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Shan F, Wang F, Chang S, Wang N, Liu Y, Chen X, Zhao G, Zhang L. Predominance of the Blastocystis subtype ST5 among free-living sympatric rodents within pig farms in China suggests a novel transmission route from farms. One Health 2024; 18:100723. [PMID: 38623498 PMCID: PMC11017045 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasitic protist that can infect humans and various domestic and wild animals. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of this parasite among rodents, particularly those living in pig farm settings. Therefore, to investigate the occurrence, molecular characterization, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis among rodents within pig farm environments, we conducted an investigation of 227 rodents and shrews from 34 pig farms located in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces of China using nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis. The potential transmission and public health implications were also assessed from a One Health perspective. Blastocystis was detected in 86 (37.9%) fecal samples. The highest infection rate was observed among Ruttus norvegicus (73.7%, 42/58), followed by Ruttus tanezumi (30.1%, 41/136), and Mus musculus (12.0%, 3/25). However, it was not detected among individuals with Apodemus agrarius (n = 1) and Crocidura shantungensis (n = 7). Five known zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5) were identified, with ST4 (51.2%, 44/86) and ST5 (40.7%, 35/86) being the predominant ones, followed by ST1 (3.5%, 3/86), ST3 (3.5%, 3/86), and ST2 (1.2%, 1/86). ST4 was prevalent among R. norvegicus (83.3%, 35/42), while ST5 dominated R. tanezumi (70.7%, 29/41). Furthermore, ST5 exhibited the widest distribution at pig farm level, accounting for 65.0% (13/20) of Blastocystis-positive pig farms. This investigation presents the first documented Blastocystis infection in R. tanezumi and M. musculus, highlighting the predominant presence of the zoonotic ST5 subtype in rodents for the first time. The results demonstrate that sympatric rodents can serve as natural reservoirs for Blastocystis and play a role in its transmission. These findings provide information on the dynamics of rodent transmission and emphasize the potential public health threat posed by zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes spillover from pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Shengke Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Nanhao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Duan J, Qin H, Sun M, Fu Y, Lang J, Zhang A, Qin Z, Guo Z, Xu H, Li X, Wang C, Zhang L. Occurrence and genotypic identification of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102871. [PMID: 38403046 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites, and cattle are important hosts of these three intestinal protozoa. In this study, 1632 fecal samples were collected from dairy farms in Heilongjiang Province, China, and screened for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 149 (9.13%) were positive for three zoonotic pathogens, including 104 (6.40%), 22 (1.35%), and 23 (1.41%) for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis, respectively. Based on partial SSU rRNA gene sequencing analysis, 104 positive samples of Blastocystis sp. were found, and a total of nine known subtypes were identified, including ST10 (61), ST3 (18), ST14 (6), ST26 (7), ST24 (3), ST25 (2), ST1 (2), ST5 (2), and ST21 (1). Among these, three subtypes (ST1, ST3, and ST5) were recognized as zoonotic subtypes, and two subtypes (ST10 and ST14) were specific to animals. All 23 Giardia duodenalis-positive samples belonged to assemblage E (n = 23) based on sequenced beta-giardin (bg) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Three known genotypes of E. bieneusi, namely J (n = 9), I (n = 6), and BEB4 (n = 7), were identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcriptional spacer region gene. Our study provides basic data for prevention and control in Heilongjiang Province; however, further research is required to better understand the prevalence and public health significance of these pathogens in the Heilongjiang region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Jiashu Lang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Aihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Zhenxuan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
| | - Chunren Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
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Sun Y, Nan H, Zhang C, Yang X, Zhao Y, Feng G, Ma L. Genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in cattle from Hebei Province, China. Microb Pathog 2024; 190:106629. [PMID: 38522492 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan parasite that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing chronic diseases such as skin rashes, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle, in Hebei Province, China. 2746 cattle fecal samples were collected from 11 cities in Hebei Province and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the Blastocystis sp. barcoding gene. MEGA, PhyloSuite, and PopART were used to analyze the subtype, sequence signature, pairwise genetic distance, and genetic diversity indices. The results showed that the Blastocystis sp. detection rate was 12.60% (346/2746). The infection rate in different herds was affected by region, age, breeding mode, and variety; that is, the infection rates in areas of southern Hebei, cattle under one year old, intensive raising, and dairy cattle were higher than the infection rates in northern Hebei, cattle over one year old, scatter feeding, and beef cattle. Seven Blastocystis subtypes were identified, namely, ST1, ST2, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST26; ST10 was the dominant subtype, and ST14 was the second most common subtype. A total of 374 polymorphic and conserved sites were obtained, including 273 invariable (monomorphic) sites and 101 variable (polymorphic) sites, accounting for 27.01% of all nucleotides. The nucleotide diversity index (Pi) was 0.07749, and the haplotype (gene) diversity index (Hd) was 0.946. This study provides the first comprehensive information on the epidemiological situation of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle from Hebei Province, China, and revealed rich genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Huizhu Nan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Gang Feng
- Tangshan Municipal Administration Center of Zoo, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Ercan N, Yildirim A, Duzlu O. Molecular detection and genotyping of Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp. in housefly Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae): first report for Dientamoeba fragilis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:183. [PMID: 38622363 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp. are single-celled protozoan parasites of humans and animals. Although they are found in the intestines of healthy hosts, the pathogenicity of them is still unclear. To date, there is no report on D. fragilis and only two studies (without subtyping) on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Musca domestica. In this study, fly samples were collected from livestock farms and their surroundings in the Kirsehir province (Central Anatolia Region) of Türkiye from May to August 2023. A total of 150 microscopically identified M. domestica samples were analyzed for the detection of D. fragilis and Blastocystis sp. molecularly. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in M. domestica was determined to be 3.3% (5/150) and 8.0% (12/150), respectively. The SSU rRNA gene sequences of the isolates indicated genotype 1 of D. fragilis. Eleven isolates were identical and represented a single isolate (KAU-Dfrag1). BLAST analysis of KAU-Dfrag1 indicated identity with the isolates reported from humans, cattle, sheep, and budgerigars. The other isolate (KAU-Dfrag2) was polymorphic at two nucleotides from KAU-Dfrag1 and three nucleotides from known genotypes from GenBank and represented a variant of genotype 1. The Blastocystis sp. isolates were found to be identical and represent a single genotype (KAU-Blast1). BLAST analysis revealed that the KAU-Blast1 genotype belonged to the potentially zoonotic subtype 5 (ST5) and exhibited the highest genetic identity (ranging from 99.4 to 99.6%) with pigs, cattle, and sheep from different countries. Our study provides the first data on the molecular prevalence, epidemiology, and genotypic characterization of D. fragilis and Blastocystis sp. in M. domestica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuri Ercan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Kirsehir, Turkey.
