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Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Subtype-host patterns and genetic differentiation of Blastocystis sp. in the Philippines. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29019. [PMID: 38601700 PMCID: PMC11004820 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a gastrointestinal protozoan commonly encountered in humans and animals. Specificity to certain hosts may be associated with 38 known subtypes (STs) and 8 nonmammalian and avian STs (NMASTs). This can be determined by analyzing ST-host associations, ST-allele data, genetic variability analyses, and fixation index (FST) with sufficient data present. Thus, newly acquired and previously published data on Blastocystis sp. STs and NMASTs from the Philippines were compiled to determine the following: (1) ST-host associations, (2) ST-allele diversity per ST in certain hosts/sources, (3) intrasubtype diversity of certain STs found in different hosts using genetic variability analysis, and (4) comparison of similarities between specific ST populations to determine if these are the same circulating populations using FST. A total of 448 samples subtyped using both sequence-tagged site primers and the 600-bp barcoding region of the Blastocystis sp. SSU rRNA gene were analyzed in this study. Patterns of association for the Philippine samples were similar to those from neighboring Southeast Asian countries and around the world: ST1-ST4 were found in humans but ST3 was the most common, ST5 were found in pigs, and ST6 and ST7 were found in poultry. Blastocystis sp. from humans are mostly the same ST alleles (ST3 allele 34 and ST1 allele 4) while 3-5 ST alleles were found in the most common STs in pigs, macaques, and poultry. Also, ST1, ST3, ST5, and NMAST I are undergoing population expansion according to genetic variability analyses through possible addition of new alleles based on ST-allele diversity. Moreover, FST shows the same circulating population of ST1 in humans, pigs, and water indicating a possible waterborne route of cross-transmission. In contrast, ST3 found in humans possibly come from the same circulating population and is genetically distinct from those in nonhuman sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davin Edric V. Adao
- Pathogen–Host–Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Pathogen–Host–Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
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Huang LS, Yeh YM, Chiu SF, Huang PJ, Chu LJ, Huang CY, Cheng FW, Chen LC, Lin HC, Shih YW, Lin WN, Huang KY. Intestinal microbiota analysis of different Blastocystis subtypes and Blastocystis-negative individuals in Taiwan. Biomed J 2023:100661. [PMID: 37774792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100661] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infectious diseases among Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, especially for infections with Blastocystis hominis. However, little is known about the impact of Blastocystis subtypes (STs) on the gut microbiota. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan in the period of 2015 to 2019. Blastocystis-positive stool specimens were collected for ST analysis by polymerase chain reaction in 2020. Intestinal microbiota analyses of different Blastocystis STs and Blastocystis-free individuals were conducted by 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS A total of 13,859 subjects were analyzed, of which 1,802 cases (13%) were diagnosed with intestinal parasitic infections. B. hominis infections were the most prevalent (n = 1546, 85.7%). ST analysis of Blastocystis-positive samples (n=150) indicated that ST1 was the most common type, followed by ST3, ST4, ST2, ST7, and ST5. Different Blastocystis STs (ST1, ST3, and ST4) were associated with distinct richness and diversity of the microbiota. Taxonomic profiles revealed that Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly enriched for all analyzed Blastocystis STs, whereas Holdemanella biformis was more abundant in the Blastocystis-free group. Additionally, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens and Coprococcus eutactus were specifically more abundant in ST3 carriers than in non-infected individuals. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that A. muciniphila is positively associated with all Blastocystis STs, while H. biformis was negatively associated with them. Several bacteria were enriched in specific STs, highlighting the need for further microbiota analysis at the ST level to elucidate the pathogenicity of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-San Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Department of Inspection, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ming Yeh
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fang Chiu
- Department of Inspection, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jung Huang
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan
| | - Lichieh Julie Chu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan city 333, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yun Huang
- Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Wen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Chyang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Shih
- School of nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ning Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; Host-Parasite Interactions Laboratory, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei city 114, Taiwan.
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Kumarasamy V, Rajamanikam A, Anbazhagan D, Atroosh WM, Azzani M, Subramaniyan V, Abdullah SR. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Epidemiology of Human Blastocystis spp. Infection in Malaysia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:415. [PMID: 37624353 PMCID: PMC10457748 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080415] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is a unicellular enteric protozoan parasite in humans with a controversial role in disease etiology. It is common in developing countries among immunocompromised patients and people who have close contact with animals. In this study, we have systematically reviewed previous studies on the distribution and genotypes of human Blastocystis infection in Peninsular Malaysia. Studies examining the prevalence of Blastocystis in diverse demographics, including rural, urban, comorbid conditions, and high-risk populations, were taken into consideration. The infection has been reported in nine states; the total percentage of infection was 17.8% (1671/9397), with the most cases in Pahang (27.3%) and the least in Johor (3.4%). Molecular studies revealed the presence of six subtypes: ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6. ST3 was reported as the predominant subtype in all the states, with a prevalence of 54.7% (338/618). The findings provide greater clarity on the epidemiology of Blastocystis in Malaysia, which will help in policy making towards planning and strategizing control measures against the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Arutchelvan Rajamanikam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Deepa Anbazhagan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, International Medical School (IMS), Management & Science University (MSU), Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wahib Mohammed Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Meram Azzani
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Pharmacology Unit, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Syamsa Rizal Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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Kumarasamy V, Kuppusamy UR, Jayalakshmi P, Govind SK. Blastocystis sp. reduces the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil as a colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic treatment. Exp Parasitol 2023:108564. [PMID: 37308003 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan parasite with extensive genetic variation and unclear pathogenicity. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effects of Blastocystis on the activity of a commonly used CRC chemotherapeutic agent, 5-FU. The cellular and molecular effects of solubilized antigen of Blastocystis in the presence of 5-FU were investigated using HCT116, human CRC cell line and CCD 18-Co, normal human colon fibroblast cells. For the in vivo study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, as follows; Control Group: oral administration of 0.3ml Jones' medium, Group A: rats injected with azoxymethane (AOM), Group A-30FU: Rats injected with AOM and administered 30mg/kg 5-FU, Group B-A-30FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 30mg/kg 5-FU, Group A-60FU: rats injected with AOM and administered 60mg/kg 5-FU and Group B-A-60FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 60mg/kg 5-FU. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory potency of 5-FU at 8μM and 10μM was reduced from 57.7% to 31.6% (p < 0.001) and 69.0%-36.7% (p < 0.001) respectively when co-incubated with Blastocystis antigen for 24 h. However, the inhibitory potency of 5-FU in CCD-18Co cells was not significantly affected in the presence of Blastocystis antigen. The reduced inhibitory potency of 5-FU against cancer cell proliferation due to the presence of Blastocystis is consistent with the upregulation of expression of type 2 cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression. Increased inflammation and abnormal histopathological findings along with a significant cancer multiplicity and adenoma incidence were evident in the intestine of the B-A-30FU and B-A-60FU groups when compared with the A-30FU and A-60FU groups respectively. Our in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that Blastocystis infection could potentially interfere with chemotherapy regimens such as 5-FU in CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Umah Rani Kuppusamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pailoor Jayalakshmi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar Govind
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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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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Zou Y, Wang YG, Liu ZL, Guo AJ, Li XL, Shi ZQ, Zhu XQ, Han XM, Wang S. Echinococcosis Is Associated with the Increased Prevalence of Intestinal Blastocystis Infection in Tibetans and Host Susceptibility to the Blastocystis in Mice. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050773. [PMID: 35625501 PMCID: PMC9138466 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050773] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common human intestinal protozoan parasite. Little is known about its prevalence in echinococcosis. This study tested whether Echinococcus multilocularis infection would increase host susceptibility to Blastocystis. A total of 114 fecal samples (68 hydatid disease patients and 46 healthy people) were collected from Tibetans in the Qinghai province in China. The presence of Blastocystis was identified by sequencing of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Balb/c mice were co-infected with Blastocystis and E. multilocularis and tested for host susceptibility to Blastocystis. The overall Blastocystis prevalence was 12.3%; 16.2% in the patients and 4.4% in healthy people (p < 0.05). Sequence analysis identified three known Blastocystis genotypes, including ST1, ST2, and ST3, and one unknown genotype. Experimental dual infection significantly reduced mouse survival rate (20%), induced more severe signs, and increased intestinal damages with a higher intestinal colonization level of Blastocystis. The mouse model showed that E. multilocularis infection increases host susceptibility to Blastocystis. Our study shows a significantly higher prevalence of Blastocystis in patients with liver echinococcosis and reveals that non-intestinal E. multilocularis infection increases host susceptibility to the Blastocystis. Our results highlight that E. multilocularis infection is associated with Blastocystis. These findings remind us that more attention should be paid to the gut health of the patients with a helminth infection during clinical patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
| | - Yu-Gui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;
| | - Zhong-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
| | - Ai-Jiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
| | - Xiao-Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
| | - Zhi-Qi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;
| | - Xiu-Min Han
- Qinghai Clinical Research Institute of Hydatid Disease, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining 810007, China
- Correspondence: (X.-M.H.); (S.W.); Tel.: +86-931-834-2489 (S.W.)
