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Castillo-Neyra R, Larson AJ, Tamayo LD, Arevalo-Nieto C, Brown J, Condori-Pino C, Ortega E, Levy MZ, Paz-Soldan VA. Perceptions of Problems with Household Insects: Qualitative and Quantitative Findings from Peri-Urban Communities in Arequipa, Peru. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1372-1379. [PMID: 37931314 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases continue to impose a major health burden on Peru and neighboring countries. The challenge of addressing vector-borne disease is compounded by changing social, economic, and climatic conditions. Peri-urban Arequipa is an important region to study insect infestations because of ongoing challenges with disease vectors such as triatomines and a variety of other insects. We conducted surveys (N = 1,182) and seven focus groups (average seven participants) in peri-urban Arequipa to explore knowledge of and perception toward various insects that infest the region. Focus group participants reported the presence of a wide variety of insects in and around the home, including disease vectors such as triatomines (also identified by 27.2% of survey households), mosquitoes, spiders, and bed bugs, as well as nuisance insects. Health concerns related to insects included vector-borne diseases, spider bites, allergies, and sequelae from bed bug bites, and hygiene concerns. A majority of participants in the quantitative surveys identified triatomines as the insect they were most worried about (69.9%) and could identify Chagas disease as a health risk associated with triatomines (54.9%). Insect infestations in peri-urban Arequipa present multiple burdens to residents, including injury and illness from triatomines and other insects, as well as potential mental and economic concerns related to insects such as bed bugs. Future initiatives should continue to address triatomine infestations through educational outreach and implement a more holistic approach to address the burden of both disease and nuisance insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Castillo-Neyra
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anika J Larson
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura D Tamayo
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudia Arevalo-Nieto
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Carlos Condori-Pino
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
| | - Emma Ortega
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Michael Z Levy
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie A Paz-Soldan
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Hidalgo-Gonzalez LA, Salgado-Lopez J, Pineda-Rodriguez SA, Martinez A, Romero-Valdovinos M, Martinez-Hernandez F, Rendon-Franco E, Olivo-Diaz A, Maravilla P, Rodriguez-Bataz E. Identification of Blastocystis sp. in school children from a rural Mexican village: subtypes and risk factors analysis. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07872-w. [PMID: 37191687 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07872-w] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common eukaryotic microorganism that colonizes the intestinal tract of several animals, including humans, although its role as a pathogen is still unclear. In the present study, we report the prevalence and risk factors associated with Blastocystis infection in scholars from a rural community in Mexico. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on schoolchildren aged 3 to 15 years old; fecal samples were analyzed by culture, Faust technique, and molecular analysis. In addition, a structured questionnaire was applied to identify possible risk factors. Of the 177 samples obtained, Blastocystis sp. was the microorganism that presented the highest frequency (n=78, 44%), and included the following subtypes (STs): ST1 (n=43, 56.5%), ST2 (n=18, 23.6%), and ST3 (n=15, 19.7%); Blastocystis STs were not identified in two cases. No associating factors were found between Blastocystis infection or among STs vs. symptoms. During bivariate analysis, no statistically significant risk factors were found, except for the variable of "eating sweets, snacks, and handmade food on the way home" (p=0.04). Therefore, it is plausible to conclude that schoolchildren become infected with Blastocystis sp. mainly outside their homes, perhaps by eating contaminated handmade food on their way to or from school; however, this variable should be evaluated in detail in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydi Anahi Hidalgo-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Investigacion en Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, El Centenario, 39086, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Jeanille Salgado-Lopez
- Laboratorio de Investigacion en Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, El Centenario, 39086, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Sandra Alheli Pineda-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigacion en Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, El Centenario, 39086, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Arony Martinez
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Emilio Rendon-Franco
- Departamento de Produccion Agricola y Animal, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Pablo Maravilla
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Elvia Rodriguez-Bataz
- Laboratorio de Investigacion en Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, El Centenario, 39086, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico.