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Koehler AV, Herath HD, Hall RS, Wilcox S, Gasser RB. Marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in Australian wildlife revealed using a next generation sequencing-phylogenetic approach. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100902. [PMID: 38292245 PMCID: PMC10827504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a genus of intestinal stramenopiles that infect vertebrates, and may cause disease of the alimentary tract. Currently, at least 40 genotypes ("subtypes") of Blastocystis are recognised worldwide based on sequence data for the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. Despite the numerous studies of Blastocystis worldwide, very few studies have explored Blastocystis in wild animals, particularly in Australia. Here, we used a PCR-based next generation sequencing (NGS)-phylogenetic approach to genetically characterise and classify Blastocystis variants from selected wildlife in the Australian state of Victoria. In total, 1658 faecal samples were collected from nine host species, including eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, common wombat, deer, European rabbit, canines and emu. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, a 500 bp region of the SSU-rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, then, a subset of samples sequenced using Illumina technology. Primary PCR detected Blastocystis in 482 of the 1658 samples (29%), with the highest percentage in fallow deer (63%). Subsequent, Illumina-based sequencing of a subset of 356 samples revealed 55 distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing seven currently-recognised subtypes (STs) [ST13 (prominent in marsupials), ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23, ST24 and ST25 (prominent in deer)] and two novel STs (ST45 and ST46) in marsupials. Mixed infections of different STs were observed in macropods, deer, emu and canids (fox, feral dog or dingo), but no infection was detected in rabbits or wombats. This study reveals marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in a small number of species of wild animals in Australia, suggesting complexity in the genetic composition and transmission patterns of members of the genus Blastocystis in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - H.M.P. Dilrukshi Herath
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen Wilcox
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Zhao W, Ren G, Wang L, Xie L, Wang J, Mao J, Sun Y, Lu G, Huang H. Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. among children who have diarrheia or are asymptomatic in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Parasite 2024; 31:12. [PMID: 38450718 PMCID: PMC10918642 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., a significant zoonotic parasite with a global distribution, was the focus of this study, which aimed to investigate its prevalence and genetic diversity among diarrheic and asymptomatic children in Wenzhou, China. We collected 1,032 fecal samples from Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou, China, comprising 684 from children with diarrhea and 348 from asymptomatic children. Genomic DNA extracted from these samples was used to detect Blastocystis spp. by PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, applying the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis spp. were detected in 67 (6.5%) of the fecal samples. The prevalence rate of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheic children (8.8%; 60/684) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic children (2.0%; 7/348) (χ 2 = 17.3, p < 0.001). Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene identified five known Blastocystis spp. subtypes, ST1 (n = 12), ST2 (n = 5), ST3 (n = 35), ST4 (n = 12), and ST7 (n = 3). ST1 and ST3 were present in both diarrheic and asymptomatic children, while ST2, ST4, and ST7 were exclusive to diarrheic children. Intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms were identified, comprising four variations in ST1 (ST1-1 to ST1-4), five in ST3 (ST3-1 to ST3-5), two in ST4 (ST4-1 and ST4-2), and two in ST7 (ST7-1 and ST7-2). Notably, ST1-2 to ST1-4, ST3-3 to ST3-5, and ST7-1 and ST7-2 represent newly identified variations. The composition and genetic characteristics of subtypes among children in this region suggest various sources of infection, including human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Guangxu Ren
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Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Long Wang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Lisha Xie
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jiayang Wang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jialiang Mao
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Yanbin Sun
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Gang Lu
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Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Huicong Huang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
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Asghari A, Yousefi A, Mohammadi MR, Badali R, Shamsi L, Köseoğlu AE, Abbaszadeh A, Shams M, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B. Comparative molecular epidemiology, subtype distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in Equus animals (horses, donkeys, and mules) in northwestern Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 106:102124. [PMID: 38262257 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
A total of 500 fecal samples were collected from Equus animals in six different cities (Ardabil, Namin, Nir, Meshginshahr, Germi, and Khalkhal) of Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran, with 200 samples from horses, 200 from donkeys, and 100 from mules. Of the horse samples, 100 were from racing horses under special monitoring and care, while the remaining 100 were from non-racing horses, including those used for herding or in rural areas. All fecal samples were examined for the presence of Blastocystis sp. using PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene's barcode region after DNA extraction. The molecular prevalence of Blastocystis infection in Equus animals was 7.6% (38/500). Blastocystis was more common in horses [11.5% (23/200)] than in donkeys [5.5% (11/200)] and mules [4% (4/100)] (P > 0.05). Compared to racing horses [3% (3/100)], non-racing/rural horses [20% (20/100)] exhibited a substantially higher prevalence of Blastocystis (P < 0.05). The prevalence of Blastocystis in diarrheal samples and younger animals was remarkably higher than in formed samples and older animals, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant difference in Blastocystis infection prevalence was found between the genders of examined animals (P > 0.05). In Equus animals, 38 Blastocystis isolates included eight STs: ST10 [31.6% (12/38)], ST1 [21.1% (8/38)], ST2 [15.8% (6/38)], ST3 [10.5% (4/38)], ST4 [7.9% (3/38)], ST7 [5.2% (2/38)], ST14 [5.2% (2/38)], and ST6 [2.6% (1/38)]. These results suggest that Equus animals act as a proper reservoir for numerous Blastocystis STs, consequently playing a crucial part in the spread of this protozoan infection to humans, animals, and water reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Badali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biruni University, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amir Abbaszadeh
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Feng X, Xin L, Zhang B, Wang Z, Meng Z, Yu F, Qi M. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis spp. in Hotan Black chickens in southern Xinjiang. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13012. [PMID: 37975433 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
To determine the infection status and assess the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis spp. in Hotan Black chickens in southern Xinjiang, China, fecal samples were collected from 617 chickens on 18 large-scale farms. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was determined using polymerase chain reaction based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) locus. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 26.3% (162/617). Samples from Farm 1 in Luopu County showed the highest infection rate (76.3%, 29/38). The highest and lowest infection rates were detected in the <30-day (34.4%, 43/125) and > 90-day age groups (12.4%, 11/89), respectively. The infection rate decreased with increasing age. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the infection rates of Blastocystis spp. among the different sampling sites (p < 0.05) and age groups (p < 0.05). Four Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST6, ST7, ST10, and ST23) were identified. The infection rates of the zoonotic subtypes, ST6 and ST7, were 3.2% (20/617) and 22.2% (137/617), respectively. The presence of Blastocystis spp. and zoonotic subtypes provided evidence for the potential transmission of this pathogen between Hotan Black chickens and humans, especially in animal handlers in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Luyao Xin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhu Meng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Tarim Animal Disease Diagnosis and Control Engineering Laboratory of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
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9
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Shams M, Bahrami AM, Mousivand A, Shamsi L, Asghari A, Shahabi S, Sadrebazzaz A. First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from domestic animals (sheep and cattle) and their animal-keepers in Ilam, western Iran: A zoonotic concern. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13019. [PMID: 38225853 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
A total of 360 fecal samples were randomly collected from 150 cattle, 150 sheep, and 60 humans (30 people with close animal contact and 30 individuals without close animal contact) at 10 farms in Ilam, western Iran from June 2022 to August 2023. All samples were directly examined for Blastocystis by zinc sulfate flotation, followed by microscopic observation. Positive samples were further subtyped using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. A mean prevalence of 5.3% (16/300) was estimated for Blastocystis infection among examined animals, with 6% and 4.7% for cattle and sheep, respectively. Among the people who had close and non-close animal contact, 16.7% (5/30) and 3.3% (1/30) were infected with Blastocystis, respectively (p < 0.05). All 22 positive samples were successfully sequenced at the SSU rRNA locus. Accordingly, Blastocystis isolates infecting domestic animals in Ilam belonged to the four STs (ST1-ST3, and ST10). Of the 16 animal isolates, nine sequences (four ST10, three ST3, and two ST1) were related to cattle, and seven sequences (three ST10, two ST3, and two ST2) were isolated from sheep. Among the six human isolates, ST3 was the most predominant ST, followed by STs 1, 2, 6, and 7 (one case each). Of note, ST1-ST3 were isolated in various farms both from animals and their breeders, which indicates the possible circulation of these STs between animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Asma Mousivand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran
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10
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Li T, Feng H, Zheng Y, Lv J, Zhang C, Yang X, Liu X. First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis in free-living wild birds from urban Xinxiang, China. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2357-2362. [PMID: 37458877 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common enteric protist infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife worldwide. However, data on the prevalence and subtype diversity of Blastocystis in free-living wild birds in urban districts are rare. In this study, a total of 138 fresh fecal samples from free-living wild birds were collected from three universities and three communities in Xinxiang, China, to explore the infection rate, Blastocystis subtypes present and zoonotic potential of this protist. Blastocystis presence was determined with nested-PCR amplification based on the partial small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. Presence was detected from one community (Wupu) at an overall rate of 1.5% (2/136). Further DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses identified two ruminant-associated subtypes, ST10 (n = 1) and ST24 (n = 1), implying a cross-species transmission of Blastocystis from ruminants. This is the first report on the infection of ST10 and ST24 in free-living wild birds in an urban area in China. As potentially zoonotic subtypes, the occurrence of ST10 and ST24 suggests that these free-living birds could play a role in spreading Blastocystis to humans in Xinxiang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Huimei Feng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yingxu Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Junjun Lv
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
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11
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Zhao W, Zhang Y, Li J, Ren G, Qiang Y, Wang Y, Lai X, Lei S, Liu R, Chen Y, Huang H, Li W, Lu G, Tan F. Prevalence and distribution of subtypes of Blastocystis in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus), bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) farmed in Hainan, China. Parasite 2023; 30:45. [PMID: 37921619 PMCID: PMC10624160 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an important gastrointestinal parasite with global distribution, prevalent in humans, farmed animals, and wildlife. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus), bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in Hainan Province, China. A total of 900 fecal samples were collected from three farmed animal species including 257 porcupines, 360 rats, and 283 civets. Genomic DNA was extracted from each fecal sample and Blastocystis sp. was detected by PCR at the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 47 (5.2%) fecal samples: 12 (4.7%) Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines, 8 (2.2%) bamboo rats, and 27 (9.5%) masked palm civets. Three known Blastocystis sp. subtypes, including ST1, ST4, ST5, and one unnamed subtype (unST), were found in one, 19, 26, and one animal, respectively. Subtypes ST4 and unST were detected in porcupines, ST4 in rats, and ST1 and ST5 in civets. Our results suggest that the three farmed animal species reported in this study could serve as reservoirs for potentially zoonotic Blastocystis sp. subtypes and transmit this parasite to humans, other farmed animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Guangxu Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Yu Qiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Xiuyi Lai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Sheng Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou 570100 China