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.-G.W.); (Z.-L.L.); (A.-J.G.); (X.-L.L.); (Z.-Q.S.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 210009, China
- Correspondence: (X.-M.H.); (S.W.); Tel.: +86-931-834-2489 (S.W.)
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Anti-blastocystosis activity of antioxidant coated ZIF-8 combined with mesoporous silicas MCM-41 and KIT-6. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6403. [PMID: 35431315 PMCID: PMC9013716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10397-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The biocompatible hybrid Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)/structured silica nanocomposite can be loaded with antioxidants such as curcumin and resveratrol to offer multiple advantages of drug functionalization and structural stability. blastocystosis, an enteric parasite, has various outcomes and its treatment includes drugs which have side effects and do not result in a full cure. We aimed to design novel biocompatible nanocomposites containing natural antioxidant, resveratrol or curcumin and ZIF-8/mesoporous silica. We also assessed their anti-blastocystosis activities as bioactive novel nanocomposites. The nano-silica (MCM-41 and KIT-6) was synthesized using a hydrothermal technique and made composite with ZIF-8 using an ultrasonic technique. The antioxidants, curcumin and resveratrol, were loaded over ZIF-8/MCM-41 and ZIF-8/KIT-6 using a rotary evaporator technique to form novel nanocomposites with bioactive properties. The formulated nanocomposites were characterized. To test their biological activity, suspension of cultured blastocystosis cysts (subtype 3) were exposed to increasing concentrations of nanocomposites and the minimal lethal concentration of each nanocomposite was calculated. The bioactive nanocomposites (ZIF-8/KIT-6, ZIF-8/KIT-6/Resveratrol and ZIF-8/MCM-41/Curcumin) were formulated. Anti-blastocystosis activity of the tested nanocomposites was both dose and time dependent. ZIF-8/KIT-6/Resveratol showed the maximum percentage of growth inhibition (~ 100%) at a concentration of 500 µg/ml after 5 h of exposure. More than 90% of blastocystosis cysts’ growth was significantly inhibited at all concentrations of ZIF-8/MCM-41/Curcumin, with different times of exposure, while it occurred only at the highest concentration of ZIF-8/KIT-6 (800 µg/ml). Using cheap, simple, reproducible and scalable techniques, we nano-formulated innovative bioactive nanocomposites, by incorporating the bioactive ZIF-8 (Zn2+ with imidazole), structured mesosilica and natural antioxidant compounds, curcumin or resveratrol, to generate multifunctional modalities. These eco-friendly, naturally based, safe, economical, biocompatible, and bioavailable nanocomposites are potential nanotherapeutics. The anti-blastocystosis results of these three nanocomposites indicate their potentially promising innovative and safe use as alternative Blastocystosis therapies.
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Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for rapid, accurate, and specific detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients. Infection 2022; 50:1295-1302. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Asghari A, Sadeghipour Z, Hassanipour S, Abbasali Z, Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani H, Hashemzaei M, Alimardani V, Hatam G. Association between Blastocystis sp. infection and immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:60308-60328. [PMID: 34528202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The significance of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and the enigmatic pathogenicity of Blastocystis directed us to conduct the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on Blastocystis prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and subtypes distribution in various immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, cancer and hemodialysis patients, as well as transplant recipients). The systematic searching procedure was done in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant published literature until November 11, 2020. Random-effects model was utilized to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The computed pooled prevalence of Blastocystis inferred from 118 papers (128 datasets) on immunocompromised patients was 10.3% (95% CI: 8.7-12.2%), with 16.1% (95% CI: 11.3-22.2%), 12.5% (95% CI: 8.5-18%), 8.4% (95 % CI: 6.6-10.6%), and 6% (95% CI: 2.6-13.3%) for hemodialysis patients, cancer patients, HIV/AIDS patients, and transplant recipients, respectively. Based on 50 case-control studies (54 datasets), the highest ORs were associated with cancer [2.81 (95% CI: 1.24-6.38, P = 0.013)] and hemodialysis patients [2.78 (95% CI: 1.19-6.48, P = 0.018)]. The most frequent subtype being found in immunocompromised patients was ST3 [41.7% (95% CI: 31.4-52.7%)], followed by ST1 [31.7% (95% CI: 23.2-41.8%)] and ST2 [23.1% (95% CI: 14.8-34.1%)]. Also, the weighted frequency of Blastocystis in various subgroups (publication year, WHO regions, geographical distribution, continents, and country income) was analyzed separately. In total, the results of the present meta-analysis highlighted that one's immunodeficiency status is probably associated with an increased Blastocystis infection, underpinning strict preventive measures to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Sadeghipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soheil Hassanipour
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zahra Abbasali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Ebrahimzadeh-Parikhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Alimardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Hernández PC, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, de Avila J, Bautista-Molano W, Bello-Gualtero J, Beltrán-Ostos A, Romero-Sánchez C. Frequency and distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in patients with spondyloarthritis in Bogotá, Colombia. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 15:e00227. [PMID: 34667886 PMCID: PMC8507199 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis sp. is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites worldwide, its role as a pathogen remains unclear. The use of molecular techniques to assess the genetic heterogeneity of Blastocystis sp. has become important to understand its function in some intestinal pathologies and if it is a key component of intestinal microbiota. Spondyloarthritis is a group of immune-mediated autoinflammatory diseases in which microbial dysbiosis in the gut (including parasites, bacteria and fungi) and intestinal inflammation are common features apparently associated with the pathophysiology of these disorders. This study included 74 patients diagnosed with spondyloarthritis and 57 systemically healthy individuals (included as controls), who were screened for intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 68% and 73% of the patients with spondyloarthritis and controls, respectively. In faecal samples positive for Blastocystis sp., an 18S rRNA gene fragment of Blastocystis sp. was amplified and sequenced to identify their genetic sub-types. Patients with spondyloarthritis showed similar frequencies of ST1, ST2 and ST3 subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (30% each). The same subtypes were observed in controls, wherein almost 60% of the samples showed ST3. In addition, ST6 was found only in one sample from each group. ST1 subtype showed the greatest genetic variability. Although the same subtypes were detected in both patients with spondyloarthritis and controls, subtype prevalence studies conducted in Colombia indicate an association between ST3 and individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. This opens an interesting research avenue to further study of the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. and its possible relationship with intestinal conditions in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Hernández
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana Morales
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliette de Avila
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Wilson Bautista-Molano
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia.,Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Bello-Gualtero
- Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Beltrán-Ostos
- Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Consuelo Romero-Sánchez
- Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Odontología, Grupo de Inmunología Celular y Molecular -INMUBO, Bogotá, Colombia.,Hospital Militar, Servicio de Reumatología e Inmunología, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo de Inmunología Clínica Aplicada, Bogotá, Colombia
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11
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Sarzhanov F, Dogruman-Al F, Santin M, Maloney JG, Gureser AS, Karasartova D, Taylan-Ozkan A. Investigation of neglected protists Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient diarrheal patients using both conventional and molecular methods. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009779. [PMID: 34613993 PMCID: PMC8494357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is a controversial issue. Since the pathogenicity of these protists has not been fully elucidated, testing for these organisms is not routinely pursued by most laboratories and clinicians. Thus, the prevalence of these organisms and the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in human patients in Turkey are not well characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in the diarrheic stool samples of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients using conventional and molecular methods and to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes using next generation sequencing. Material and methods Individual stool specimens were collected from 245 immunodeficient and 193 immunocompetent diarrheic patients between March 2017 and December 2019 at the Gazi University Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Samples were screened for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis by conventional and molecular methods. Molecular detection of both protists was achieved by separate qPCRs targeting a partial fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. Next generation sequencing was used to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes. Results The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was 16.7% and 11.9%, respectively as measured by qPCR. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was lower in immunodeficient patients (12.7% and 10.6%, respectively) compared to immunocompetent patients (21.8% and 13.5%, respectively). Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified and the following subtype distribution was observed: ST3 54.4% (n = 37), ST2 16.2% (n = 11), ST1 4.4% (n = 3), ST6 2.9% (n = 2), ST4 1.5% (n = 1), ST2/ST3 11.8% (n = 8) and ST1/ST3 8.8% (n = 6). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes between immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. Conclusion and recommendation Our findings demonstrated that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea. This study is the first to use next generation sequencing to address the presence of Blastocystis sp. mixed subtypes and intra-subtype variability in clinical samples in Turkey. Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are single-cell parasites of the human intestine which are common worldwide and reported in cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the role of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is still controversial because their presence is not always associated with symptoms. As some intestinal parasitic infections can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals careful consideration of intestinal protist infection is warranted. However, testing for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis is not routinely carried out by most laboratories and clinicians. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients with diarrhea by conventional and molecular methods. Both Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis were detected more frequently by quantitative polymerase chain reaction than by conventional methods. Next generation sequencing was used to characterize the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and mixed subtypes in patients in Turkey. Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST6) were detected. ST3 was the most frequent subtype in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Mono-infections were more common than mixed subtype infections. Our findings showed that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkestan, Kazakhstan
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ayse Semra Gureser
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Djursun Karasartova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB- University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Nemati S, Zali MR, Johnson P, Mirjalali H, Karanis P. Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Asia and in Australia. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:687-704. [PMID: 34665764 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a prevalent protozoan parasite reported in humans, animals, and environmental samples. Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. alongside with its genetic and biochemical features. However, studies on subtype distribution of this protozoan in humans, animals, and environmental samples represent the potential transmission routes. In this review, we evaluated studies performed in Asian countries and in Australia to provide an overview of environmental factors on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul Johnson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail:
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia University Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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13
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Popruk S, Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Epidemiology and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in humans: A review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105085. [PMID: 34530156 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a commonly encountered gastrointestinal protozoan in humans and animals with uncertain pathogenicity. Despite its potential public health impact, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence and molecular subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis have been rarely reported. Among Blastocystis STs, ST1-ST4 are common in humans, including healthy and immunodeficient populations. According to the Chi-squared (χ2) association based on the data compiled for this cross-sectional study, the presence of ST1 is associated with asymptomatic infection, whereas the presence of ST4 is associated with symptomatic infection. However, cross-sectional studies cannot clarify the potential pathogenicity of Blastocystis, unlike in vivo and in vitro studies. Poor hygiene, poor sanitation and zoonotic transmission are possible factors associated with high Blastocystis prevalence, although this protozoan may be part of the normal healthy human gastrointestinal microbiota. This review covers the prevalence, STs and distribution of Blastocystis infection in humans. Thus, future epidemiological and subtyping studies could reveal new STs in humans as well as possible associations of STs with disease, drug resistance and related mechanisms such as protease activity. These associations with proper ST identification may facilitate the control of potential threats to host health, including the direct pathogenic effects of Blastocystis or alterations of the gastrointestinal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Davin Edric V Adao
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines.
