1
|
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
|
2
|
Silva MDRA, Melo GB, Malta FM, Abdala E, Costa SF, Pierrotti LC, Gonçalves EM, Castilho VL, Chieffi PP, Gryschek RC, Paula FM. Subtypes of Blastocystis sp. isolated in fecal samples from transplant candidates in São Paulo, Brazil. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 8:e00128. [PMID: 31886425 PMCID: PMC6920191 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an intestinal protozoan commonly found in fecal samples of many animal species, including humans, but poorly studied in transplant candidates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and molecular identification of Blastocystis sp. in fecal samples from transplant candidates. A polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers for Blastocystis ribosomal DNA. The DNA sequences obtained were aligned and compared with other sequences from the GenBank and MLST databases. The analyzed samples showed a positivity of 16% (24 of 150) for Blastocystis sp. The highest occurrence was observed in renal transplant candidates (31.4%), followed by hepatic transplant candidates (10.4%) and candidates for bone marrow transplantation (5.9%). Subtype (ST) 3 (45.8%) was the most prevalent among the isolates, followed by ST1 (37.5%), ST2 (12.5%), and ST7 (4.2%). This is the first study of molecular identification Blastocystis sp. in transplant candidates. Our results confirmed that ST3 was the most common subtype in transplant candidates and reinforce the importance of new studies to investigate of Blastocystis sp. in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria do Rosário A. Silva
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gessica B. Melo
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M. Malta
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Tropical (LIM-07), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Abdala
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia F. Costa
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ligia C. Pierrotti
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elenice M.N. Gonçalves
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera L.P. Castilho
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro P. Chieffi
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo C.B. Gryschek
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana M. Paula
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM-06), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Evaluation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 gene expression through the retinoic acid pathway by co-incubation of Blastocystis ST-1 with HT29 cells in vitro. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1965-75. [PMID: 26911149 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4939-z] [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: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasitic protist with a worldwide distribution that is commonly found in patients with colon and gastrointestinal pathological symptoms. Blastocystis infection has also commonly been reported in colorectal cancer and HIV/AIDS patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. To understand the pathway networks of gene regulation and the probable mechanisms influencing functions of HT-29 host cells in response to parasite infection, we examined the expression of 163 human oncogenes and kinases in human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells co-incubated with Blastocystis by in-house cDNA microarray and PCR analysis. At least 10 genes were shown to be modified following Blastocystis co-incubation, including those with immunological, tumorigenesis, and antitumorigenesis functions. The expression of genes encoding cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was markedly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Reverse transcriptase-PCR validated the modified transcript expression of CRABP2 and other associated genes such as retinoic acid (RA)-related nuclear-receptor (RARα). Together, our data indicate that CRABP2, RARα, and PCNA expressions are involved in RA signaling regulatory networks that affect the growth, proliferation, and inflammation of HT-29 cells.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abdel-Hafeez EH, Ahmad AK, Abdelgelil NH, Abdellatif MZM, Kamal AM, Hassanin KMA, Abdel-Razik ARH, Abdel-Raheem EM. Immunopathological assessments of human Blastocystis spp. in experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunosuppresed mice. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2061-71. [PMID: 26860840 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4951-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp., one of the most common parasites colonizing the human intestine, is an extracellular, luminal protozoan with controversial pathogenesis. The host's immune response against Blastocystis spp. infection has also not been defined yet. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the potential pathogenicity of this parasite and its ability to modulate the immune response in experimental infected immunocompetent and immunosuppresed mice. These results demonstrated that the infected immunosuppressed mice were more affected than infected immunocompetent mice. Histopathological examination of the small intestine in the infected immunosuppressed mice showed that Blastocystis spp. infiltrated all the layers. Moreover, the epithelia showed exfoliation and inflammatory cell infiltration in submucosa compared to that of the infected immunocompetent mice. As well, examination of the large intestine of the infected immunosuppressed group showed severe goblet cell hyperplasia. Blastocystis spp. infiltrated all the large intestine layers compared to that of the infected immunocompetent group. Furthermore, there was a significant upregulation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines: interleukin 12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the infected immunosuppressed mice compared to that of the infected immunocompetent ones (p ≤ 0.004 and p ≤ 0.002, respectively). However, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) was significantly downregulated in the infected immunosuppressed group compared to that of the infected immunocompetent group one at 10 days postinfection (p ≤ 0.002 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The results of this study revealed that Blastocystis spp. affected the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in both groups of mice compared to healthy normal (naive) group. Additionally, these data showed that there was a significant upregulation (p ≤ 0.005) of the locally synthesized antibody: secretary IgA (sIgA) in the gut of the infected immunocompetent mice when compared to that of the infected immunosuppressed ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekhlas H Abdel-Hafeez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt.