| | - Yuankun Chen
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou 570100 China
| | - Huicong Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou 570100 China
| | - Gang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Haikou 570100 China
| | - Feng Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou 325035 China
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12
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Rauff-Adedotun AA, Lee IL, Abd Talib N, Shaari N, Yahaya ZS, Meor Termizi FH. Prevalence, potential risk factors and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2193-2205. [PMID: 37462745 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic protist inhabiting the intestinal tract of diverse animal hosts, including human. Information regarding Blastocystis in small ruminants, namely goats and sheep, is limited globally; thus, this study was carried out to investigate the distribution and determinants of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia. Fecal samples from 127 cattle, 149 goats, and 100 sheep were examined for Blastocystis by in vitro cultivation using modified Jones' medium, while DNA barcoding was used for subtyping. Overall, 23.1% (87/376) of animals screened were positive for Blastocystis sp. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in goats than in cattle and sheep, while the female gender, semi-intensive farming system, and the Northeast Penang Island district were identified as potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection. Blastocystis sp. ST5, ST14, and ST25 were identified in cattle; ST5, ST10, ST13, and ST14 in goats; and ST4, ST5, ST14, and ST15 in sheep. ST5 and ST14 were found to be the most abundant and widespread subtypes in the study area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ST4 from sheep and ST13 from goats, thus serving as an update to the host range of Blastocystis sp. ST4 and ST13. The isolation of ST4 and ST5 in this study suggests that ruminant livestock animals could serve as reservoirs of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Nabilah Abd Talib
- Department of Veterinary Services, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Zary Shariman Yahaya
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
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13
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Tantrawatpan C, Vaisusuk K, Thanchomnang T, Pilap W, Sankamethawee W, Suksavate W, Chatan W, Bunchom N, Kaewkla O, Stensvold CR, Saijuntha W. Distribution of Blastocystis subtypes isolated from various animal hosts in Thailand. Res Vet Sci 2023; 162:104939. [PMID: 37453229 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a parasitic protist of a variety of hosts, including humans. Mapping the distribution of Blastocystis and its genetic variants across different host species can help us understand the epidemiology of this organism and its role in health and disease. This study aimed to identify subtypes of Blastocystis detected in different animal hosts in Thailand. A total of 825 fecal samples belonging to 18 vertebrate orders, 36 families, 68 genera, and 80 species were collected. Of these, 111 specimens were Blastocystis-positive by culture. Seventy-nine samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA amplification by PCR, and reliable subtype data were obtained for 61 specimens. At least 14 subtypes (ST), namely ST1 to ST10, ST14/ST24/ST25 complex, ST23, ST26, and ST29 were detected. In addition, Blastocystis was found in tortoises. ST1 (3.2%) and ST5 (11.5%) were found in pigs, ST2 (1.6%) and ST3 (3.2%) in non-human primates, ST4 (14.7%) in rodents and ruminants, ST6 (4.9%), ST7 (30%), ST9 (1.6%), and ST29 (1.6%) in birds, ST8 (6.6%) in Green peafowl and East Asian Porcupine, and ST10 (4.9%), ST14/ST24/ST25 (9.8%), ST23 (1.6%) and ST26 (1.6%) in ruminants. The sequence recovered from the elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) (3.2%) was phylogenetically placed within the reptilian cluster of Blastocystis, for which no subtype system is available yet. Of note, we did not obtain Blastocystis sequences from any of the many canids and felids sampled in the study, and our data are in support of host specificity of Blastocystis, according to both colonization and subtype distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chairat Tantrawatpan
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Kotchaphon Vaisusuk
- Department of Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Nursing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | | | - Warayutt Pilap
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Wangworn Sankamethawee
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Warong Suksavate
- Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wasupon Chatan
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Naruemon Bunchom
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Onuma Kaewkla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Weerachai Saijuntha
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
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14
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Sun J, Zhu S, Xu H, Li X, Zhang L, Li J. First identification of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in Rex rabbits in China. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1079-1086. [PMID: 36897380 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common protist that colonizes the intestinal tract in both humans and animals worldwide. A total of 666 fecal samples of Rex rabbits were collected from 12 farms in three administrative regions in Henan, China. Blastocystis sp. was screened and subtyped by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal DNA. The results indicated that 31 (4.7%, 31/666) rabbits were positive for Blastocystis sp. across three farms (25.0%, 3/12). The infection rate of Blastocystis sp. in Rex rabbits was highest in Jiyuan at 9.1% (30/331), followed by Luoyang (0.5%, 1/191), with no positive infections found in Zhengzhou. The Blastocystis sp. infection rate in adults (10.2%, 14/287) was higher than that in young rabbits (4.5%, 17/379) (χ2 = 0.0027, P > 0.50). Four Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST4, and ST17) were identified in rabbits in the present study. Among them, the subtypes ST1 (n = 15) and ST3 (n = 14) were dominant, followed by ST4 (n = 1) and ST17 (n = 1). Blastocystis sp. ST1 was the dominant subtype in adult rabbits, and ST3 was the dominant subtype in young rabbits. This study enriches the data on the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rabbits. More studies are needed among humans, domestic animals, and wild animals to obtain a better understanding of their role in the spread of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junchen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shuying Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxain Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. .,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Yang F, Gou JM, Yang BK, Du JY, Yao HZ, Ren M, Lin Q. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Tibetan Sheep in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China. Protist 2023; 174:125948. [PMID: 36947937 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2023.125948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protists in humans and a great number of animals, including sheep and goats. High prevalence and multiple subtypes of Blastocystis have been reported in sheep in several regions of China and elsewhere. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about Blastocystis in Tibetan sheep. A total of 761 fecal samples were collected from Tibetan sheep in seven counties of Qinghai Province, northwestern China, and were examined for the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis using molecular technology based on the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of Blastocystis. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the investigated Tibetan sheep was 7.5% (57/761) using PCR and DNA Sanger sequencing, and differences in prevalence were observed among the ruminants from the seven counties (P < 0.01), and across four seasons (P < 0.01). Sequence analysis revealed five subtypes (ST14 (57.9%), ST10 (26.3%), ST12 (5.3%), ST21 (5.3%), and ST30 (5.3%)) of Blastocystis sp. in these Tibetan sheep, with ST14 as the predominant subtype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Blastocystis colonization in Tibetan sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Min Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Ke Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yue Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Zhong Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province 810016, People's Republic of China.
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Ni F, Yu F, Yang X, An Z, Ge Y, Liu X, Qi M. Identification and genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) from Shishou, China. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:259-264. [PMID: 35182361 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09905-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a protozoan parasite frequently reported in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, with a global distribution. No information on the infections of Blastocystis in Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus, PDD) is available. In this study, a total of 128 fecal samples collected in the National Nature Reserve of Shishou, Hubei Province of China, were used to determine the occurrence and subtypes of Blastocystis in PDD. Amplification of the SSU rDNA gene confirmed the common presence of Blastocystis infection, with an observed prevalence of 56.3% (72/128). Through nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, five known subtypes, which consisted of one zoonotic subtype (ST10) and four ruminant-specifical subtypes (ST21, ST23, ST25, and ST26), were identified in this study. This represents a high degree genetic diversity of parasites within the host. Of the 72 PCR-positive samples, ruminant-specific subtypes were the most frequently observed, with ST21 being the most prevalent subtype (56.9.7%, 41/72). This is the first report characterizing the molecular subtypes of Blastocystis in PDD. The findings demonstrate a broad diversity and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis in PDD. Further study of the transmission potential between wildlife and humans or domestic animals in the region is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhen Ni
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Zhixing An
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yaming Ge
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China. .,Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
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Su C, Mei X, Feng X, Zhang F, Wang P, He B, Xu F, Yang Z, Tian X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. Prevalence and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in rabbits in Henan, Central China. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Barati M, KarimiPourSaryazdi A, Rahmanian V, Bahadory S, Abdoli A, Rezanezhad H, Solhjoo K, Taghipour A. Global prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105770. [PMID: 36181747 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Animals such as rodents and birds may play a key role in the distribution of Blastocystis sp., either as introducers of the parasite into the water or as receptors of an infection already established in the water. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies at a global scale through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statements were applied. Eligible prevalence studies on Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies, published between 1 January 2000 and 20 January 2022 were collected using a systematic literature search in online databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The variances between studies (heterogeneity) were computed by I2 index. In total, 20 articles (24 datasets) for birds, 18 articles (18 datasets) for rodents, and 10 articles (12 datasets) for water supply were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in birds, rodents, and water was estimated to be 29% (95% CI 12-47%), 18% (95% CI 12-23%), and 10% (95% CI 6%-15%), respectively. Considering the subtypes, Blastocystis sp. with subtypes ST7 in birds, ST4 in rodents, and ST1 in water supplies were the highest reported subtypes. The present results highlight the role of birds, rodents, and water as a reservoir for human-infected Blastocystis sp. Therefore, this global estimate could be beneficial for preventive and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Barati
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Rahmanian
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
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Zhang P, Zhang Q, Han S, Yuan G, Bai J, He H. Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of the Zoonotic Enteric Protozoans and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Père David’s Deer (Elaphurus davidianus) from Beijing, China. Pathogens 2022; 11:1223. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Balantioides coli, Pentatrichomonas hominis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are enteric protozoan parasites and fungal species in humans and animals. Père David’s deer is an endangered species in China, but the prevalence of enteric protozoans in this species still needs to be further studied. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of zoonotic parasites in Père David’s deer during the period of 2018–2021. Among the 286 fecal samples collected from Père David’s deer in the Nanhaizi Nature Reserve, 83 (29.0%) were positive for Blastocystis, 70 (24.5%) were positive for E. bieneusi, while other protozoan parasites were negative. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, three Blastocystis subtypes (ST10, ST14, and ST21) and ten E. bieneusi genotypes (Genotype D, MWC_d1, HLJD-V, Peru6, BEB6, BJED-I to BJED-I V) were identified. In addition, the Blastocystis subtype ST14 and the E. bieneusi genotype D and Peru6 were first detected in Père David’s deer. Our study first reports the presence of two enteric protozoans in Père David’s deer during a 4-year active surveillance and provides more information about zoonotic subtypes/genotypes of Blastocystis and E. bieneusi in deer.