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14
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Prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis hominis and Cystoisospora belli in HIV/AIDS patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15904. [PMID: 34354101 PMCID: PMC8342556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis and Cystoisospora belli are considered to be common opportunistic intestinal protozoa in HIV/AIDS patients. In order to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of B. hominis and C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients, a total of 285 faecal samples were individually collected from HIV/AIDS patients in Guangxi, China. B. hominis and C. belli were investigated by amplifying the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region of the rRNA gene, respectively. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were conducted to assess the risk factors related to B. hominis and C. belli infection. The prevalence of B. hominis and C. belli was 6.0% (17/285) and 1.1% (3/285) respectively. Four genotypes of B. hominis were detected, with ST3 (n = 8) and ST1 (n = 6) being predominant, followed by ST6 (n = 2) and ST7 (n = 1). Females had a statistically higher prevalence of B. hominis (11.6%) than males (4.2%). The statistical analysis also showed that the prevalence of B. hominis was significantly associated with age group and educational level. Our study provides convincing evidence for the genetic diversity of B. hominis, which indicates its potential zoonotic transmission and is the first report on the molecular characteristics of C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients in China.
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15
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Investigation of Isolated Blastocystis Subtypes from Cancer Patients in Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:584-592. [PMID: 33387270 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is not clear that Blastocystis remains without damage to the digestive tract or has a pathogenic effect in relation to subtypes in immunocompromised people, such as cancer patients. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in cancer patients who were followed-up and treated in the Oncology clinic of Firat University Hospital and to determine the clinical signs of infected sufferers. METHODS 201 patients aged ≥ 18 with a diagnosis of cancer were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients' stool samples were examined between September 2017 and August 2019 by native-Lugol, trichrome staining. Microscopy-positive stool samples were subjected to DNA isolation and subtyped by Sequence Tagged Site (STS)-PCR analysis. The symptoms and demographic characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. RESULTS Totally, 29 (14.4%) samples were positive for Blastocystis after all methods. 15 (51.7%) out of 29 samples were successfully subtyped by the sequenced-tagged site(STS)-PCR, while 14 (48.3%) could not be typed. Three subtypes of Blastocystis were detected: ST3 (40%), ST2 (33%), ST1 (20%), and one mixed infections with ST1/ST2 (6%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of clinical findings and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION The outcomes of our study promote the idea that Blastocystis could be an asymptomatic and harmless commensal organism. However, more comprehensive molecular and clinical studies are needed to fully determine the pathogenicity and epidemiology of Blastocystis in cancer patients.
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16
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Terveer EM, van Gool T, Ooijevaar RE, Sanders IMJG, Boeije-Koppenol E, Keller JJ, Bart A, Kuijper EJ. Human Transmission of Blastocystis by Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Without Development of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Recipients. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2630-2636. [PMID: 31728525 PMCID: PMC7745006 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with multiple recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI) are treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), using feces provided by healthy donors. Blastocystis colonization of donors is considered an exclusion criterion, whereas its pathogenicity is still under debate. Methods The introduction of molecular screening for Blastocystis sp. at our stool bank identified 2 donors with prior negative microscopies but positive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Potential transmission of Blastocystis sp. to patients was assessed on 16 fecal patient samples, pre- and post-FMT, by PCR and subtype (ST) analyses. In addition, clinical outcomes for the treatment of rCDI (n = 31), as well as the development of gastrointestinal symptoms, were assessed. Results There was 1 donor who carried Blastocystis ST1, and the other contained ST3. All patients tested negative for Blastocystis prior to FMT. With a median diagnosis at 20.5 days after FMT, 8 of 16 (50%) patients developed intestinal colonization with Blastocystis, with identical ST sequences as their respective donors. Blastocystis-containing fecal suspensions were used to treat 31 rCDI patients, with an FMT success rate of 84%. This success rate was not statistically different from patients transferred with Blastocystis sp.–negative donor feces (93%, 76/82). Patients transferred with Blastocystis sp.–positive donor feces did not report any significant differences in bowel complaints in the first week, after 3 weeks, or in the months following FMT. Conclusions We demonstrated the first transmission of Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 from donors to patients by FMT. This did not result in gastrointestinal symptomatology or have any significant effect on rCDI treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Terveer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Section Clinical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier E Ooijevaar
- Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M J G Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Boeije-Koppenol
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josbert J Keller
- Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology, Haaglanden Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert Bart
- Section Clinical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Donor Feces Bank, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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Salehi M, Mardaneh J, Niazkar HR, Minooeianhaghighi M, Arshad E, Soleimani F, Mohammadzadeh A. Prevalence and Subtype Analysis of Blastocystis hominis Isolated from Patients in the Northeast of Iran. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:8821885. [PMID: 33510903 PMCID: PMC7822675 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8821885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans and many other hosts. Pathogenicity of Blastocystis spp. remains controversial, and it has been suggested that it may be associated with specific subtypes of the organism. This study identified the B. hominis subtypes and their prevalence rates in the northeast of Iran. A total of 1878 samples were collected from the northeast of Iran from January to December 2017. The patients' demographic details were recorded. Samples were examined by a wet mount, and genomic DNA was extracted from positive samples. Also, PCR was done on the positive samples, and sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were subsequently performed. From 1878 collected stool samples, 152 (8.1%) Blastocystis samples were detected by the microscopic method. Of the 152 samples, Blastocystis spp. were found in 53.6% of the men and 28.9% of the women who showed clinical gastrointestinal symptoms, and a significant relationship was observed between gender and clinical symptoms (P = 0.002). A meaningful relationship was found between the season and infection with this parasite (P value = 0.003). The results of the sequencing of 22 PCR products showed the dominance of ST3, which was isolated from 10 (45.45%) patients, while ST1, ST2, and ST7 were found in 4 (18.19%), 7 (31.81%), and 1 (4.55%) patients, respectively. In this study, ST7 had a low prevalence in the northeast of Iran, and similar to previous studies, ST3 was the dominant subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Salehi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Jalal Mardaneh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Niazkar
- Student Research Committee, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | | | - Elahe Arshad
- Student Research Committee, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Fateme Soleimani
- Student Research Committee, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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The Prevalence of Blastocystis Infection in Pediatric Patients with Malignancy: A Single-Center Study in Ahvaz, Iran. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.104068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Blastocystis spp. is known as one of the few intestinal parasites, prevalent in more than 5% and 30 - 60% of the population in industrialized and developing countries, respectively. In this respect, immunocompromised individuals, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with malignancies, are at risk of the clinical symptoms of Blastocystis infection; however, the given condition is often self-limiting in healthy individuals. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Blastocystis infection in children with malignancies receiving chemo drugs. Methods: The current descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 stool specimens collected from patients with cancer admitted to the Oncology Ward of Shahid Baqaei 2 Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, for six months. A standardized questionnaire was filled out for all cases. Each specimen was also prepared using direct smear, the Lugol iodine staining, and the formalin-ether condensation method. Results: Blastocystis spp. was detected in 21.1% of the cases among them, 11.5% demonstrated gastrointestinal symptoms; therefore, a significant relationship was observed between Blastocystis infection and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion: Patients undergoing chemotherapy should be screened for opportunistic parasitic infections such as Blastocystis to avoid potentially life-threatening outcomes. Besides, further studies are required to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis.
