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Yan WL, Li XM, Qin SY, Xue NY, Zou Y, Li JH, Zhang XX, Ni HB. Subtypes of Blastocystis in Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii). Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105233. [PMID: 38520840 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105233] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a protist that is distributed in the gut tract of humans and animals. However, the reports about Blastocystis infection in Tibetan antelope are scarce. We collected 173 Tibetan antelope feces samples from Xinjiang, Qinghai and Xizang, and amplified the SSU rRNA gene of 600 bp region of Blastocystis in our research. Fifty-one samples in total were positive for Blastocystis, with all subtypes being ST31. The lowest prevalence of Blastocystis was observed in Xizang (2/20, 9.1%), followed by Qinghai (18/92, 16.4%), Xinjiang (31/61, 33.7%). The highest prevalence of Blastocystis in Tibetan antelope was detected during the summer was (19/30, 38.8%). This is the first research work regarding the Blastocystis subtypes ST31 in Tibetan antelope. Our research provides information for future researches on the distribution of this Blastocystis subtype and the control of Blastocystis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China
| | - Xiao-Man Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110034, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Nian-Yu Xue
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR 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, PR China
| | - Jing-Hao Li
- Center of Prevention and Control Biological Disaster, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110034, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China.
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2
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Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Subtype-host patterns and genetic differentiation of Blastocystis sp. in the Philippines. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29019. [PMID: 38601700 PMCID: PMC11004820 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a gastrointestinal protozoan commonly encountered in humans and animals. Specificity to certain hosts may be associated with 38 known subtypes (STs) and 8 nonmammalian and avian STs (NMASTs). This can be determined by analyzing ST-host associations, ST-allele data, genetic variability analyses, and fixation index (FST) with sufficient data present. Thus, newly acquired and previously published data on Blastocystis sp. STs and NMASTs from the Philippines were compiled to determine the following: (1) ST-host associations, (2) ST-allele diversity per ST in certain hosts/sources, (3) intrasubtype diversity of certain STs found in different hosts using genetic variability analysis, and (4) comparison of similarities between specific ST populations to determine if these are the same circulating populations using FST. A total of 448 samples subtyped using both sequence-tagged site primers and the 600-bp barcoding region of the Blastocystis sp. SSU rRNA gene were analyzed in this study. Patterns of association for the Philippine samples were similar to those from neighboring Southeast Asian countries and around the world: ST1-ST4 were found in humans but ST3 was the most common, ST5 were found in pigs, and ST6 and ST7 were found in poultry. Blastocystis sp. from humans are mostly the same ST alleles (ST3 allele 34 and ST1 allele 4) while 3-5 ST alleles were found in the most common STs in pigs, macaques, and poultry. Also, ST1, ST3, ST5, and NMAST I are undergoing population expansion according to genetic variability analyses through possible addition of new alleles based on ST-allele diversity. Moreover, FST shows the same circulating population of ST1 in humans, pigs, and water indicating a possible waterborne route of cross-transmission. In contrast, ST3 found in humans possibly come from the same circulating population and is genetically distinct from those in nonhuman sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davin Edric V. Adao
- Pathogen–Host–Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Pathogen–Host–Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
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3
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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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Figueiredo AM, Santín M, Köster PC, Dashti A, Maloney JG, Torres RT, Fonseca C, Mysterud A, Carvalho J, Hipólito D, Rossa M, Palmeira JD, González-Barrio D, Calero-Bernal R, Carmena D. Molecular detection and characterization of Blastocystis in herbivore livestock species in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110147. [PMID: 38364349 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110147] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. The traditional livestock free-roaming raising system in rural communities increases the risk of infection with contact with a wider range of pathogens transmitted via the faecal-oral route associated with that wildlife-livestock-human interface. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in livestock in Portugal. Here, we collected 180 faecal samples from herbivore livestock (cattle, goats, horses, and sheep) in different regions of the country to investigate Blastocystis prevalence and subtype diversity using PCR and next-generation amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis was present in 40.6% (73/180; 95% CI: 33.31-48.11) of the samples (goats, 81.0%; sheep, 60.9%; cattle, 32.2%). None of the horse samples were Blastocystis-positive. Eighteen subtypes were detected (ST1-ST3, ST5-ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23-ST26, ST30, ST42-ST44). Mixed infections were detected in 97.3% of the Blastocystis-positive samples. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 75.0%, 96.4%, and 100% of the Blastocystis-positive specimens collected from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. These results demonstrate that cattle, sheep, and goats harbour a high diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in the study regions. Importantly, our data provide novel molecular evidence strongly suggesting that some Blastocystis STs/ST subgroups may have differential host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Figueiredo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Rita T Torres