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Liu X, Ni F, Li J, Wang R, Yang X, Ge Y, Zhang L, Qi M. Research Note: Prevalence and zoonotic concern of Blastocystis in farmed chickens in southern China. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102182. [PMID: 36228529 PMCID: PMC9573914 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a gastrointestinal protozoan parasite commonly reported in humans and animals globally, including poultry, and it can cause zoonotic transmission of blastocystosis. However, comprehensive information is not available on the prevalence, subtype distribution and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis in chickens in China. In this study, a total of 1,000 individual fecal samples of free-range broiler chickens of 4 breeds were collected from 43 farms in 5 cities of Guangdong Province and investigated for the occurrence of Blastocystis infection. Blastocystis was determined by nested PCR analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence was 20.1% (201/1,000) in chicken samples and 69.8% (30/43) in screened farms, and considerable variation in prevalence between farms was evident, with a range of 0 to 76.9%. Population differences of Blastocystis in broilers among sites, breeds, and ages were assessed. The highest infection rates were observed in Yangjiang city (35.8%, 38/106), Sanhuang chickens (29.7%, 104/350), and the >80-day-old chicken group (30.5%, 40/131). DNA sequencing and phylogeny analyses identified 2 zoonotic subtypes, ST6 and ST7. A large predominance was observed for ST7, and genetic polymorphisms were confirmed at the intra-ST7 level with the identification of 5 divergent ST7 types. The incidence of both STs varied largely based on the breed, site, farm, and age. This is the first large-scale study to explore the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis in chickens in China. The widespread distribution and avian adaptation of both zoonotic subtypes were demonstrated. The findings of this study highlight a potential threat to humans and will provide a better understanding of the epidemiology and public health impact of poultry Blastocystis.
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Zhou YL, Zhao N, Yang Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Chen J, Peng X, Zhao W. Molecular identification and subtype analysis of Blastocystis in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in China’s Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:993312. [PMID: 36105145 PMCID: PMC9464815 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.993312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is the most isolated enteric protozoan in parasitological surveys of humans. A substantial percentage of human infections is attributed to zoonotic transmissions. However, the contribution of each animal source to human infections with blastocystis is not yet fully understood. This study thus aimed to determine the infection rates and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in China’s Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces. A total of 218 fresh fecal specimens were collected from captive Asiatic black bears in Heilongjiang (n = 36) and Fujian (n = 182) between May 2015 and December 2017. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and then examined for Blastocystis through SSU rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing. A phylogenetic tree based on the Blastocystis positive sequences was reconstructed using the Mega X program. Eleven percent (24/218) of the animals had Blastocystis and six Blastocystis subtypes, including ST4 (n = 14), ST10 (n = 3), ST1 (n = 2), ST2 (n = 1), ST5 (n = 1), and ST12 (n = 1) were identified. A total of 14 representative sequences, including seven sequences that have been described previously and seven novel sequences comprising ST10 (n = 2), ST5 (n = 1), and ST4 (n = 4), were obtained from the six subtypes of Blastocystis. This study is the first to report the presence of Blastocystis in captive Asiatic black bears in Fujian, China. It provides baseline data for controlling and preventing Blastocystis infection in farm communities. Zoonotic infections in bears with ST1, ST2, ST4, ST5, ST10, and ST14 should be considered potential public health threats. The novel ST sequences of Blastocystis generated in this study provide novel insights into the genotypic variation within the Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting-Li Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Nairui Zhao
- Second School of Clinical Medicine of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yilei Yang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yueqi Li
- Second School of Clinical Medicine of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine of the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiani Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhao, ; Xiang Peng,
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhao, ; Xiang Peng,
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22
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Baek S, Maloney JG, Molokin A, George NS, Cortés Vecino JA, Santin M. Diversity of Blastocystis Subtypes in Horses in Colombia and Identification of Two New Subtypes. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1693. [PMID: 36144295 PMCID: PMC9505074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic animals are thought to be reservoirs of Blastocystis subtypes that also infect humans. There are limited studies on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in horses. In this study, 185 fecal samples were collected from horses (1 month to 17 years of age) in four regions of Colombia (Sabana de Bogotá, Costa Atlántica, Llanos Orientales, and Bogotá D.C.). Blastocystis presence and subtypes were determined by PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing. Eighty-one (43.8%) horses were positive for Blastocystis, with positive horses in all four regions. Molecular characterization identified 12 Blastocystis subtypes, 10 known subtypes (ST1, ST3–ST6, ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26), and 2 novel subtypes (ST33 and ST34). The validity of the novel subtypes was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences. Mixed subtype infections were common (55.6% of Blastocystis-positive horses). ST10 was the most prevalent subtype, present in 82.8% of Blastocystis-positive horses. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 88.9% of the Blastocystis-positive horses. This constitutes the most comprehensive study of Blastocystis in horses. Our findings indicate that horses harbor potentially zoonotic subtypes and could contribute to the transmission of Blastocystis to humans.
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Chen S, Meng W, Shi X, Chai Y, Zhou Z, Liu H, Zhong Z, Fu H, Cao S, Ma X, Shen L, Deng L, Peng G. Occurrence, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) in Southwest China. Parasite 2022; 29:34. [PMID: 35833784 PMCID: PMC9281496 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common anaerobic protist with controversial pathogenicity that can infect various animals and humans. However, there are no reports of Blastocystis sp. infections in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). The present study was designed to examine the occurrence, subtype distribution and genetic characterization of Blastocystis sp. in forest musk deer in southwestern China, and to assess the potential for zoonotic transmission. A total of 504 fresh stool samples were collected from captive forest musk deer in four distinct areas of southwestern China. Overall, 14.7% of the forest musk deer (74/504) were found to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in Dujiangyan (27.5%), followed by Maerkang (23.3%). The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was 7.9% and 4.1% in Shimian and Hanyuan, respectively. Significant differences in the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. among different areas were observed (p < 0.05), while we did not observe significant differences among animals of different age and sex (p > 0.05). Two known zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5) and three animal-predominant subtypes (ST10, ST13, and ST14) were identified, of which ST10 was the most common (36/74, 48.6%). Our findings highlight that forest musk deer may be potential reservoirs of zoonotic human Blastocystis sp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanyu Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianpeng Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Chai
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hualin Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Suizhong Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuhong Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China - Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Shams M, Shamsi L, Yousefi A, Sadrebazzaz A, Asghari A, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Shahabi S, Hatam G. Current global status, subtype distribution and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis in dogs and cats: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:225. [PMID: 35733146 PMCID: PMC9215001 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans. Methods We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3–15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7–10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1–ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1–ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission. Conclusions Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Medical Lab Science, School of Medicine, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Education and Extension Organization, Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, 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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25
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Öncü Öner T, Karakavuk M, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Güvendi M, Gül A, Köseoğlu AE, Erkunt Alak S, Gürüz AY, Ün C, Döşkaya M, Can H. Molecular prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and subtype diversity in fecal samples collected from cattle in dairy farms in Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 87:101850. [PMID: 35751914 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Close contact with infected animals is one of the main risk factors for zoonotic transmission of enteric protozoan parasite Blastocystis and thus, several animal species are being screened for the detection of the zoonotic subtypes. For this purpose, 22 fecal samples were collected from healthy cattle aged > 2 months and 39 fecal samples were also collected from cattle (aged <2 months) which are treated with TMP-SMX due to diarrhea. Later, Blastocystis sp. and subtypes were investigated by a PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene and subsequently by sequencing. Among the 22 fecal samples collected from healthy cattle, Blastocystis was detected in 12 of them with a prevalence rate of 54.5 %. Among Blastocystis-positive samples, five different subtypes (ST3, ST5, ST10, ST12, and ST13) were detected. The predominant subtype was ST10 (allele 152) with a prevalence rate of 50 % (6/12). In the other group treated with TMP-SMX due to diarrhea, Blastocystis was detected in only one (2.56 %;1/39) fecal sample and its subtype was ST1 (allele 2). High prevalence of Blastocystis as well as predominance of ST10 (allele 152) were detected in healthy cattle. The identification of zoonotic ST1, ST3, ST5 and ST12 subtypes among the detected subtypes with a high prevalence (46.1 %; 6/13) showed the importance of cattle as a source for transmission of Blastocystis to humans. It was observed that the efficiency of TMP-SMX on the clearance of Blastocystis in cattle was very strong. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study detecting Blastocystis ST13 subtype in the cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Öncü Öner
- Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Odemis Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Biruni University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Turkey.