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19
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Delshad A, Saraei M, Alizadeh SA, Niaraki SR, Alipour M, Hosseinbigi B, Bozorgomid A, Hajialilo E. Distribution and molecular analysis of Blastocystis subtypes from gastrointestinal symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Iran. Afr Health Sci 2020; 20:1179-1189. [PMID: 33402964 PMCID: PMC7751524 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v20i3.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite of human and animal hosts. The parasite has 17 subtypes, and among those at least nine subtypes (ST1-ST9) are found in human hosts. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of different subtypes of Blastocystis spp. among the patients referred to Velayat hospital of Qazvin province, Iran. METHODS Overall, 864 stool samples were examined by using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method and Trichrome staining. All specimens were cultured in clotted fetal bovine medium. Later, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene region was conducted and phylogenetic tree constructed. RESULTS The results revealed 7.9% (68/864) of the study population were infected with Blastocystis. Intestinal symptoms were observed in 61% (36/59) of individuals positive for Blastocystis, with abdominal pain in 58% (21/36) of cases which was more frequent than other intestinal signs. No significant relationship was observed among the study variables. By molecular and phylogenetic analysis, three subtypes ST1 (45%), ST2 (30%) and ST3 (23%) of parasite were identified. CONCLUSION This study showed ST1 subtype was the predominant subtype among the positive specimens, meanwhile the highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity were clarified in ST3 subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Delshad
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Saraei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non- Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Safar Ali Alizadeh
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Alipour
- Department of Social Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Bahram Hosseinbigi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non- Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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20
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Molecular identification and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from children and adolescent with cancer in Iran: evaluation of possible risk factors and clinical features. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:462-473. [PMID: 32124201 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the molecular characterization and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cancer children and adolescents in Shiraz, Fars province, southwestern Iran. METHODS Overall, 200 fecal samples obtained from cancer children and adolescents under 18 years old (107 males and 93 females) and checked by microscopy, culture, and molecular methods (PCR). Possible etiological factors and clinical characteristics of Blastocystis infection were also evaluated and compared between Blastocystis infected and non-infected patients. RESULTS Thirteen of 200 (6.5%) stool samples were positive for Blastocystis by microscopy. While 21 of 200 (10.5%) were positive by culture, and 24 of 200 (12%) were positive by PCR. Out of 24 positive samples tested by PCR and sequencing, ST3 was reported as the most common subtype (nine samples, 37.5%), followed by ST2 (eight samples, 33.3%), ST1 (five samples, 20.9%), and ST7 (two samples, 8.3%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection in males was significantly higher than females (p = 0.024). Also, Blastocystis was more prevalent in patients who had received at least eight chemotherapy cycles than fewer (p = 0.002). However, no associations were found between Blastocystis-positive rate and age, residence, type of cancers, or contact with animals. Also, there was no significant difference between frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in symptomatic and asymptomatic cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Various controlled epidemiologic and topographic studies need to confirm or reject these possible associations with Blastocystis infection. The data from this study are an invaluable addition to the growing body of research studies on Blastocystis infection in cancer patients.
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Prevalence and Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis from Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Chronic Urticaria in Iran. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:90-96. [PMID: 31602552 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a parasite that colonizes in the human intestine. Its clinical features include diarrhea, abdominal pain, or urticarial and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Spite of being significant genetic diversity and numerous subtypes within the genus there were no associations between its subtypes and symptomatology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aim of this project was subtyping of the protozoa in 184 Iranian people with history of IBS/IBD (n = 74) or chronic urticaria (n = 59) and individuals referred to general clinic (n = 51). Microscopic and molecular examinations used for identifying and subtyping of Blastocystis. RESULTS Overall, frequency of the parasite was 24.46% while, 29.41% of people who referred to general clinic, 20.27%, and 25.42% of IBS/IBD and urticarial cases were infected, respectively. Subtyping result showed that 28.89% of all people were infected with Blastocystis sp. while the prevalence of ST3, ST2 and ST1 were 22.22%, 22.22%, and 17.78%, respectively. Blastocystis sp., was identified in most IBS/IBD cases (46.7%) followed with ST2 and ST3 (13.3 and 13.3, respectively). Whereas, in chronic urticaria group ST2(33.3%) was the major subtype and most individuals in control group were infected with ST3 (33.3%). Pearson's Chi Square test showed no significant differences between the parasite or subtype prevalence and diseases (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Given significant factors have effect on clinical signs including host or parasite genetics, microbiota, as well as environmental factors, it seems that further studies are needed to find out different markers of host susceptibility to diverse parasite genotypes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome or urticaria.
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Gabrielli S, Furzi F, Fontanelli Sulekova L, Taliani G, Mattiucci S. Occurrence of Blastocystis-subtypes in patients from Italy revealed association of ST3 with a healthy gut microbiota. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00134. [PMID: 32258445 PMCID: PMC7096745 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An epidemiological survey on Blastocystis was carried out enrolling a total of 2524 subjects referred to the Umberto I Academic Hospital in Rome, for the routine parasitological exams, during 2017–2018. The studied population included a sample of immunocompromised individuals (N = 130) followed at the same hospital. DNA sequencing of the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA) locus was performed on samples positive to the coproparasitological analysis to molecular characterize the Blastocystis-subtypes. Microscopical analysis detected Blastocystis in 192/2524 (7.6%) of the enrolled subjects. It was the organism most frequently identified in the analysed faecal samples diagnosed in single infection (5.6%) or in co-infection with other enteric protozoa (2%). Furthermore, it was found mainly in immunocompromised patients (22.3%) compared to immunocompetent ones (6.8%). As expected, ST3 was the most occurring subtype identified in 40% of the subjects, followed by ST1 (29%), ST2 (16%), ST4 (12%), and ST7 (3%). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rDNA was performed on a sub-sample of Blastocystis-ST3-carriers, homogenous by age and gender, as well as on Blastocystis-free subjects, to profile and compare their gut bacterial composition. A higher bacterial diversity was found in ST3-Blastocystis-carriers, which exhibited a high abundance of Prevotella, Methanobrevibacter and Ruminococcus while, a high percentage of Bacteroides was found in Blastocystis-free subjects. This study evidenced the presence of Blastocystis in 7.6% of faecal samples in Italy and a high circulation of the protist among immunocompromised patients (22.3%). Molecular characterization of positive samples evidenced the occurrence of five different subtypes, including zoonotic ST such as the ST7, highlighting the risk of transmission from animals. Study of the gut microbiota composition confirms previous evidences according to which, the colonisation by Blastocystis would be linked with an eubiotic gut characterized by potentially beneficial species such as Prevotella and Ruminococcus, rather than with a dysbiotic state, with a high abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, and corroborated the role of the protist as “an old friend” of the human gut. Microscopical analysis detected Blastocystis in 7.6% subjects in Italy. Molecular methods allowed the identification of 5 STs (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST7). ST3 resulted the most frequent subtype. NGS of the 16S rDNA gene was performed in Blastocystis-ST3-carriers. Blastocystis-ST3 resulted correlated to an eubiotic gut characterized by potentially beneficial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Academic Hospital "Policlinico Umberto I", Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Taliani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza University of Rome", 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza-University of Rome", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Academic Hospital "Policlinico Umberto I", Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author at: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Fontanelli Sulekova L, Gabrielli S, Furzi F, Milardi GL, Biliotti E, De Angelis M, Iaiani G, Fimiani C, Maiorano M, Mattiucci S, Taliani G. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:876. [PMID: 31640585 PMCID: PMC6805496 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV-positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis-subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA), to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis-carriers. Results Blastocystis-subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were identified in 39 HIV-positive patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p = 0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p = 0.0001) and with flatulence (p = 0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis-carriers and free ones. Conclusions Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART showing in examined patients 25% prevalence. Homosexual behaviour may represent a risk factor for its transmission, while CD4 count and viremia didn’t correlate with the presence of the protist. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear and no gut inflammation status was detected in Blastocystis-carriers. The only symptom associated with Blastocystis was the flatulence, evidencing a link between the presence of the protist and the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Umberto I Academic Hospital, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luigi Milardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Biliotti