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dário Hipólito
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Veterinary Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mariana Rossa
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Josman D Palmeira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Fusaro C, Bernal JE, Baldiris-Ávila R, González-Cuello R, Cisneros-Lorduy J, Reales-Ruiz A, Castro-Orozco R, Sarria-Guzmán Y. Molecular Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Humans of Latin America: A Systematic Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38393127 PMCID: PMC10893338 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020038] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are among the few enteric parasites with a prevalence that can reach up to approximately 80% in communities of developing countries. This systematic review updates and summarizes available literature on the molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Latin American people. This work follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature revised covers from 1 January 2015 to 6 October 2023 in seven different scientific databases, and the material was selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to data found in the 36 selected articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in Latin America ranged between 5.8% (Bolivian rural communities) and 94.0% (Colombian general public). Generally, genomic DNA was extracted from approximately 200 mg fecal sediments using commercial kits, such as the QIAamp Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) or the Norgen Stool DNA Isolation Kit (Norgen Biotek Corporation, Thorold, ON, Canada). Subtype-specific primers (such as the couple of primers BhRDr-RD5) developed from unique sequences of the SSU rRNA gene were applied to Blastocystis subtyping. Ten specific subtypes (STs) were found as well as various mixed infections, and the most circulating Blastocystis STs were in the order ST3, ST1, ST2, and ST4. The most recent data about Blastocystis spp. molecular epidemiology and the STs in communities of Latin America are limited to studies from specific countries. Novel scientific data from the other countries are required to obtain a complete picture and truly understand the distribution and prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and the STs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Fusaro
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Jaime E. Bernal
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Sinú, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130001, Colombia;
| | - Rosa Baldiris-Ávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 13001, Colombia;
| | - Rafael González-Cuello
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130015, Colombia;
| | - Julio Cisneros-Lorduy
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Arley Reales-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ingenierías, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia; (C.F.); (J.C.-L.); (A.R.-R.)
| | - Raimundo Castro-Orozco
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130010, Colombia;
| | - Yohanna Sarria-Guzmán
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolivar 130015, Colombia;
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Boutahar M, Belaouni M, Ibrahimi A, Eljaoudi R, Aanniz T, Er-Rami M. Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in Morocco: Comparative assessment of three diagnostic methods and characterization of parasite forms in Jones' culture medium. Parasite 2023; 30:64. [PMID: 38117274 PMCID: PMC10732137 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023065] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystosis is an infection caused by Blastocystis sp., which colonizes the digestive tract of various hosts, including humans, although its pathogenicity is debated. It is crucial to detect and distinguish the different forms of Blastocystis to understand better its impact on human health and its epidemiological evolution. This study evaluated three diagnostic methods on 105 stool samples: direct examination, culture in Jones' medium, and conventional PCR. PCR is considered the gold standard and revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis (67.62%) compared to direct examination (20.95%) and culture in Jones' medium (51.43%). Although the sensitivity of direct examination and culture was 31% and 76.1%, respectively, their specificity was 100%. No significant risk factors were identified. A statistically significant association was observed between Blastocystis infection and abdominal pain. Microscopic analysis revealed various morphological forms. Molecular diagnosis is an essential tool to determine the true prevalence of Blastocystis, and studying the different forms of this microorganism will contribute to a better understanding of its biological cycle and, therefore, the impact of this emerging infection on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Boutahar
- Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology of Fez, B.P. 2202 - Route d'Imouzzer, Fez, Morocco
| | - Mourad Belaouni
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Moulay Ismaïl Military Hospital, Meknes 50007, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco - Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat 10000, Morocco - Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Rachid Eljaoudi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco - Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat 10000, Morocco - Emergency Department, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Tarik Aanniz
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Rabat Medical & Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Er-Rami
