwide, with infection possibly persisting for life without appropriate therapy because of the helminth's unique autoinfection cycle. Like other soil-transmitted helminths, because of the environmental conditions required for the life cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis, this parasite is endemic to tropical, subtropical, and temperate countries and areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure. Given continued poverty and that nearly one in five American homes are lacking proper sanitation systems, many U.S. regions are at risk for intestinal parasites. A central Texas community was chosen as the study site, given previous reports of widespread sanitation failure, degree of poverty, and community willingness to participate. A total of 92 households were surveyed and residents tested for nine intestinal parasites using a multi-parallel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA serology. From 43 stool samples, 27 (62.8%) tested positive for Blastocystis spp. and one (2.3%) for Giardia lamblia. From 97 serum samples, Strongyloides serology detected 16 (16.5%) positive individuals. These high rates of heterokont and helminthic laboratory findings in a peri-urban central Texas community suggest several key policy implications, including that strongyloidiasis should be added to the Texas notifiable conditions list, that clinical suspicion for this infection should be heightened in the region, and that residents without access to functioning and sustainable sanitation infrastructure should be provided that access as a basic human right and to promote public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Singer
- Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Teena Huan Xu
- Department of Pediatrics: Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lauren Nicholas S. Herrera
- Department of Pediatrics: Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Jose Villar
- Department of Pediatrics: Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kasey M. Faust
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics: Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Abigail R. A. Aiken
- Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Department of Pediatrics: Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Molecular Diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in Asymptomatic School Children in Leganés, Madrid (Spain). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8040466. [PMID: 32218318 PMCID: PMC7232429 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric parasites including Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and to a lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, are major worldwide contributors to diarrhoeal disease. Assessing their molecular frequency and diversity is important to ascertain the sources of infection, transmission dynamics, and zoonotic potential. Little molecular information is available on the genotypes of these pathogens circulating in apparently healthy children. Here, we show that asymptomatic carriage of G. duodenalis (17.4%, 95% CI: 15.5‒19.4%), Blastocystis sp. (13.0%, 95% CI: 11.4‒14.8%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5‒1.5%) is common in children (1‒16 years; n = 1512) from Madrid, Spain. Our genotyping data indicate that; (i) the observed frequency and diversity of parasite genetic variants are very similar to those previously identified in Spanish clinical samples, so that the genotype alone does not predict the clinical outcome of the infection, (ii) anthroponotic transmission accounts for a large proportion of the detected cases, highlighting that good personal hygiene practices are important to minimizing the risk of infection, (iii) Blastocystis ST4 may represent a subtype of the parasite with higher pathogenic potential, and (iv) Enterocytozoon bieneusi does not represent a public health concern in healthy children.
Collapse
|
19
|
Gong B, Liu X, Wu Y, Xu N, Xu M, Yang F, Tong L, Zhou K, Cao J, Liu A, Shen Y. Prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in ethnic minority groups on both sides of the China-Myanmar border, and assessment of risk factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:46. [PMID: 31343971 PMCID: PMC6658150 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans worldwide. To understand its prevalence and to explore the risk factors for Blastocystis in humans in developing countries, a molecular epidemiological investigation of Blastocystis was conducted in ethnic minority groups on both sides of the China-Myanmar border. A total of 461 fecal specimens were collected from 289 Yao people in China and 172 Wa people in Myanmar, together with a questionnaire for each participant. Based on sequence analysis of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene (barcode region or 260 bp region), an average prevalence of 6.29% (29/461) was observed, with 4.50% (13/289) in Yao people and 9.30% (16/172) in Wa people. Twenty-two Blastocystis isolates were successfully subtyped by sequence analysis of the barcode region. Three subtypes were identified: ST1 (n = 7), ST3 (n = 13) and ST4 (n = 2). A statistical difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis was only observed between children (12.37%, 12/97) and adults (4.95%, 16/323), and between not washing hands (11.02%, 14/127) and washing hands (4.76%, 15/315) after using toilets, emphasizing the importance and necessity of health education in people in the investigated areas, especially in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Gong
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yanchen Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Ning Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Meng Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Kexin Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gentekaki E, Curtis BA, Stairs CW, Klimeš V, Eliáš M, Salas-Leiva DE, Herman EK, Eme L, Arias MC, Henrissat B, Hilliou F, Klute MJ, Suga H, Malik SB, Pightling AW, Kolisko M, Rachubinski RA, Schlacht A, Soanes DM, Tsaousis AD, Archibald JM, Ball SG, Dacks JB, Clark CG, van der Giezen M, Roger AJ. Extreme genome diversity in the hyper-prevalent parasitic eukaryote Blastocystis. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2003769. [PMID: 28892507 PMCID: PMC5608401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most prevalent eukaryotic microbe colonizing the human gut, infecting approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide. Although Blastocystis has been linked to intestinal disorders, its pathogenicity remains controversial because most carriers are asymptomatic. Here, the genome sequence of Blastocystis subtype (ST) 1 is presented and compared to previously published sequences for ST4 and ST7. Despite a conserved core of genes, there is unexpected diversity between these STs in terms of their genome sizes, guanine-cytosine (GC) content, intron numbers, and gene content. ST1 has 6,544 protein-coding genes, which is several hundred more than reported for ST4 and ST7. The percentage of proteins unique to each ST ranges from 6.2% to 20.5%, greatly exceeding the differences observed within parasite genera. Orthologous proteins also display extreme divergence in amino acid sequence identity between STs (i.e., 59%-61% median identity), on par with observations of the most distantly related species pairs of parasite genera. The STs also display substantial variation in gene family distributions and sizes, especially for protein kinase and protease gene families, which could reflect differences in virulence. It remains to be seen to what extent these inter-ST differences persist at the intra-ST level. A full 26% of genes in ST1 have stop codons that are created on the mRNA level by a novel polyadenylation mechanism found only in Blastocystis. Reconstructions of pathways and organellar systems revealed that ST1 has a relatively complete membrane-trafficking system and a near-complete meiotic toolkit, possibly indicating a sexual cycle. Unlike some intestinal protistan parasites, Blastocystis ST1 has near-complete de novo pyrimidine, purine, and thiamine biosynthesis pathways and is unique amongst studied stramenopiles in being able to metabolize α-glucans rather than β-glucans. It lacks all genes encoding heme-containing cytochrome P450 proteins. Predictions of the mitochondrion-related organelle (MRO) proteome reveal an expanded repertoire of functions, including lipid, cofactor, and vitamin biosynthesis, as well as proteins that may be involved in regulating mitochondrial morphology and MRO/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. In sharp contrast, genes for peroxisome-associated functions are absent, suggesting Blastocystis STs lack this organelle. Overall, this study provides an important window into the biology of Blastocystis, showcasing significant differences between STs that can guide future experimental investigations into differences in their virulence and clarifying the roles of these organisms in gut health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Gentekaki
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bruce A. Curtis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Courtney W. Stairs
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Vladimír Klimeš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Eliáš
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dayana E. Salas-Leiva
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily K. Herman
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laura Eme
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Maria C. Arias
- Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR8576 CNRS-USTL, Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d’Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- CNRS UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- INRA, USC 1408 AFMB, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mary J. Klute
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Suga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Nanatsuka 562, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shehre-Banoo Malik
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Arthur W. Pightling
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Martin Kolisko
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Alexander Schlacht
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren M. Soanes
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John M. Archibald
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, CIFAR Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Toronto, Canada
| | - Steven G. Ball
- Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, UMR8576 CNRS-USTL, Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d’Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Joel B. Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew J. Roger
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, CIFAR Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rezaei Riabi T, Haghighi A, Mirjalali H, Mohammad Ali Gol S, Karamati SA, Ghasemian M, Bahadori Monfared A, Aghamohammadi E, Zojaji H. Study of prevalence, distribution and clinical significance of Blastocystis isolated from two medical centers in Iran. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2017; 10:S102-S107. [PMID: 29511479 PMCID: PMC5838188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to survey prevalence and clinical significance of Blastocystis among symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a prevalent microorganism that is found in intestine of human and majority of animals. However, most studies have failed to establish correlation between the presence of the parasite and clinical manifestations. METHODS from Dec 2016 to Jun 2017, 554 stool samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects referred to Imam Hossein Hospital and Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. All samples were concentrated using conventional formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and then were microscopically examined using Lugol's iodine staining and light microscope. The fresh stool samples were also cultivated in DMEM medium and were examined for growth of Blastocystis every 48 hours with direct smear slides for 10 days. RESULTS Blastocystis was observed among 93 (16.8%) of stool samples cultivated in DMEM. The findings represented that 64/398 (16.08%) and 29/156 (18.58%) of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were infected with Blastocystis, respectively. In addition, there was no significant correlation between presence of symptoms and carrying Blastocystis (P=0.528), although statistically significant association was observed between presence of urticaria and carrying Blastocystis (P<0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation between observing the parasite and different age groups was seen (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Blastocystis is a prevalent parasitic eukaryote among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations despite the higher prevalence among symptomatic group that suggests the chance of infection with Blastocystis raises with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Rezaei Riabi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Haghighi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, 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.
| | - Sara Mohammad Ali Gol
- Behbood Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Ghasemian
- Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Elham Aghamohammadi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Homayoun Zojaji
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|