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio De Angelis
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Iaiani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fimiani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Maiorano
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology laboratory, Umberto I Academic Hospital, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Taliani
- Department of Translation and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Zhang N, Zhang H, Yu Y, Gong P, Li J, Li Z, Li T, Cong Z, Tian C, Liu X, Yu X, Zhang X. High prevalence of Pentatrichomonas hominis infection in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:423. [PMID: 31462294 PMCID: PMC6714378 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pentatrichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoan that inhabits the large intestine of humans. Although several protozoans have been proposed to have a role in cancer progression, little is known about the epidemiology of P. hominis infection in cancer patients. METHODS To determine the prevalence of P. hominis in patients with digestive system malignancies, we collected 195 and 142 fecal samples from gastrointestinal cancer patients and residents without any complaints related to the digestive system, respectively. Each sample was detected for the presence of P. hominis by nested PCR amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial 18S rRNA gene. RESULTS A significantly higher prevalence of P. hominis was found in cancer patients than that in the control population (41.54 vs 9.15%, χ2 = 42.84, df = 1, P < 0.001), resulting in a 6.75-fold risk of gastrointestinal cancers (OR: 6.75, 95% CI: 3.55-12.83, P < 0.001). The highest prevalence of P. hominis infection was detected in small intestine cancer patients (60%, OR: 14.88, 95% CI: 0.82-4.58, P = 0.009) followed by liver (57.14%, χ2 = 10.82, df = 1, P = 0.001) and stomach cancer patients (45.1%, χ2 = 31.95, df = 1, P < 0.001). In addition, phylogenetic analysis provided some evidence supporting that human P. hominis infection might derive from animal sources. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first report presenting the high association between P. hominis and gastrointestinal cancers. Nevertheless, whether there is any possible pathological role of P. hominis infection in cancer patients needs to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- The First Hospital, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yanhui Yu
- Clinical Lab, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The First Hospital, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ting Li
- Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130021, China
| | | | | | | | - Xiuyan Yu
- Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research by Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Wąż P, Sikorska K, Szostakowska B. Blastocystis subtypes isolated from travelers and non-travelers from the north of Poland - A single center study. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:103926. [PMID: 31220611 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common, enteric protist of humans and animals with a worldwide distribution and unclear clinical relevance. Nine out of 17 genetically diverse subtypes occur in humans. We analysed the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes and the intensity of invasion in relation to the gastrointestinal tract disorders and travels to different continents. 122 Blastocystis stool cultures were subtyped via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with seven pairs of subtype-specific, sequence-tagged-site (STS) primers. Five subtypes of Blastocystis were detected: ST3 (59%), ST2 (19.7%), ST1 (13.1%), ST6 (3.3%), ST7 (3.3%), and two mixed infections with ST1/ST3 (1.6%). ST1 was detected exclusively in travelers to hot climate zones and ST2 was found more frequently in people visiting other continents compared to those who never left Poland. We found no correlation between gastrointestinal tract disorders, Blastocystis STs, and parasite load. There was no age predisposition to the Blastocystis infection. We established the distribution of Blastocystis STs among Poles traveling to different continents and never leaving Poland. Our study sheds more light on the problem of importing Blastocystis infection. It shows that certain subtypes detected in Europe can be imported due to travel or migration. Collecting data on the travel history of the surveyed persons is necessary to clarify this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Wąż
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
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26
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Determination the Subtypes of Blastocystis sp. and Evaluate the Effect of These Subtypes on Pathogenicity. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:7-12. [PMID: 30649701 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-018-00002-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to determine the frequency of subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in the immunosuppressed individuals, in patients with chronic urticaria, and in patients with GIS complaints to investigate the difference of Blastocystis sp. subtype distribution between patient and control groups. METHODS A total of 345 stool samples were collected from the patients and samples were studied by native-Lugol, trichrome staining, and Jones medium culture method. Positively detected samples were subjected to PCR to determine the subtypes. RESULTS This is the first study of nine subtypes of Blastocystis sp. investigated in our country and the most frequently found subtype was ST3, and then, the other subtypes were ST1, ST2, ST5, and ST6, respectively. Mix subtype was detected in the 11.6% and no subtype was detected in the 17.4% of the samples. The ST5 was detected first time in the control group and ST6, which is reported limitedly in our country, was found in patients with GIS complaints. ST1 and ST2 were found higher in the patient group. CONCLUSION This study confirmed that the subtype (ST) differences are an important factor affecting the pathogenesis of Blastocystis sp.
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27
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Zhang W, Ren G, Zhao W, Yang Z, Shen Y, Sun Y, Liu A, Cao J. Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Subtyping of Blastocystis in Cancer Patients: Relationship to Diarrhea and Assessment of Zoonotic Transmission. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1835. [PMID: 28983297 PMCID: PMC5613175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) and Blastocystis are common pathogens responsible for diarrhea in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The number of cancer patients has been increasing and diarrhea is a common clinical symptom in the treatment of cancers. To understand the prevalences and genotypes/subtypes of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in cancer patients in China, to track the infection sources, and to explore the relationships between E. bieneusi and Blastocystis infections and diarrhea, 381 fecal specimens were collected from cancer patients. Each of them was analyzed for the presence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis by PCR amplifying and sequencing the ITS region of the rRNA gene and the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene, respectively. 1.3 and 7.1% of cancer patients were positive for E. bieneusi and Blastocystis, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in the infection rates between the groups by age, gender, and residence. E. bieneusi and Blastocystis were both significantly more common in cancer patients with diarrhea, and significant relationship of Blastocystis to diarrhea was found in chemotherapy group. Two E. bieneusi genotypes (D and a novel one named as HLJ-CP1) and two Blastocystis subtypes (ST1 and ST3) were identified with three novel ST1 sequences. This is the first report of occurrence and molecular characterizations of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in cancer patients in China. E. bieneusi genotype D and Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 have been identified in humans and animals while one novel E. bieneusi genotype falling into zoonotic group 1, implying a potential of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Guangxu Ren
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Ziyin Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and FilariasisShanghai, China
| | - Yihua Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbin, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and FilariasisShanghai, China
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Genomic analysis of Blastocystis hominis isolates in patients with HIV-positive using locus SSU-rDNA. J Parasit Dis 2017; 42:28-33. [PMID: 29491555 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a protozoan zoonosis which clinical signs of infection with this parasite has been reported to be more severe in patients with weakened immune systems than healthy controls. So, the aim of the study was to evaluate genomic analysis of B. hominis isolates obtained from patients with HIV-positive using locus SSU-rDNA. At first, 268 stool samples were randomly collected from patients with HIV-positive referred to health centers of Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. Formol-ether and direct smear techniques were used for the detection of parasitic agents. After extracting DNA, the samples were analyzed by the PCR method. Finally, the subtypes were determined by the sequencing and PCR methods. New samples were used for the preparation of positive control sample; they were cultured in coagulant-serum biphasic cultivation media. Of 268 stool samples, 33 (12.3%) cases were detected positive for B. hominis using Formol-Ether technique but 51 (19%) cases were positive using molecular method. The most common isolates were related to the subtype III with 29 positive cases (56.8%), then, genotype I with 11 (21.6%) cases, 6 cases (11.8%) with genotype II, 3 (5.9%) combined cases with genotypes I and III as well as 2 cases (3.9%) with genotype VI. There was a significant difference between two groups of HIV-positive patients (infected with the parasite and/or without the parasite) in the term of the mean of TCD4-positive cells. The results indicated a relatively high prevalence of B. hominis in HIV-positive patients as well as our findings may represent that the number reduction of TCD4-positive cells has an effective role in the increased risk of the parasitic infection in HIV-positive patients.