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Moulay Ismaïl Military Hospital, Meknes 50007, Morocco - Human Pathology, Biomedicine and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Fez 30070, Morocco
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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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Naguib D, Gantois N, Desramaut J, Arafat N, Mandour M, Abdelmaogood AKK, Mosa AF, Denoyelle C, Even G, Certad G, Chabé M, Viscogliosi E. Molecular Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of the Enteric Protozoan Parasite Blastocystis sp. in the Northern Egypt Population. Pathogens 2023; 12:1359. [PMID: 38003823 PMCID: PMC10674599 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111359] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is currently reported as the most frequent single-celled eukaryote inhabiting the intestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animal groups. Its prevalence is especially higher in developing countries linked with fecal peril. Despite a growing interest in this enteric protozoan, certain geographical regions potentially at high risk of infection, such as North Africa, remain under-investigated. Therefore, a large-scale molecular epidemiological survey, including 825 participants presenting digestive disorders or not, was conducted in five governorates located in Northern Egypt. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was performed to identify the parasite in stool samples, followed by direct sequencing of the positive PCR products for subtyping and genotyping of the corresponding isolates. The overall prevalence was shown to reach 72.4% in the Egyptian cohort, coupled with a variable frequency depending on the governorate (41.3 to 100%). Among the 597 positive participants, a large proportion of them (39.4%) presented mixed infections, as determined by sequencing. The remaining individuals with single infection were predominantly colonized by subtype 3 (ST3) (48.3%) followed by ST1 (39.5%), ST2 (10.8%), ST14 (1.1%), and ST10 (0.3%). This was the first report of ST10 and ST14 in North Africa. Age, sex, digestive symptoms, and health status of the participants or contact with animals were not identified as significant risk factors for Blastocystis sp. occurrence or affecting the ST distribution. In contrast, substantial variations in the prevalence and ST distribution of the parasite were reported according to the governorate. Genotyping of isolates revealed the lower intra-ST diversity for ST3, followed by ST1 and then ST2. By combining subtyping and genotyping data, a widespread inter-human transmission was strongly suggested for ST3 within the Egyptian cohort. Regarding ST1 and ST2, additional animal or environmental sources of infection by these STs have been proposed, whereas the few cases of colonization by ST10 and ST14 were likely the result of zoonotic transmission from bovid. These investigations clearly emphasized the active circulation of Blastocystis sp. in Northern Egypt and the necessity for health authorities to implement prevention campaigns towards the population and quality control of drinking water, with the aim of reducing the burden of this enteric protozoan in this endemic country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Naguib
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Jeremy Desramaut
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Nagah Arafat
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed Mandour
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41511, Egypt; (M.M.); (A.K.K.A.)
| | | | - Ashraf Fawzy Mosa
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21500, Egypt;
| | - Constance Denoyelle
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Gaël Even
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France;
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (D.N.); (N.G.); (J.D.); (C.D.); (G.C.); (M.C.)
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9
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Wei CN, Qin RL, Zhang ZH, Zheng WB, Liu Q, Gao WW, Zhu XQ, Xie SC. Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Blastocystis in Sheep and Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China: From a Public Health Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2843. [PMID: 37760242 PMCID: PMC10525586 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan and causes a series of gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and animals via the fecal-oral route, causing economic losses and posing public health problems. At present, the prevalence and genetic structure of Blastocystis in sheep and pigs in Shanxi province remains unknown. Thus, the present study collected 492 sheep fecal samples and 362 pig fecal samples from three representative counties in northern, central and southern Shanxi province for the detection of Blastocystis based on its SSU rRNA gene. The results showed that the overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the examined sheep and pigs were 16.26% and 14.09%, respectively. Sequences analyses showed that four known subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14 and ST30) in sheep and two subtypes (ST1 and ST5) in pigs were detected in this study, with ST5 being the predominate subtype among the study areas. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the same subtypes were clustered into the same branch. This study reveals that sheep and pigs in Shanxi province are hosts for multiple Blastocystis subtypes, including the zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5), posing a risk to public health. Baseline epidemiological data are provided that help in improving our understanding of the role of zoonotic subtypes in Blastocystis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ning Wei
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Rui-Lin Qin
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Zhen-Huan Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (C.-N.W.); (R.-L.Q.); (Z.-H.Z.); (W.-B.Z.); (Q.L.); (W.-W.G.)