| | - Azza K Ahmad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Noha H Abdelgelil
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Manal Z M Abdellatif
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Amany M Kamal
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Kamel M A Hassanin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Razik H Abdel-Razik
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Ehab M Abdel-Raheem
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Minia University Hospital, Minia University, Minya, 61519, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pathogenic potential of Blastocystis hominis in laboratory mice. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:685-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1922-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
6
|
Iguchi A, Yoshikawa H, Yamada M, Kimata I, Arizono N. Expression of interferon gamma and proinflammatory cytokines in the cecal mucosa of rats experimentally infected with Blastocystis sp. strain RN94-9. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:135-40. [PMID: 19255785 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is a zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite whose pathogenic potential is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to clarify the pathogenicity of Blastocystis parasites in rats. Oral inoculation with 1 x 10(5) cysts of Blastocystis sp. strain RN94-9 in rats resulted in chronic infection in the cecum at least until 4 weeks after infection. Histological examination revealed neither mucosal sloughing nor inflammatory cell infiltration but showed a slight but significant increase in goblet cell numbers in the cecal mucosa 1-3 weeks post-infection. Differential staining of acidic and neutral mucins by the alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff method showed that the predominantly increased cells were neutral mucin(+) but not acidic mucin(+) goblet cells. Reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated significant upregulation of the expression of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not IL-6 or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, in the cecal mucosa at 2 and/or 3 weeks post-infection. The induction of local host responses, including mild goblet cell hyperplasia, and significant upregulation of type-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, suggest that Blastocystis sp. strain RN94-9 is a weakly pathogenic organism that could elicit proinflammatory as well as protective responses in local tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Iguchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Nara Women's University, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stensvold CR, Nielsen HV, Mølbak K, Smith HV. Pursuing the clinical significance of Blastocystis--diagnostic limitations. Trends Parasitol 2008; 25:23-9. [PMID: 19013108 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2008.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The clinical significance of one of the most prevalent single-celled intestinal parasites worldwide, Blastocystis, remains unsettled. A plethora of clinical and epidemiological studies have been undertaken to generate data on its prevalence in different populations and investigate the role of the parasite as a cause of gastro- and extra-intestinal disease. In this article, we pinpoint limitations of studies that seek to determine the clinical significance of Blastocystis, based on shortcomings in our understanding of Blastocystis diagnosis and biology, and identify methodologies for further studies aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology and clinical impact of this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yavasoglu I, Kadikoylu G, Uysal H, Ertug S, Bolaman Z. Is Blastocystis hominis a new etiologic factor or a coincidence in iron deficiency anemia? Eur J Haematol 2008; 81:47-50. [PMID: 18397391 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01080.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a frequent health problem. Gut parasites such as N. americanus and A. duodenale are known to cause blood loss, but the role of Blastocystis hominis is uncertain. In this study, 212 patients (193 female, 19 male, mean age 41 SD 15 yrs) with IDA were enrolled and 90 persons without IDA (78 female, 12 male, mean age 45 SD 17 yrs). Microscopic examination of stools for B. hominis using the native lugol method was done three times on each subject. If any specimen contained five or more cysts per x400 field, the person was considered positive. B. hominis was found in 48 out of 212 subjects with IDA (22.6%) and in five of 90 (5.6%) subjects without IDA. This difference is highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Few subjects had other gut parasites and there was no statistical difference in the ir frequencies between IDA and non-IDA subjects. Blastocystis hominis may play a role in the development of IDA either on its own or in conjunction with some other agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Yavasoglu
- Division of Hematology, Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty, Aydin, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Suresh K, Smith HV, Tan TC. Viable blastocystis cysts in Scottish and Malaysian sewage samples. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:5619-20. [PMID: 16151162 PMCID: PMC1214661 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.9.5619-5620.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis cysts were detected in 38% (47/123) (37 Scottish, 17 Malaysian) of sewage treatment works. Fifty percent of influents (29% Scottish, 76% Malaysian) and 28% of effluents (9% Scottish, 60% Malaysian) contained viable cysts. Viable cysts, discharged in effluent, provide further evidence for the potential for waterborne transmission of Blastocystis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Suresh
- Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW, Scotland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moghaddam DD, Ghadirian E, Azami M. Blastocystis hominis and the evaluation of efficacy of metronidazole and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Parasitol Res 2005; 96:273-5. [PMID: 15915364 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-005-1363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2005] [Accepted: 03/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans. Although the pathogenicity of this unicellular parasite is controversial, anti-protozoan agents are usually administered to infected individuals. At present, the first choice of chemotherapeutic agent is Metronidazole as described in the literature. In this study, we evaluated the effects of metronidazole and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) on persons infected with B.hominis. A total of 104 subjects infected with B. hominis were admitted to the laboratory from 2002 to 2003. All individuals were non-immunocompromised and subjects were monitored for 1 year after treatment. All stool samples were microscopically examined after staining with iodine and by culturing in an egg slant medium. Of the 104 infected individuals (52+/-16 years of age, M:F=60:44) with B. hominis infection, 28 were discharging large numbers of parasites before treatment. Of 28 severely infected individuals, 12 were treated with metronidazole/250-750 mg at a regimen of 3 x/day/10 days and 4 of the 12 were eradicated. Nine individuals were treated with TMP/SMX/1 tab at a regimen of 3 x/day/10 days and 2 of the 9 were eradicated. For severe B. hominis infections, it appears that metronidazole and TMP/SMX are effective in some individuals, but not all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davood Dorostkar Moghaddam
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is a unicellular organism found commonly in the intestinal tract of humans and many other animals. Very little is known of the basic biology of the organism, and controversy surrounds its taxonomy and pathogenicity. There morphological forms (vacuolar, granular, and ameboid) have been recognized, but recent studies have revealed several additional forms (cyst, avacuolar, and multivacuolar). The biochemistry of the organism has not been studied to any extent, and organelles and structures of unknown function and composition are present in the cells. Several life cycles have been proposed but not experimentally validated. The form used for transmission has not been defined. Infections with the organism are worldwide and appear in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals. Symptoms generally attributed to B. hominis infection are nonspecific, and the need for treatment is debated. If treatment appears warranted, metronidazole is suggested as the drug of choice, although failures of this drug in eradicating the organism have been reported. Infection is diagnosed by light microscopic examination of stained smears or wet mounts of fecal material. Most laboratories identify B. hominis by observing the vacuolar form, although morphological studies indicate that other forms, such as the cyst form and multivacuolar form, also should be sought for diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Stenzel
- Analytical Electron Microscopy Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Boreham PF, Stenzel DJ. Blastocystis in humans and animals: morphology, biology, and epizootiology. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 1993; 32:1-70. [PMID: 8237614 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(08)60206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P F Boreham
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Bancroft Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|