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29
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Mohamed AM, Ahmed MA, Ahmed SA, Al-Semany SA, Alghamdi SS, Zaglool DA. Predominance and association risk of Blastocystis hominis subtype I in colorectal cancer: a case control study. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:21. [PMID: 28413436 PMCID: PMC5389010 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis, a genetically diverse intestinal parasite with controversial pathogenic potential, has increasingly been incriminated for diarrheal illness in immunocompromised individuals including colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the possible association between Blastocystis infection and CRC condition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods Stool samples were collected from 80 non-cancer (NC) and 138 cancer subjects including 74 CRC patients and 64 patients with other cancers outside gastrointestinal tract (COGT). Molecularly confirmed Blastocystis isolates were genetically grouped and subtyped using multiplex polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequence-tagged site primers-based PCR (PCR-STS), respectively. Results Blastocystis hominis were confirmed in 29.7, 25 and 15% among CRC, COGT and NC patients, respectively. Obtained Blastocystis isolates were initially categorized into 2 groups (A and C), which were subsequently subtyped into 3 different subtypes; subtype-I (38%), subtype-II (44%) and subtype-V (22%). Interestingly, subtype-I was the most predominantly detected subtype (54.5%) among CRC patients with a significant association risk (COR 7.548; 95% CI: 1.629–34.987; P = 0.004). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to provide genetic insights on the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis among CRC patients in Makkah, KSA. Moreover, the study suggests for a possible association between subtype-I of Blastocystis hominis and CRC, which could indicate a potential influence of Blastocystis on CRC condition. Further studies are required to confirm this association risk and to investigate the possible underlying mechanism of postulated carcinogenic influence of Blastocystis hominis subtype-I. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13027-017-0131-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Mohamed Mohamed
- Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 7607 Saudi Arabia.,Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mona Abdelfattah Ahmed
- Medical Parasitology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Sherif Ahmed Al-Semany
- Oncology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Saad Saed Alghamdi
- Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 7607 Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina Abdulla Zaglool
- Medical Parasitology, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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30
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Khademvatan S, Masjedizadeh R, Yousefi-Razin E, Mahbodfar H, Rahim F, Yousefi E, Foroutan M. PCR-based molecular characterization of Blastocystis hominis subtypes in southwest of Iran. J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:43-47. [PMID: 28404232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans and many other hosts. Pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial and it has been suggested that it may be associated with certain subtypes of organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of B. hominis and its subtype distribution in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. During 2012-2014, a total of 481 samples were collected from patients referred to the medical laboratory centers in Ahvaz for stool examination. Samples were examined by wet mount, and genomic DNA was extracted from 50 positive samples. PCR was performed using seven primer pairs targeting the SSU rDNA gene and sequenced. 69 (14.35%) samples were found to be positive for B. hominis and the subtypes of 50 samples were identified. Five subtypes (STs) were identified, including: ST1 (22%), ST2 (6%), ST3 (40%), ST4 (2%), and ST5 (8%). 11 (22%) mixed infections were found, of which 5 were a mixture of ST3/ST4. Mixtures of ST1/ST3 and ST1/ST4 were 3, respectively. In this study people infected with ST3 showed the most gastrointestinal symptoms. This is the first study in the population of Ahvaz and indicates the high prevalence of ST3 in this area. The results suggest a possible association between this subtype and pathogenic potential of parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Khademvatan
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology & Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rahim Masjedizadeh
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Yousefi-Razin
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, and Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Mahbodfar
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Del Coco VF, Molina NB, Basualdo JA, Córdoba MA. [Blastocystis spp.: Advances, controversies and future challenges]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2017; 49:110-118. [PMID: 28189279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is the most common protozoan detected in human stool samples. In developing countries, infection rates are higher than 20%. The presence of this parasite in the feces of several host species suggests its zoonotic potential. The clinical relevance and the pathogenic role of Blastocystis spp. in the intestinal tract remain unclear. There are several clinical reports that recognize it as the etiologic agent of several intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, although the pathogenicity of this parasite has not been proved yet. This wide range of clinical manifestations could be related to the genetic diversity exhibited by this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria F Del Coco
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CABA, Argentina.
| | - Nora B Molina
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan A Basualdo
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María A Córdoba
- Centro Universitario de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos, Sede Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
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Büyükbaba Boral Ö, Çelik Payçu DG, Akgül A, İşsever H. Blastocystis spp. Saptanan 50 Semptomatik Hastada Subtip Dağılımın Saptanması. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2017. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.359174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Yersal O, Malatyali E, Ertabaklar H, Oktay E, Barutca S, Ertug S. Blastocystis subtypes in cancer patients: Analysis of possible risk factors and clinical characteristics. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:792-796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Salvador F, Sulleiro E, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Alonso C, Santos J, Fuentes I, Molina I. Epidemiological and clinical profile of adult patients with Blastocystis sp. infection in Barcelona, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:548. [PMID: 27741951 PMCID: PMC5064914 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis spp. are among the most frequently observed intestinal parasites in humans. Despite the discovery of Blastocystis approximately 100 years ago, limited information is available regarding its pathogenesis, genetic diversity, and available treatment options. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Blastocystis sp. infections diagnosed at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain). Methods A retrospective observational study was performed which included all adult patients who attended Vall d’Hebron University Hospital from February 2009 to March 2014 that had Blastocystis sp. detected in their stool. Results Four hundred eighteen patients were included, the median age was 36 (18–86) years and 236 (56.5 %) were men. Regarding patient symptoms, 234 (56 %) patients were completely asymptomatic, 92 (22 %) patients had symptoms, and 92 (22 %) patients had symptoms that could be attributed to other causes. Of the 92 patients with symptoms not attributable to other etiologies except for Blastocystis infection, the most frequent symptoms were diarrhea (61 patients, 66.3 %) and abdominal pain (34 patients, 37 %). Additionally, nine (9.8 %) patients had cutaneous manifestations. Thirty-one (7.4 %) patients received specific treatment for Blastocystis infection. The clinical response of treated patients was varied. Five patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms, 12 patients reported improvement of clinical symptoms, eight patients described no clinical improvement, and information was unavailable for six patients. Conclusions Blastocystis infection was detected in 418 patients, most of them foreign-born. Although the vast majority of patients were asymptomatic, 22 % of patients had gastrointestinal symptoms or cutaneous manifestations in the absence of other causes. Despite the scarce information available, given the safety of antiparasitic treatment, and the percentage of patients who experienced resolution or improvement of symptoms, treatment should be considered in patients with chronic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Alonso
- Gastroenterology Department, Vall d' Hebron Research Institute, Digestive Diseases Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Gastroenterology Department, Vall d' Hebron Research Institute, Digestive Diseases Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, National Centre of Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SNA, Mohd Mohtar NSH, Azrul SM, Abdullah WO, Moktar N. Occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in water catchments at Malay villages and Aboriginal settlement during wet and dry seasons in Peninsular Malaysia. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2541. [PMID: 27761331 PMCID: PMC5068341 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tropics, there are too few studies on isolation of Blastocystis sp. subtypes from water sources; in addition, there is also an absence of reported studies on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in water during different seasons. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in river water and other water sources that drained aboriginal vicinity of highly endemic intestinal parasitic infections during wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from six sampling points of Sungai Krau (K1–K6) and a point at Sungai Lompat (K7) and other water sources around the aboriginal villages. The water samples were collected during both seasons, wet and dry seasons. Filtration of the water samples were carried out using a flatbed membrane filtration system. The extracted DNA from concentrated water sediment was subjected to single round polymerase chain reaction and positive PCR products were subjected to sequencing. All samples were also subjected to filtration and cultured on membrane lactose glucuronide agar for the detection of faecal coliforms. During wet season, Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2 and ST3 were detected in river water samples. Blastocystis sp. ST3 occurrence was sustained in the river water samples during dry season. However Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2 were absent during dry season. Water samples collected from various water sources showed contaminations of Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4, during wet season and Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST3, ST8 and ST10 during dry season. Water collected from all river sampling points during both seasons showed growth of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. In this study, Blastocystis sp. ST3 is suggested as the most robust and resistant subtype able to survive in any adverse environmental condition. Restriction and control of human and animal faecal contaminations to the river and other water sources shall prevent the transmission of Blastocystis sp. to humans and animals in this aboriginal community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samseh Abdullah Noradilah
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kolej Universiti Insaniah , Kuala Ketil , Kedah , Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Noor Shazleen Husnie Mohd Mohtar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Syed Muhamad Azrul
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Wan Omar Abdullah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia , Pandan Indah , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Dhurga DB, Suresh K, Tan TC. Granular Formation during Apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. Exposed to Metronidazole (MTZ). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155390. [PMID: 27471855 PMCID: PMC4966910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role and function of the granular life cycle stage in Blastocystis sp, remains uncertain despite suggestions being made that the granules are metabolic, reproductive and lipid in nature. This present study aims to understand granular formation by triggering apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. by treating them with metronidazole (MTZ). Blastocystis sp.cultures of 4 sub-types namely 1, 2, 3 and 5 when treated with 0.01 and 0.0001 mg/ml of metronidazole (MTZ) respectively showed many of the parasites to be both viable and apoptotic (VA). Treated subtype 3 isolates exhibited the highest number of granular forms i.e. 88% (p<0.001) (0.0001 mg/ml) and 69% (p<0.01) (0.01 mg/ml) respectively at the 72 h in in vitro culture compared to other subtypes. These VA forms showed distinct granules using acridine orange (AO) and 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining with a mean per cell ranging from 5 in ST 5 to as high as 16 in ST 3. These forms showed intact mitochondria in both viable apoptotic (VA) and viable non-apoptotic (VNA) cells with a pattern of accumulation of lipid droplets corresponding to viable cells. Granular VA forms looked ultra-structurally different with prominent presence of mitochondria-like organelle (MLO) and a changed mitochondrial trans-membrane potential with thicker membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane than the less dense non-viable apoptotic (NVA) cells. This suggests that granular formation during apoptosis is a self-regulatory mechanism to produce higher number of viable cells in response to treatment. This study directs the need to search novel chemotherapeutic approaches by incorporating these findings when developing drugs against the emerging Blastocystis sp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Balkrishnan Dhurga
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kumar Suresh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tian Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Prevalence and Genotype Analysis of Blastocystis hominis in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.36648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Predominance of Blastocystis sp. Infection among School Children in Peninsular Malaysia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0136709. [PMID: 26914483 PMCID: PMC4767405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One of the largest cross-sectional study in recent years was carried out to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among urban and rural school children from five states namely Selangor, Perak, Pahang, Kedah and Johor in Peninsula Malaysia. This information would be vital for school authorities to influence strategies for providing better health especially in terms of reducing intestinal parasitism. Methods and Principal Findings A total of 3776 stool cups was distributed to 26 schools throughout the country. 1760 (46.61%) responded. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in both rural and urban areas was 13.3%, with Blastocystis sp (10.6%) being the most predominant, followed by Trichuris trichiura (3.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%) and hook worm infection (0.9%). Only rural school children had helminthic infection. In general Perak had the highest infection (37.2%, total, n = 317), followed by Selangor (10.4%, total, n = 729), Pahang (8.6%, total, n = 221), Kedah (6.2%, total, n = 195) and Johor (3.4%, total, n = 298). School children from rural schools had higher infection (13.7%, total, n = 922) than urban school children (7.2%, total, n = 838). Subtype (ST) 3 (54.3%) is the most predominant ST with persons infected with only ST1 and ST3 showing symptoms. Blastocystis sp infection significantly associated with low household income, low parent’s education and presence of symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusion It is critical that we institute deworming and treatment to eradicate the parasite especially in rural school children.