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3
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Hernández PC, Maloney JG, Molokin A, George NS, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, Santin M. Exploring Blastocystis genetic diversity in rural schoolchildren from Colombia using next-generation amplicon sequencing reveals significant associations between contact with animals and infection risk. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3. [PMID: 37156906 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a global distribution in humans and many other animals. Yet, the status of Blastocystis as a pathogen, the risk factors associated with its transmission, and its zoonotic potential remain ill-defined. Here, we explored subtype (ST) diversity and potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection in 98 children from Apulo, Colombia. Samples were screened for Blastocystis via PCR, and ST identification was performed through next-generation amplicon sequencing (NGS). Associations between the presence of Blastocystis and individual STs and sociodemographic variables were assessed via logistic regression analyses. Seventy-one samples (72.4%) were Blastocystis-positive, and NGS revealed the presence of five STs (ST1-ST5). ST1, ST2, and ST3 were common and observed in nearly equal proportions (~ 40%), while samples with ST4 (1.4%) and ST5 (5.6%) were comparatively rare. The presence of mixed STs in the same sample was also common (28.2%). Comparisons among children within the same household identified that shared ST profiles were common, but diversity within family units was also observed. Logistic regression analyses returned significant associations between the presence of Blastocystis, individual subtypes, or mixed subtypes for several variables. Intriguingly, the presence of animals was one of the most common significant associations. Taken together, these data represent an important step forward in understanding both the potential routes and risk factors that may influence Blastocystis transmission and will be useful in shaping future studies which seek to clarify the relationships between STs, pathogenicity, and zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Hernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Liliana Morales
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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Martín-Escolano R, Ng GC, Tan KSW, Stensvold CR, Gentekaki E, Tsaousis AD. Resistance of Blastocystis to chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:167-176. [PMID: 36378332 PMCID: PMC9816239 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous, widely distributed protist inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. The organism is genetically diverse, and so far, at least 28 subtypes (STs) have been identified with ST1-ST9 being the most common in humans. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial. Several routes of transmission have been proposed including fecal-oral (e.g., zoonotic, anthroponotic) and waterborne. Research on the latter has gained traction in the last few years with the organism having been identified in various bodies of water, tap water, and rainwater collection containers including water that has been previously filtered and/or chlorinated. Herein, we assessed the resistance of 11 strains maintained in culture, spanning ST1-ST9 to various chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentrations for 24 h, and performed recovery assays along with re-exposure. Following the treatment with both compounds, all subtypes showed increased resistance, and viability could be visualized at the cellular level. These results are hinting at the presence of mechanism of resistance to both chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. As such, this pilot study can be the platform for developing guidelines for water treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Geok Choo Ng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Kevin S W Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand. .,School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand.
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK.
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. An update on the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in the Americas. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12592. [PMID: 36619449 PMCID: PMC9816782 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist that presents worldwide distribution, colonizes animal and human hosts, and is classified into at least 34 ribosomal subtypes (STs). Herein, we conducted an update based on studies reporting Blastocystis-positive samples obtained from diverse hosts in the Americas. We described the distribution throughout the continent by assembling maps representing the distribution of STs and the most important 18S-rRNA alleles. Thirty-nine articles from the previous study, "A summary of Blastocystis subtypes in North and South America," and forty-one additional articles from March 2019 to March 2022 were considered. The most common subtype described was ST3, representing the highest percentage of positive samples. Other recently identified STs include ST12, ST13, and ST16 in humans, and ST10, ST14, and ST17 in animals. Novel subtypes have also been described in this continent. We assembled and updated the distribution of Blastocystis in the Americas. We hope this delivers new understandings and knowledge of this microorganism's prevalence and genetic diversity.