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Mahdavi F, Asghari A, Shahabi S, Shamsi L, Soltani-Jazi F, Sadrebazzaz A, Shams M. Distribution, genetic diversity, and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis subtypes in pet dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 88:101848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Kurpas M, Szostakowska B. Rare Occurrence of Blastocystis in Pet Animals and Their Owners in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland in the Light of Literature Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11112975. [PMID: 35683363 PMCID: PMC9181306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11112975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote with ambiguous pathogenicity, commonly detected in human feces worldwide. It comprises at least 28 genetically diverse subtypes (STs), 12 of which also occur in a wide range of animal species, giving rise to suspicion of zoonotic transmission. To investigate this, we conducted a molecular study of 145 stool samples of pet animals, and 67 of their owners, living in an urban area in Poland. Blastocystis was detected in only three (2.1%) animal samples (of two bearded agamas and a leopard gecko), while all dogs, cats, and pet rodents were Blastocystis-negative. Blastocystis was also present in three (4.5%) owners of animals, but they were cat owners, not reptile owners, and the subtypes identified in them differed significantly from those of reptiles. Additionally, the frequency of Blastocystis in different groups of dogs (depending on how they were kept) was analyzed. This work is the first to find Blastocystis in pet reptiles, and we encourage further investigation of Blastocystis in this poorly examined group of animals, as well as continued study on the transmission of this microorganism between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Monika Kurpas
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-19-44
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Wang Q, Liu X, Li Y, Xin L, Zhou X, Yu F, Zhao A, Qi M. Genetic diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in the Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in Gansu province, northwestern China. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12910. [PMID: 35325495 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a gastrointestinal pathogen that is frequently found in humans and animals worldwide. In this study, 201 fecal samples were collected from captive Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) at three farms in Gansu province. Blastocystis was detected and subtyped by amplifying and sequencing the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 39.8% (80/201). Five known Blastocystis subtypes (STs), including ST1 (n = 1), ST4 (n = 12), ST10 (n = 50), ST14 (n = 6), and ST24 (n = 11), were identified using subtyping and evolutionary analysis. ST10 was the most common ST observed in each farm. This study showed the infection status and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis in M. chrysogaster. Based on the surveyed data, because various potentially zoonotic STs, such as ST1, ST4, ST10, ST14, and ST24, were detected, it is believed that the zoonotic risk of Blastocystis from the Alpine musk deer in this area cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Xuehan Liu
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Youwen Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Luyao Xin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Aiyun Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
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Falkowski P, Gaweł A, Bobrek K. Prevalence of Blastocystis in Geese Reproductive Flocks. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030291. [PMID: 35158615 PMCID: PMC8833460 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some diseases may be transmitted from animals to humans, and to prevent this, more studies on controlling infectious agents in animals are needed. We conducted an investigation among reproductive geese flocks to determine the presence of Blastocystis—a protozoan that may infect people and animals. The parasite was present in 46.5% of tested flocks, and there was no correlation between the bird’s age and flock size. Our conclusion is that geese could be the source of infections in humans who have contact with infected birds. Abstract Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic protozoan that has a low specificity for the hosts, and it could be a zoonosis. There are not many data about the occurrence of Blastocystis in bird species, and this study aimed to check the prevalence of Blastocystis infection in reproductive geese flocks. The result obtained showed that a parasite was present in 46.5% of tested flocks. The extensiveness of the Blastocystis invasion in reproductive geese flocks was low because the genetic material of parasites was found only in 7.48% of samples. There was no correlation between the infection and the bird’s age or the flock size. The data obtained showed that geese could be the source of infections in humans who have contact with carriers of the infection.
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Su C, Mei X, Wei L, Wang J, Feng X, Wang P, He B, Chang Y, Xu F, Wang M, Tian X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. Prevalence and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12888. [PMID: 35007363 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan parasite found in humans and many kinds of animals that mainly causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and other clinical symptoms. At present, research on the prevalence and subtype diversity of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons is very limited. The purpose of this study was to detect the infection rate and gene subtype distribution of Blastocystis in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China, to provide a foundation for preventing and controlling Blastocystis in domestic pigeons. Fecal DNA was extracted from 504 fresh fecal samples of pigeons collected from 4 areas in Henan Province, Central China. All DNA samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and positive samples were sequenced to analyze the gene subtypes based on small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Blastocystis in pigeons in Henan Province was 7.7% (39/504). Four subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis were identified including ST1 (2/39, 5.1%), ST3 (16/39, 41.0%), ST4 (1/39, 2.6%) and ST7 (20/39, 51.3%), all of which belonged to zoonotic subtypes, and ST7 was the dominant gene subtype. The results show that Blastocystis infection is common in domestic pigeons in Henan Province, Central China, and the pathogen were zoonotic subtypes. Particular attention should be given to reducing the risk of transmission of Blastocystis from domestic pigeons to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwei Su
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Xia Feng
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Pei Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Bo He
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Fuyang Xu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Mingyong Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China.,MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China
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Liu X, Ni F, Wang R, Li J, Ge Y, Yang X, Qi M, Zhang L. Occurrence and subtyping of Blastocystis in coypus (Myocastor coypus) in China. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:14. [PMID: 34991712 PMCID: PMC8734224 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is an anaerobic unicellular protist frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals worldwide. However, the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in the coypu (Myocastor coypus) population have not been reported so far. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates detected in coypus in China. RESULTS A total of 308 fecal samples were collected from coypus in seven regions across China and subsequently examined. Blastocystis was detected in 44 (14.3%) specimens by nested PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Further DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses resulted in the identification of two zoonotic known subtypes, ST4 and ST5, and an unknown subtype. ST4 was the most predominant subtype observed in the samples. ST5 infections were only observed in three coypus. Factors that were associated with prevalence of Blastocystis included age, geographical region and subtype. Interestingly, this is the first report about a potentially novel subtype infecting coypus. CONCLUSIONS This is the first comprehensive report of Blastocystis in M. coypus across a wide geographic range of China. A moderate degree of genetic divergence was observed. The presence of zoonotic subtypes in farmed M. coypus suggests that these animals have the potential to transmit blastocystosis to both humans and domestic animals. These findings provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in rodents and contribute towards the establishment of efficient blastocystosis control strategies in the investigated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046 Henan Province China
| | - Fuzhen Ni
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046 Henan Province China
| | - Junqiang Li
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046 Henan Province China
| | - Yaming Ge
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan Province China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Alar, 843300 Xinjiang Province China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046 Henan Province China