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Cabrine-Santos M, Cintra EDN, do Carmo RA, Nascentes GAN, Pedrosa AL, Correia D, Oliveira-Silva MBD. OCCURRENCE OF Blastocystis spp. IN UBERABA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016. [PMID: 26200960 PMCID: PMC4544244 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000300005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasites are a problem for public health all over the world. The
infection with Blastocystis, a protozoan of controversial
pathogenicity, is one of the most common among them all. In this study, the
occurrence of intestinal parasites, with emphasis on Blastocystis,
in patients at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro was investigated in
Uberaba (MG) through microscopy of direct smears and fecal concentrates using
Ritchie’s method. Feces of 1,323 patients were examined from April 2011 to May 2012.
In 28.7% of them at least one intestinal parasite was identified, and the most
frequent organisms were Blastocystis spp. (17.8%) and Giardia
intestinalis (7.4%). The occurrence of parasitism was higher in children aged 6 -10
years old, and the infection with Blastocystis spp. was higher above
the age of six (p < 0.001). The exclusive presence of G.
intestinalis and of Blastocystis spp. was observed in
5.4% and 12.2% of the patients, respectively. Regarding patients with diarrheic
feces, 8% revealed unique parasitism of Blastocystis spp. Other
intestinal parasites observed in children were Ascaris
lumbricoides(0.3%) and Entamoeba
histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii (1.4%). The Ritchie’s method was more
sensitive (92.8%) when compared to direct microscopy (89.8%), with high agreement
between them (97.7%, kappa = 0.92). In conclusion, the occurrence of
Blastocystis spp. in Uberaba is high and the presence of
diarrheic feces with exclusive presence of the parasite of
Blastocystis spp. was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Cabrine-Santos
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - André Luiz Pedrosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Dalmo Correia
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Khoshnood S, Rafiei A, Saki J, Alizadeh K. Prevalence and Genotype Characterization of Blastocystis hominis Among the Baghmalek People in Southwestern Iran in 2013 - 2014. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e23930. [PMID: 26587213 PMCID: PMC4644266 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.23930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis is a common globally distributed parasite. The prevalence of this parasite has been shown to vary among different countries. Molecular studies have also shown that there is a high level of genetic diversity among Blastocystis spp. isolated from humans and animals. Extensive information on parasitic genotypes will aid in devising more effective strategies for the identification and potential control of these pathogenic parasites. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to gain information on the prevalence and abundance of Blastocystis subtypes in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a period of 3 months, 1,410 stool samples were collected and examined by microscopy. Samples found to be positive for B. hominis were concentrated and phylogenetic analysis was subsequently performed. A questionnaire was completed by all study participants. RESULTS Blastocystis hominis was found to have a prevalence of 3.33% in the study population. There was no significant association of Blastocystis infection with age (P = 0.3) or gender (P = 0.57). The Blastocystis subtypes (ST) identified in this study were ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST7 with the most prevalent being ST4 (40.9%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of B. hominis in the study area was lower than that reported for most developed countries, and unlike in other countries in the Middle East, ST4 was the most prevalent subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Khoshnood
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Parasitology Department, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Jasem Saki
- Parasitology Department, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Kobra Alizadeh
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
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In Vitro Activity of Curcumin and Silver Nanoparticles Against Blastocystis hominis. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000000242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Roberts T, Stark D, Harkness J, Ellis J. Update on the pathogenic potential and treatment options for Blastocystis sp. Gut Pathog 2014; 6:17. [PMID: 24883113 PMCID: PMC4039988 DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-6-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites, there is still much controversy surrounding the pathogenicity and potential treatment options for this parasite. In this review we look at the evidence supporting Blastocystis as an intestinal pathogen as shown by numerous case studies and several in vivo studies and the evidence against. We describe the chronic nature of some infections and show the role of Blastocystis in immunocompromised patients and the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and Blastocystis infection. There have been several studies that have suggested that pathogenicity may be subtype related. Metronidazole is the most widely accepted treatment for Blastocystis but several cases of treatment failure and resistance have been described. Other treatment options which have been suggested include paromomycin and trimethroprim- sulfamethoxazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamalee Roberts
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia ; School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - John Harkness
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia
| | - John Ellis
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Kumarasamy V, Roslani AC, Rani KU, Kumar Govind S. Advantage of using colonic washouts for Blastocystis detection in colorectal cancer patients. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:162. [PMID: 24708637 PMCID: PMC3977685 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There have been previous studies associating microorganisms to cancer and with our recent findings of Blastocytsis antigen having a higher in vitro proliferation of cancer cells strengthens the suspicion. Collecting faecal samples alone to associate this parasite with cancer may not be accurate due to the phenomenon of irregular shedding and the possible treatment administrated to the cancer patients. Hence, this become the basis to search for an alternate method of sample collection. Colonic washout is an almost complete washed up material from colon and rectum which includes various microorganisms such as Blastocystis and other lodged material within the villi. The detection of parasite in colonic washouts will give a better reflection on the association between Blastocystis and CRC. Methods Blastocytsis detection was made by in vitro culture method using Jones’ medium, formal ether concentration technique and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on faecal samples and colonic washouts of 204 CRC patients from colonoscopy procedure. Faecal samples and colonic washouts from 221 normal individuals served as control. Results We observed an increased detection of Blastocystis using colonic washouts (n = 53, 12.47%) than faecal samples (n = 26, 6.12%). Eleven faecal samples showed positive results for Blastocystis which were also found in colonic washouts using the PCR technique. This study for the first time showed a significant Blastocystis infection among CRC patients (n = 43, 21.08%) compared to the asymptomatic normal individuals (n = 22, 9.95%). Blastocystis subtype 3 infection was found to be significantly more prevalent (n = 26, 12.75%) compared to other subtypes namely subtype 1: n = 9 (4.41%), subtype 2: n = 1 (0.49%), subtype 5: n = 1 (0.49%) and mixed subtype: n = 6 (2.94%) among the CRC patients. Conclusion The study showed that colonic washouts provide a better alternative for Blastocystis detection in CRC patients compared to faecal samples as this prevents treatment regime and the phenomenon of irregular shedding from influencing the detection results obtained from faecal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suresh Kumar Govind
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
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El Safadi D, Gaayeb L, Meloni D, Cian A, Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Delbac F, Dabboussi F, Delhaes L, Seck M, Hamze M, Riveau G, Viscogliosi E. Children of Senegal River Basin show the highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. ever observed worldwide. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:164. [PMID: 24666632 PMCID: PMC3987649 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis sp. is currently the most common intestinal protist found in human feces and considered an emerging parasite with a worldwide distribution. Because of its potential impact in public health, we reinforced the picture of Blastocystis sp. prevalence and molecular subtype distribution in Africa by performing the first survey of this parasite in Senegal. Methods Stool samples from 93 symptomatic presenting with various gastrointestinal disorders or asymptomatic children living in three villages of the Senegal River Basin were tested for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by non-quantitative and quantitative PCR using primer pairs targeting the SSU rDNA gene. Positive samples were subtyped to investigate the frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in our cohort and the distribution of subtypes in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups of children. Results By the use of molecular tools, all 93 samples were found to be positive for Blastocystis sp. indicating a striking parasite prevalence of 100%. Mixed infections by two or three subtypes were identified in eight individuals. Among a total of 103 subtyped isolates, subtype 3 was most abundant (49.5%) followed by subtype 1 (28.2%), subtype 2 (20.4%) and subtype 4 (1.9%). Subtype 3 was dominant in the symptomatic group while subtypes 1 and 2 were detected with equal frequency in both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The distribution of subtypes was compared with those available in other African countries and worldwide. Comparison confirmed that subtype 4 is much less frequently detected or absent in Africa while it is commonly found in Europe. Potential sources of Blastocystis sp. infection including human-to-human, zoonotic, and waterborne transmissions were also discussed. Conclusions The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in our Senegalese population was the highest prevalence ever recovered worldwide for this parasite by reaching 100%. All cases were caused by subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 with a predominance of subtype 3. More than half of the children infected by Blastocystis sp. presented various gastrointestinal disorders. Such high prevalence of blastocystosis in developing countries makes its control a real challenge for public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019, CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, BP 245, 59019 Lille cedex, France.