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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
| | - 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 City, NY, USA,Corresponding author.,
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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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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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Infection with Blastocystis spp. and its association with enteric infections and environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009684. [PMID: 34407080 PMCID: PMC8405003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis spp. (Blastocystis) is a widely distributed gastrointestinal protist frequently reported in countries with tropical and sub-tropical climate. We sought to determine the factors associated with Blastocystis infection and investigate its role on biomarkers of intestinal health among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh. Methodology Total 524 malnourished adults with a body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m2 were included in this analysis. Presence of Blastocystis in feces was evaluated by TaqMan Array Card assays. Principal findings Blastocystis was tested positive in 78.6% of the participants. Prevalence of infection with atypical strains of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) (56% vs. 38%, p<0.001), and Trichuris trichiura (28% vs. 15%, p-value = 0.02) was significantly greater in adults with Blastocystis, while Giardia intestinalis was significantly lower (8% vs. 14%, p-value = 0.04) in Blastocystis positive adults. Malnourished adults who were living in households with high crowding index (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.11, 4.65; p-value = 0.03), and infected with aEPEC (aOR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.35, 3.44; p-value = 0.001) and Trichuris trichiura (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.08, 3.77; p = 0.03) were more likely to be infected with Blastocystis. A significant negative relationship was observed between Blastocystis and fecal concentrations of alpha-1 antitrypsin (β = -0.1; 95% CI = -1.7, -0.1; p-value<0.001) and Reg1B (β = -3.6; 95% CI = -6.9, -3.0; p-value = 0.03). Conclusions The study findings suggest that the presence of Blastocystis in human intestine influences gut health and may have potential pathogenic role in presence of other pathogens. Infection with Blastocystis, a neglected enteric pathogen, is frequently reported in tropical and sub-tropical countries. However, the epidemiology, pathogenicity and associated outcomes of Blastocystis in relation to enteric infections and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) remain inconclusive. In this study, the authors investigated the factors associated with Blastocystis infection and examined its association with enteric infections as well as fecal biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh. The study findings exhibited that nearly 80% of the participants were infected with Blastocystis demonstrating a positive association with crowded living conditions. The authors observed a positive association of Blastocystis with atypical strain of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Trichuris trichiura. The study results also corroborate that infection with Blastocystis had significant negative association with alpha-1 antitrypsin and Reg1B concentrations measured in the stool samples of the study participants. The findings of this study would help to reveal the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis and determine its role in contributing to altered gut health as well as EED in malnourished adults living in resource limited environments.
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Ascuña-Durand K, Salazar-Sánchez RS, Castillo-Neyra R, Ballón-Echegaray J. Relative Frequency of Blastocystis Subtypes 1, 2, and 3 in Urban and Periurban Human Populations of Arequipa, Peru. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:178. [PMID: 33261137 PMCID: PMC7709661 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5040178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common protozoa found in the human gut and are genetically diverse and widely distributed around the world. Nonspecific and inconsistent symptoms have been associated with this protozoon; thus, its clinical importance remains controversial. Our aim was to estimate the relative frequency of Blastocystis subtypes 1, 2, and 3, which are the predominant subtypes reported in South America, based on conserved regions of SSU rDNA sequences and determine the factors associated with them. A total of 116 Blastocystis-positive stool samples were processed using conventional PCR with Blastocystis-specific primers. We identified subtype 1 (10.3%), subtype 2 (7.8%), subtype 3 (25.0%), and mixed subtype infections (8.7%). However, we could not identify any Blastocystis subtypes in 48.3% of the samples; therefore, it is likely that other subtypes were present in the area. No association was found between any gastrointestinal symptom and single or mixed Blastocystis subtypes. We found a statistically significant association between Blastocystis subtype 2 and irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 17.8, 95% CI = 1.5-408.4, p = 0.039); however, the number of samples with IBS was small (n= 4). There was no association between the Blastocystis subtypes and any epidemiological variable studied. In rural populations, we only identified subtype 1, while in urban and periurban populations, we identified subtypes 1, 2, and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra Ascuña-Durand
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, 04001 Arequipa, Peru;
| | - Renzo S. Salazar-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, 04001 Arequipa, Peru;
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
| | - Ricardo Castillo-Neyra
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jorge Ballón-Echegaray
- Zoonotic Disease Research Laboratory, One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, 4314 Lima, Peru;
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Santa Catalina 117, 04001 Arequipa, Peru
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