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Song J, Yang X, Ma X, Wu X, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu G, Zhao G. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in Chinese bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis). Parasite 2021; 28:81. [PMID: 34907896 PMCID: PMC8672676 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., a parasitic eukaryote, widely colonizes the intestines of humans and a large number of animals, including rodents and lagomorphs. More than 30 million bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) are farmed in China as a source of meat for human consumption. However, there have been no published articles on Blastocystis infection in Chinese bamboo rats prior to the present study. Herein, 480 fresh faecal samples were collected from R. sinensis on six farms located in four cities (Wugang, Chenzhou, Huaihua and Jishou) in Hunan Province, south-central China, and were examined for Blastocystis infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The total prevalence of Blastocystis in R. sinensis was 4.58% (22/480), and significant differences in prevalence were detected among four age groups (<6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months and >24 months), with the highest prevalence (7.81%) in rats aged 6–12 months but with no positive samples in rats over 24 months. All farms, except for one in Jishou, were positive for Blastocystis infection, with the prevalence ranging from 1.80% to 7.27%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed two potentially zoonotic subtypes (namely ST4 and ST5) in these rodents, with ST4 predominant in all except one farm in Huaihua. Seven and five sequence types were identified within ST4 and ST5, respectively. This is the first report of Blastocystis infection in Chinese bamboo rats and the findings suggest the potential of R. sinensis to transmit Blastocystis to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xun Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Guohua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, Hunan, PR China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
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Liu X, Ge Y, Wang R, Dong H, Yang X, Zhang L. First report of Blastocystis infection in Pallas's squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in China. Vet Res Commun 2021; 45:441-445. [PMID: 33987777 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis, an intestinal anaerobic protist with high genetic diversity, inhabits a variety of hosts worldwide, including rodents. However, there have been few studies on squirrel Blastocystis infections in China to date. Herein, 171 fecal samples from Pallas's squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) sold as pets were collected to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Blastocystis. A total of 10 Blastocystis-positive samples (10/171, 5.9%) were obtained by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene. Blastocystis subtype analysis revealed four known subtypes, namely, ST1, ST3, ST5 and ST6, with ST5 and ST6 being predominant. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify each subtype. To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore Blastocystis infection in Pallas's squirrels, expanding the host range of this parasite. Moreover, multiple zoonotic subtypes were found in Pallas's squirrels, suggesting that these animals may serve as reservoirs for pathogens of human Blastocystis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Liu
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Yaming Ge
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Haiju Dong
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Chang Y, Yan Y, Han H, Wu Y, Li J, Ning C, Zhang S, Zhang L. Prevalence of Blastocystis infection in free-range Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China. One Health 2021; 13:100347. [PMID: 34820500 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites in humans and domestic animals. For Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats, the traditional grazing methods still occupy a dominant position, and the close contact between humans and domestic animals increases the risk of infection by Blastocystis between herdsmen and livestock. However, less pertinent information is available for Tibetan sheep or Tibetan goats. In this study, 880 fecal specimens from Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats were collected from 6 sampling sites in Tibet to test for Blastocystis using the polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis of the partial SSU rRNA gene. The infection rate of Blastocystis was 8.55% for Tibetan sheep (53/620) and 8.46% for Tibetan goats (22/260). The genetic analysis of 53 positive samples from Tibetan sheep identified 4 known subtypes (ST4, ST5, ST10, and ST14). Four known subtypes (ST1, ST5, ST6, and ST10) were identified in Tibetan goats. ST10 was the dominant subtype in Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats, accounting for 65.33% (49/75) of total subtypes. ST1, ST4, ST5, and ST6 were recognized as belonging to zoonotic subtypes. This report provides a detailed data on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats in Tibet, which enriches the epidemiological data of Blastocystis infection in Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats in China. Our results indicated that Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats can be infected with multiple Blastocystis subtypes, including zoonotic subtypes. More research is needed among humans, livestock and wild animals in Tibet to better understand their role in the spread of Blastocystis. And, One Health measures need to be taken to control and prevent its zoonotic transmission. Tibetan sheep and Tibetan goats were examined the Blastocystis for the first time. Subtypes ST4, ST5, ST10, ST14 in Tibetan sheep and subtypes ST1, ST5, ST6, ST10 in Tibetan goats were identified separately. Four potential zoonotic subtypes (ST1, ST4, ST5, ST6) were detected in this article.
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Wang X, Xue NY, Qin LT, Liu YY, Wang HX, Zhao Q, Ni HB, Lyu C. Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis from Beef Cattle in Northeastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:955-960. [PMID: 34780292 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common unicellular protist that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Blastocystis infection and subtypes in cattle have been reported in several regions. However, the information of Blastocystis infection in cattle in China is still largely scant. To assess the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in beef cattle in China, 803 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle farms in four cities of Northeast China, and were subjected to an analysis based on small subunit rRNA gene fragment. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in beef cattle was 2.11% (17/803), with 2.15% in preweaning calves, 1.9% in postweaning calves, and 3.85% in breeding cattle, but absence in adult cattle (p > 0.05). Moreover, five Blastocystis subtypes were identified (ST10, ST21, ST23, ST25, and ST26), among which ST10 and ST26 subtypes were dominant subtypes in beef cattle. Mixed infections were detected in three specimens (ST10/ST25, ST10/ST23/ST25, and ST10/ST26). This is the first report showing Blastocystis infection in beef cattle in Northeast China. In addition, a variety of Blastocystis subtypes are reported in cattle in China for the first time. These results will benefit for better understanding the epidemiology and public health implications of Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, P.R. China
| | - Nian-Yu Xue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ting Qin
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao, P.R. China.,Qingdao Jiazhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Xian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Chuang Lyu
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao, P.R. China.,Qingdao Jiazhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, P.R. China
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Masuda A, Wada M, Saho H, Tokunaga K, Kikuchi Y, Yamasaki F, Matsumoto J. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of the Zoonotic Enteric Protozoans Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis from Pallas's Squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Microbiol Spectr 2021;:e0099021. [PMID: 34730381 DOI: 10.1128/Spectrum.00990-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pallas's squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus) was introduced in Japan in the 1930s and has since established itself in several areas across the country. Although wild Sciuridae populations have been demonstrated to be potential reservoirs for zoonotic enteric protozoa, epidemiological studies of such pathogens in Japan are scarce. Here, we examined 423 fecal samples from Pallas's squirrels captured in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, using PCR and DNA sequencing to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi, and Blastocystis was 4.3% (18/423 samples), 13.0% (55/423 samples), and 44.0% (186/423 samples), respectively. The prevalence of Blastocystis and E. bieneusi was significantly higher in spring (60.1% and 17.4%, respectively) than in winter (27.6% and 8.6%, respectively [P < 0.01]). Sequence analysis of Cryptosporidium spp., targeting the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA), showed 100% identity (541/541 bp) to Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, and analysis of the gp60 gene showed 99.76% (833/835 bp) identity to C. ubiquitum subtype XIIh. The sequences of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region of E. bieneusi and the partial SSU rDNA of Blastocystis were identified as E. bieneusi genotype SCC-2 and Blastocystis subtype 4, respectively. This study confirmed the presence of C. ubiquitum, E. bieneusi, and Blastocystis in Pallas's squirrels in Kanagawa Prefecture. Because Pallas's squirrels inhabit urban areas, living close to humans, the species may serve as a potential source of infection in human populations. IMPORTANCE Pallas's squirrel is designated a "regulated organism" under the Invasive Alien Species Act in Japan, and municipal authorities are introducing control measures to reduce its populations. It has been suggested that wild mammals may play a role in contaminating the environment with zoonotic pathogens. The present study detected the enteric pathogens Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis in the feces of Pallas's squirrels inhabiting Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. These pathogens persist in the environment and contaminate soils and water, which may potentially infect humans. Because Pallas's squirrels in Kanagawa Prefecture are found in urban areas, where they are in close contact with human populations, continued monitoring of zoonotic diseases among squirrel populations will be important for evaluating the significance of wildlife in pathogen transmission.