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Subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolates in Sebha, Libya. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84372. [PMID: 24376805 PMCID: PMC3869855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a genetically diverse and a common intestinal parasite of humans with a controversial pathogenic potential. This study was carried out to identify the Blastocystis subtypes and their association with demographic and socioeconomic factors among outpatients living in Sebha city, Libya. Methods/Findings Blastocystis in stool samples were cultured followed by isolation, PCR amplification of a partial SSU rDNA gene, cloning, and sequencing. The DNA sequences of isolated clones showed 98.3% to 100% identity with the reference Blastocystis isolates from the Genbank. Multiple sequence alignment showed polymorphism from one to seven base substitution and/or insertion/deletion in several groups of non-identical nucleotides clones. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three assemblage subtypes (ST) with ST1 as the most prevalent (51.1%) followed by ST2 (24.4%), ST3 (17.8%) and mixed infections of two concurrent subtypes (6.7%). Blastocystis ST1 infection was significantly associated with female (P = 0.009) and low educational level (P = 0.034). ST2 was also significantly associated with low educational level (P= 0.008) and ST3 with diarrhoea (P = 0.008). Conclusion Phylogenetic analysis of Libyan Blastocystis isolates identified three different subtypes; with ST1 being the predominant subtype and its infection was significantly associated with female gender and low educational level. More extensive studies are needed in order to relate each Blastocystis subtype with clinical symptoms and potential transmission sources in this community.
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Bart A, Wentink-Bonnema EMS, Gilis H, Verhaar N, Wassenaar CJA, van Vugt M, Goorhuis A, van Gool T. Diagnosis and subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. in 442 patients in a hospital setting in the Netherlands. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:389. [PMID: 23972160 PMCID: PMC3765316 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis sp. are among the most commonly observed intestinal parasites in routine clinical parasitology. Blastocystis in humans consists of at least 9 genetic subtypes. Different subtypes of Blastocystis may be associated with differences in pathogenicity and symptomatology. Methods Advanced microscopy on two samples and sequence-confirmed PCR on a third sample from the same individual were used for Blastocystis diagnosis and subtype analyses on routine clinical samples in a university hospital. Results With a combined gold standard of sequence-confirmed PCR and positive advanced microscopy, 107 out of 442 (24.2%) patients were diagnosed with Blastocystis. infection, which is a high frequency of detection in comparison to previous reports from industrialized countries. The sensitivity of microscopy and sequence-confirmed PCR was 99.1% (106/107) and 96.3% (103/107), respectively. Among 103 typable samples, subtype 3 was most abundant (n = 43, 42%), followed by subtypes 1 and 2 (both n = 23, 22%), subtype 4 (n = 12, 12%), and single samples with subtypes 6 (1%) and subtype 7 (1%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 38% in patients from the Department of Tropical Medicine and 18% in patients from other departments. Conclusions A high prevalence of Blastocystis infection was found with both advanced microscopy and sequence-confirmed PCR in our patient population. Most cases were caused by subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4. A significantly higher prevalence was found among patients with a history of recent travel to tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldert Bart
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Stensvold CR. Blastocystis: Genetic diversity and molecular methods for diagnosis and epidemiology. Trop Parasitol 2013; 3:26-34. [PMID: 23961438 PMCID: PMC3745667 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis, an unusual anaerobic, single-celled stramenopile, is a remarkably successful intestinal parasite of a vast array of host species including humans. Fecal Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis by nucleic-acid based methods in particular has led to significant advances in Blastocystis diagnostics and research over the past few years enabling accurate identification of carriers and molecular characterization by high discriminatory power. Moreover, Blastocystis comprises a multitude of subtypes (STs) (arguably species) many of which have been identified only recently and molecular epidemiological studies have revealed a significant difference in the distribution of STs across host species and geographical regions. Having a cosmopolitan distribution, the parasite is a common laboratory finding in the stools of individuals with and without intestinal symptoms across the entire globe and while the parasite remains extremely difficult to eradicate and isolate in culture, appropriate molecular tools are now available to resolve important questions such as whether the clinical outcome of colonization is linked to ST and whether Blastocystis is transmitted zoonotically. This review summarizes some of the recent advances in the molecular diagnosis of Blastocystis and gives an introduction to Blastocystis STs, including a recommendation of subtyping methodology based on recent data and method comparisons. A few suggestions for future directions and research areas are given in the light of relevant technological advances and the availability of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Alfellani MA, Stensvold CR, Vidal-Lapiedra A, Onuoha ESU, Fagbenro-Beyioku AF, Clark CG. Variable geographic distribution of Blastocystis subtypes and its potential implications. Acta Trop 2013; 126:11-8. [PMID: 23290980 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal micro-eukaryote found in both humans and non-human hosts and known to be genetically very diverse. It has been divided into numerous subtypes (STs), nine of which have been identified in humans to date. Surveys of ST prevalence have started to emerge over the past few years but to date no data are available for any African country except Egypt and Tanzania. In this study, we determined the prevalence of Blastocystis STs in populations from Libya, Liberia and Nigeria, as well as expanding the dataset available for the UK. A total of 356 Blastocystis STs were identified in this study, 271 from the UK, 38 from Libya, 25 from Liberia and 22 from Nigeria. SSU rRNA gene sequences revealed the presence of eight of the nine STs known from humans but at varying frequencies between countries. ST1 was the most common ST in Libya and Nigeria whereas ST3 showed the highest frequency in the other two countries, as indeed is the case in most populations around the world. ST4 was absent in Libya and ST2 in Nigeria, while no ST5, ST6, ST8 or ST9 infections were detected in any of the three African populations. The picture emerging from this and other surveys suggests that there is significant variation in ST prevalence between populations. Some of the possible reasons for and implications of this diversity are discussed.
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El Deeb HK, Khodeer S. Blastocystis spp.: frequency and subtype distribution in iron deficiency anemic versus non-anemic subjects from Egypt. J Parasitol 2013; 99:599-602. [PMID: 23368814 DOI: 10.1645/12-80.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Many helminthic and protozoal infections have been implicated in iron deficiency anemia (IDA) but few reports have suggested a link between Blastocystis sp. infection and IDA. Herein, we investigated the frequency and the association of the Blastocystis sp. genotype with IDA. Two-hundred and six stool samples were examined for Blastocystis sp. Samples were obtained from 96 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of IDA and 110 matched non-anemic controls. The prevalence of the parasite was significantly higher in the IDA group (54.2%) when compared to controls (17.3%) and was 34.5% in all study subjects. Thus, a relationship between Blastocystis sp. infection and IDA was confirmed. PCR amplification of isolates from cases with IDA and controls using subtype-specific sequenced-tagged site primers found that subtype 3 was the most common (83.3%), followed by subtype 1 (16.7%), and both had similar prevalence in both groups. Therefore, there was no correlation found between the Blastocystis sp. genotype and the occurrence of IDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala K El Deeb
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Abstract
Blastocystis is a common parasite of the human large intestine but has an uncertain role in disease. In this review, we appraise the published evidence addressing this and its weaknesses. Genetic diversity studies have led to the identification of numerous subtypes (STs) within the genus Blastocystis and, recently, methods for studying variation within STs have been developed, with implications for our understanding of host specificity. The geographic distribution of STs is summarised and the impact this may have on investigations into the role of the organism in disease is discussed. Finally, we describe the organelle and nuclear genome characteristics and look to future developments in the field.
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