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Geng HL, Sun YZ, Jiang J, Sun HT, Li YG, Qin SY, Wang ZJ, Ma T, Zhu JH, Xue NY, Ni HB. The Presence of Blastocystis in Tibetan Antelope ( Pantholops hodgsonii). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:747952. [PMID: 34660346 PMCID: PMC8512422 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.747952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a protozoan that parasitizes the intestines. A number of hosts of Blastocystis have been found, including human and animals. However, there has been no research on the prevalence of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope. Here, a molecular test was performed using 627 Tibetan antelope fecal samples collected on Tibet in China from 2019 to 2020. The result showed that 30 (4.8%) samples were Blastocystis positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was in Shuanghu County (25/209, 12.0%), followed by Shenza County (2/103, 1.9%), Nyima County (3/182, 1.6%), and Baigoin County (0/133, 0.0%). In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that the gender, sampling year, and area of Tibetan antelope were risk factors for Blastocystis prevalence. Three subtypes (ST10, ST13, and ST14) of Blastocystis were found in Tibetan antelope through a subtype sequence analysis, and ST13 was identified to be the dominant subtype. This is the first investigation for the infection of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope. Collectively, the data in this study have expanded the host range of Blastocystis and provided basic information for the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes, which could support the prevention of Blastocystis infection in wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu-Zhe Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
| | - He-Ting Sun
- General Monitoring Station for Wildlife-Borne Infectious Diseases, State Forestry and Grass Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan-Guo Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- General Monitoring Station for Wildlife-Borne Infectious Diseases, State Forestry and Grass Administration, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun-Hui Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nian-Yu Xue
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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Rauff-Adedotun AA, Meor Termizi FH, Shaari N, Lee IL. The Coexistence of Blastocystis spp. in Humans, Animals and Environmental Sources from 2010-2021 in Asia. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 34681089 PMCID: PMC8533399 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of Blastocystis spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of Blastocystis spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of Blastocystis spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 11800, Malaysia; (A.A.R.-A.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Waleron M, Kalicki M, Sikorska K, Szostakowska B. Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis from Animals and Their Caregivers at the Gdańsk Zoo (Poland) and the Assessment of Zoonotic Transmission. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10100984. [PMID: 34681082 PMCID: PMC8533498 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a highly genetically diverse gut protist commonly found in humans and various animals. The role of animals in human infection is only partly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the host specificity and possibility of zoonotic transmission of this microorganism. Subtypes of Blastocystis isolated from 201 zoo animals and their 35 caregivers were identified by sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. Blastocystis was found in 26.86% of animal and 17.14% of human samples. Both mammalian (ST1-ST3, ST5, ST8, ST10, ST13, ST14) and non-mammalian subtypes were detected. Of the subtypes found in non-human primates (ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST13), two subtypes (ST1 and ST3) were also detected in humans. The presence of identical ST1 sequences in three monkeys and their caregiver indicates the possibility of direct transmission of Blastocystis between these animals and humans. Detection of ST5 only in wild boars and peccaries, ST8 only in Marsupial, ST10 and ST14 only in Bovidae, and non-mammalian subtypes in reptiles suggests higher host specificity for these subtypes, and indicates that their transmission between animals and humans is unlikely. Additionally, this was probably the first time that ST5 was found in peccaries, ST2 in patas monkeys, and ST8 in red kangaroos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-583-491-762
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Waleron
- Laboratory of Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Mirosław Kalicki
- Zoological Garden of Gdańsk, Karwieńska 3, 80-328 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (B.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Wang P, Li S, Zou Y, Hong ZW, Wang P, Zhu XQ, Song DP, Chen XQ. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Diarrheic Pigs in Southern China. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091189. [PMID: 34578221 PMCID: PMC8471349 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common pathogen that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing a threat to public health. However, little information on the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in diarrheic pigs in China is available. Herein, 1254 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs in 37 intensive pig farms in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces in southern China, and the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. were investigated. Blastocystis sp. was detected by PCR assay, which amplified the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 31.4% (394/1254), including 21.5% (66/307), 33.1% (99/299), 58.9% (56/95), and 31.3% (173/553) in suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, and sows, respectively. Moreover, age and region factors were significantly related to prevalence of Blastocystis sp. (p < 0.05). Four Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified, including ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14. The preponderant subtype was ST5 (76.9%, 303/394). To our knowledge, ST14 was firstly found in pigs in China. The human-pathogenic subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14) that were observed in this study indicate a potential threat to public health. These findings provided a new sight for studying the genetic structure of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
| | - Sen Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China;
| | - Yang Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China;
| | - Zhao-Wei Hong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
| | - Ping Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China;
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - De-Ping Song
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.-P.S.); (X.-Q.C.)
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.W.); (S.L.); (Z.-W.H.); (P.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.-P.S.); (X.-Q.C.)
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Liu X, Zhang S, Dong H, Wang R, Zhang L, Ge Y. PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF BLASTOCYSTIS SP. FROM PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN CHINA. J Parasitol 2021; 107:790-793. [PMID: 34614510 DOI: 10.1645/19-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is the first description of Blastocystis infection in peafowls in China. In total, 143 fecal specimens collected from a peafowl breeding farm in Henan Province were tested for Blastocystis infection by PCR assay targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, and a total of 50 specimens (35.0%) were positive. Based on sequences and phylogenetic analysis, 2 genetically distinct subtypes (STs) were determined: ST9 and ST7. ST9 was the predominant subtype, accounting for 82% (41/50). The rare zoonotic subtype ST7 was also identified in peafowls, with the infection rate of 18% (9/50). Altogether, the present study is the first report of the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Blastocystis in peafowls in central China. The presence of zoonotic subtypes in peafowls suggests the potential risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis to workers at peafowl farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Liu
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 453003 Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 453003 Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Haiju Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450002 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450002 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450002 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaming Ge
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, 453003 Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Mohammad Rahimi H, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. Molecular epidemiology and genotype/subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Encephalitozoon spp. in livestock: concern for emerging zoonotic infections. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17467. [PMID: 34471179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96960-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections have high prevalence rate in many regions especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and genotype/subtype of some intestinal protozoa in livestock in Iran. Stool samples were collected from cattle, sheep, chickens, and horses. The presence of targeted parasites was evaluated using real-time PCR. Genotyping/subtyping of positive samples was characterized using sequencing of the ITS and barcoding region, respectively. Blastocystis sp., 27.7% (48/173) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi 26.0% (45/173) were the most frequent protozoa followed by Encephalitozoon spp., 0.57% (1/173). Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected among samples. Encephalitozoon spp., was detected only in chickens 2.2% (1/45). A statistically correlation was seen between animals and the prevalence of targeted protozoa. E. bieneusi genotypes I (9/38; 23.68%), BEB6 (22/38; 57.89%), D (6/38; 15.79%), and horse1 (1/38; 2.63%) were detected among samples. A statistically significant correlation was seen between the genotypes and animals (P ≤ 0.05). Blastocystis sp., ST1 (1/45; 2.22%), ST5 3/45; 6.66%), ST7 (1/45; 2.22%), ST10 (24/45; 53.33%), and ST14 (16/45; 35.55%) were characterized among samples. There was no significant correlation between certain subtypes and animals (P = 0.173). The presence of zoonotic potential genotypes of E. bieneusi in animals and zoonotic potential subtypes ST1 and ST7 among our samples provide a clue about the transmission dynamic of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. between animals–animals and humans–animals.
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Boutellis A, Aissi M, Harhoura K, Drali R, Kernif T, Tazerouti F. First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from animals and animal-keepers stool in Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 78:101695. [PMID: 34416484 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common enteric parasites found in humans and many non-human hosts. It is an anaerobic protozoan that belongs to the group of Stramenopiles. Based on phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA genes, at least 17 subtypes (ST1-ST17) are described. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from various animal groups and animal-keepers. Overall, 29/70 (41.43%) animals and 7/60 (11.66%) humans sampled were positive for Blastocystis sp. using microscopy. The sequencing of the partial 18S small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA) revealed the presence of five haplotypes corresponding to ST2 and ST3 in humans, and ST2, ST3, ST7, and ST10 in animals. This is the first report of Blastocystis subtypes in animals in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Boutellis
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction, Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger, Algeria.
| | - Miriem Aissi
- Laboratoire de Santé et Production Animale. Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire Rabie Bouchama, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Khaled Harhoura
- Laboratoire de Santé et Production Animale. Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire Rabie Bouchama, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Rezak Drali
- Plateforme Génomique - Bioinformatique, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, 16302, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Tahar Kernif
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Dély Brahim, Alger, Algeria
| | - Fadila Tazerouti
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction, Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger, Algeria
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Maloney JG, Jang Y, Molokin A, George NS, Santin M. Wide Genetic Diversity of Blastocystis in White-Tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) from Maryland, USA. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061343. [PMID: 34205799 PMCID: PMC8233720 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a gastrointestinal protist frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide. Wildlife populations, including deer, may serve as reservoirs of parasitic diseases for both humans and domestic animals, either through direct contact or through contamination of food or water resources. However, no studies of the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in wildlife populations have been conducted in the United States. PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing were used to determine the occurrence and subtypes of Blastocystis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Blastocystis was common, with 88.8% (71/80) of samples found to be positive. Twelve subtypes were identified, ten previously reported (ST1, ST3, ST4, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST23–ST26) and two novel subtypes (ST30 and ST31). To confirm the validity of ST30 and ST31, MinION sequencing was used to obtain full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences, and phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses were performed. ST10, ST14, and ST24 were the most commonly observed subtypes. Potentially zoonotic subtypes ST1, ST3, or ST4 were present in 8.5% of Blastocystis-positives. Mixed subtype infections were common (90.1% of Blastocystis-positives). This study is the first to subtype Blastocystis in white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer were found to be commonly infected/colonized with a wide diversity of subtypes, including two novel subtypes, zoonotic subtypes, and subtypes frequently reported in domestic animals. More studies in wildlife are needed to better understand their role in the transmission of Blastocystis.
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Maloney JG, da Cunha MJR, Molokin A, Cury MC, Santin M. Next-generation sequencing reveals wide genetic diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in chickens including potentially zoonotic subtypes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2219-2231. [PMID: 33904983 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an intestinal protist parasite commonly found in the feces of humans and animals worldwide. Blastocystis exhibits extensive genetic diversity and has been identified in humans and a variety of animals including other mammals and birds. Blastocystis subtypes do not exhibit strict host specificity which raises the possibility of zoonotic transmission through either direct contact or fecal contamination of food or water. However, reports detailing the subtypes and prevalence of Blastocystis in avian species are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of Blastocystis in chickens by molecular characterization of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Fecal samples from 130 chickens were collected from local markets in Uberlândia and Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To detect and identify subtypes of Blastocystis, a next-generation amplicon sequencing protocol was used. Forty-four of the 130 (33.8%) chickens examined were positive for Blastocystis. Blastocystis subtypes ST6 (23/130; 17.7%), ST7 (43/130; 33.1%), ST10 (1/130; 0.8%), ST14 (5/130; 3.8%), ST25 (1/130; 0.8%), and a novel subtype (ST29) (2/130; 1.5%) were observed. A nanopore sequencing strategy was used to obtain the near full-length SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequence and validate novel subtype ST29. Mixed infections containing multiple subtypes were common and identified in 63.6% of Blastocystis-positive chickens. All positive samples contained one or both potentially zoonotic subtypes ST6 and ST7. The prevalence of Blastocystis in chickens was high, and molecular characterization mostly identified subtypes previously found in humans. Thus, chickens may be a source of human infection and environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Maria J R da Cunha
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.,Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Caixa Postal 250, Brasília, DF, 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Márcia C Cury
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
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Süli T, Kozoderović G, Potkonjak A, Vidanović D, Tešović B, Vračar V, Miladinović Tasić N, Stensvold CR, Lalošević V. Subtyping Blastocystis in pigs and humans revealed unusual avian-specific subtype ST6 in humans in Serbia. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:544-548. [PMID: 33822468 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common protist colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. The first subtyping of Blastocystis isolates in pigs and humans in Serbia revealed unusual avian-specific subtype ST6 in humans. In total, 48 pig faecal specimens collected on seven pig farms and 50 human faecal specimens positive to Blastocystis by microscopic examination were selected for the study. Eleven randomly selected PCR-positive pig samples and 10 samples from human patients (with gastrointestinal complaints) were subjected to SSU rDNA sequencing. Three subtypes were identified (ST3, ST5 and ST6) by phylogenetic analysis. ST5 was found in all pig samples; while in human samples, we detected ST3 and ST6. The latter subtype is relatively uncommon in Europe and highly adapted to avian hosts; therefore, the possibility of sporadic zoonotic transmission to human patients should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Süli
- Prophyl Animal Health Ltd., Mohács, Hungary
| | | | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejan Vidanović
- Veterinary Specialist Institute "Kraljevo", Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Bojana Tešović
- Veterinary Specialist Institute "Kraljevo", Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Vuk Vračar
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | - Vesna Lalošević
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Deng L, Yao J, Chen S, He T, Chai Y, Zhou Z, Shi X, Liu H, Zhong Z, Fu H, Peng G. First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in southwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:11. [PMID: 33407818 PMCID: PMC7788908 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic protozoan that parasitizes many animal hosts and the human gastrointestinal tract, and its pathogenicity is controversial. Captive wildlife may be potential reservoirs for human infection with Blastocystis sp. The present study was performed to investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. METHODS A total of 420 fresh fecal samples were collected from 54 captive wildlife species in four zoos in southwestern China between June 2017 and September 2019. The prevalence and subtype (ST) genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. were determined by PCR amplification of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Overall, 15.7% (66/420) of the animal samples and 20.7% (14/54) of the species tested were shown to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in Panzhihua Zoo (24.3%), which was significantly higher than that in Chengdu Zoo (6.9%), and Xichang Zoo (2.9%) (P < 0.05). There are also significant differences in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among different species (P < 0.05), and the highest of Blastocystis sp. prevalence was observed in white-cheeked gibbon, black great squirrel, and red giant flying squirrel (100%). Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. revealed nine subtypes, including six zoonotic STs (ST1-5, and ST8) and three animal-specific STs (ST10, ST14, and ST17), with ST17 as the predominant subtype (26/66) in Blastocystis sp.-positive isolates. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among captive wildlife in zoos in southwestern China. This study highlights that these animals may serve as reservoirs for human Blastocystis sp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingxin Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanyu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingmei He
- Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve Administration, Aba, 623006 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijun Chai
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Shi
- Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve Administration, Aba, 623006 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Hualin Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
Background Blastocystis is ubiquitous presence in animals and humans worldwide and has a high level genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to conduct a summary of Blastocystis prevalence, subtypes (STs) in humans and animals in China and depict their distribution. Methods We searched for the articles related to epidemiology of Blastocystis in humans and animals throughout China which published from January 1, 1990, to July 31, 2019 in the following databases: PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database. The keywords were Blastocystis and one of the following ones: STs, subtypes, distribution, epidemiology, prevalence, infection, molecular, geographic, intestinal parasites, genetic diversity and characterization. Results In recent years, various molecular epidemiological studies have been carried out in some provinces/regions of China to identify subtypes of Blastocystis. Infants and young children, school students, hospitalized diarrhea patients, HIV/AIDS patients, tuberculosis patients, and cancer patients as respondents had been included. ST1–ST7 and ST12 were the main subtypes in Chinese population. Moreover, surveys of Blastocystis infection in animal were also conducted in some provinces of China. A variety of animals were investigated including pigs, cattle, sheep, yak, giant panda, and crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) with the main subtypes of ST1–ST8, ST10, ST12–ST14. Conclusions In recent years, some provinces/regions in China have conducted various molecular epidemiological studies to identify the Blastocystis subtypes. It is important to focus on new subtypes and mixed subtypes of infection, while increasing data on ribosomal alleles. We encourage the scientific community to start research on humans and surrounding animals (including domestic and wild animals) to better understand the possibility of Blastocystis transmission between humans and animals. We call for action among researchers studying intestinal parasitic diseases (Blastocystis), start drawing the subtype of Blastocystis and increase the subtype related to its clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Qun Ning
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhu-Hua Hu
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Ai
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Guang Tian
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Parasitology and Vector Biology, MOH of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 20025, People's Republic of China.
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Kim KT, Noh G, Lee H, Kim SH, Jeong H, Kim Y, Jheong WH, Oem JK, Kim TH, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Genetic Diversity and Zoonotic Potential of Blastocystis in Korean Water Deer, Hydropotes inermis argyropus. Pathogens 2020; 9:E955. [PMID: 33212900 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a protozoan parasite commonly detected in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. It has been actively studied worldwide; however, information on Blastocystis is limited in Korea. Because there is an increasing concern about the contact between wildlife and domestic animals or humans, we assessed the infection status and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis in Korean water deer (KWD, Hydropotes inermis argyropus) using genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 125 fresh fecal samples were collected from KWD which were killed by vehicles on highways or roadsides in this study. Among the 125 samples, 51 (40.8%) were PCR positive. We performed nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 26 of the 51 PCR-positive samples. By analyzing Blastocystis 18S rRNA, two subtypes (ST4 and ST14) were identified in this study. Of the 26 samples analyzed, 25 were identified as ST14 and one as ST4. Infection of ST14 in humans has not been reported. Although only one ST4 sample was detected in this study, ST4 has zoonotic potential without showing ruminant specificity. Thus, continuous attention should be provided to the potential of transmission between wildlife and domestic animals and humans.
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Liao S, Lin X, Sun Y, Qi N, Lv M, Wu C, Li J, Hu J, Yu L, Cai H, Xiao W, Sun M, Li G. Occurrence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in household, shelter, breeding, and pet market dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17736. [PMID: 33082394 PMCID: PMC7576217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal protozoans that infect humans and animals worldwide. A survey that assessed the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and zoonotic potential of these pathogens was conducted on a variety of dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. A total of 651 canine stool samples from household (n = 199), shelter (n = 149), breeding (n = 237), and pet market dogs (n = 66) were collected from eight districts in Guangzhou. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were detected by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. Giardia duodenalis-positive specimens were further assigned into assemblages using the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were found in 21 (3.2%), 20 (3.1%), and 35 (5.4%) samples, respectively. The overall prevalence of shelter dogs (40.28%, 60/149) was significantly higher than that of household (3.0%, 6/199), breeding (2.1%, 5/237), and pet market dogs (7.5%, 5/66) (χ2 = 154.72, df = 3, P < 0.001). Deworming in the past 12 months had a strong protective effect on the risk of contracting parasite infections (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between age or sex groups (P > 0.05). Dog-specific C. canis (n = 19) and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) were the only two Cryptosporidium species. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of three G. duodenalis assemblages: dog-specific assemblages D (n = 14) and C (n = 5), and cat-specific F (n = 1). Zoonotic Blastocystis ST3 (n = 28) was the dominant subtype, followed by ST1 (n = 6) and ST10 (n = 1). To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale investigation on the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in dogs in China. Our results indicated that the dogs seemed to play a negligible role as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis transmission to humans, but they are potential novel suitable hosts of Blastocystis sp. A strict sentinel surveillance system of dogs should be established to minimise the zoonotic risk of spreading blastocystosis among humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Minna Lv
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linzeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guoqing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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