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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10
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Hernández-Castro C, Maloney JG, Agudelo-López SP, Toro-Londoño MA, Botero-Garcés JH, Orozco MC, Quintero-Quinchia YC, Correa-Cote JC, Múnera-Duque A, Ricaurte-Ciro JC, Londoño-Álvarez LI, Escobar RM, Köster PC, Sánchez S, Carmena D, Santín M. Identification and validation of novel Blastocystis subtype ST41 in a Colombian patient undergoing colorectal cancer screening. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2023; 70:e12978. [PMID: 37195413 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is among the most frequent intestinal protists identified in humans globally. However, characterization of Blastocystis subtype diversity in humans is ongoing. We report here the identification of novel Blastocystis subtype ST41 in a Colombian patient undergoing colorectal cancer screening involving colonoscopy and fecal testing (microscopy, culture, PCR). The full-length ssu rRNA gene sequence of the protist was generated using MinION long-read sequencing technology. The validity of the novel subtype was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length ST41 sequence and all other valid subtypes. The study provides reference material essential for conducting subsequent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonia P Agudelo-López
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Miguel A Toro-Londoño
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jorge H Botero-Garcés
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - María C Orozco
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Yulieth C Quintero-Quinchia
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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11
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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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12
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Rudzińska M, Sikorska K. Epidemiology of Blastocystis Infection: A Review of Data from Poland in Relation to Other Reports. Pathogens 2023; 12:1050. [PMID: 37624010 PMCID: PMC10458783 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081050] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common gut protist of humans and various animals worldwide, with a high level of genetic diversity. Neither its zoonotic potential and transmission routes nor its pathogenicity are fully known. This fact, and the fact that Blastocystis is the most abundant eukaryote in human faeces, raises the question of its relevance to public health. Here, we summarise (in relation to other reports) the results of studies on the prevalence and genotypic variation of Blastocystis, which were carried out in animals, humans, and in water environments in Poland. In humans, the prevalence ranged between 0.14 and 23.6%, in some animals reached 58.97%, and in water environments was 5.1%. Seven subtypes were identified in humans (ST1-ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9), of which ST3 was the most common. Among animals (wild, livestock, and pet animals), eleven STs were identified, with differential host specificity. Humans and animals shared ST1, ST2, ST3, ST6, and ST7, while ST1 and ST3 were present in humans, animals, and water sources. These observations indicate the possibility of Blastocystis transmission between animals and humans. Further studies should be continued in search of the sources and transmission routes of Blastocystis in order to prevent the spread of infections among humans and animals.
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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;
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13
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Santin M, Molokin A, Maloney JG. A longitudinal study of Blastocystis in dairy calves from birth through 24 months demonstrates dynamic shifts in infection rates and subtype prevalence and diversity by age. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:177. [PMID: 37264466 PMCID: PMC10236725 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05795-0] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common microeukaryotic intestinal parasite in humans and other animal hosts globally. However, no large-scale longitudinal study has ever been conducted for Blastocystis. To understand patterns of infection prevalence and subtype diversity and their relationship with host age, we have conducted the most comprehensive longitudinal study of Blastocystis infection ever performed. Dairy calves from a herd located in Maryland, USA, were followed from birth through 24 months of age, and 990 individual fecal samples from 30 calves were collected over the study period, representing three age groups (pre-weaned, post-weaned, and heifer). All samples were screened for Blastocystis via PCR, and subtype determination was performed using next-generation amplicon sequencing. Associations between age group and infection status were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Blastocystis infection prevalence increased with time, significant associations were observed between age groups and infection risk, and a cumulative prevalence of 100% was observed among the study population during the 24-month period. Thirteen previously reported subtypes (ST1-6, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23-26) and one potentially novel subtype were observed. Diversity within ST10 supports the need for division of the subtype into new subtype designations. Associations between subtype and age group were explored, and relationships between subtypes and infection chronicity are described. While subtype diversity increased with age in the study population, distinct patterns of individual subtype prevalence and chronicity were observed, supporting the importance of subtype discrimination in studies of host infection and disease. The data from this study represent a significant advance in our understanding of Blastocystis infection dynamics within a single host population over time and can be used to inform future studies of Blastocystis epidemiology in both humans and other animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD USA
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14
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Zhang J, Fu Y, Bian X, Han H, Dong H, Zhao G, Li J, Li X, Zhang L. Molecular identification and genotyping of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats from some areas in Inner Mongolia, Northern China. Parasitol Int 2023; 94:102739. [PMID: 36787864 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102739] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a kind of unicellular intestinal commensal which is widely distributed in humans and animals, and frequently found in the people who are in close contact with animals. To investigate the prevalence and evaluate the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats from Inner Mongolia, China, a total of 1037 samples were collected from them, and subjected to nested PCR amplification based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Blastocystis sp. The sanger sequencing was used for Blastocystis sp. subtype identification. The results indicated that the average infection rate of Blastocystis sp. was 10.70% [95CI: 8.82%-12.58%] (111/1037), including 11.30% [95CI: 7.96%-14.64%] for sheep (39/345) and 10.40% [95CI: 8.13%-12.67%] for goats (72/692). Five Blastocystis subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21 and ST26) were identified in the present study. Among them, ST10 was the most dominant subtype in sheep and goats, accounting for 70.27% (78/111) of the total identified positive samples. This is the first report regarding Blastocystis sp. subtypes ST21 and ST26 in goats in China. This study has provided a detail epidemiological data on the prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis sp. in sheep and goats in Inner Mongolia, China. Our results indicated that sheep and goats could be reservoir host for multiple Bastocystis subtypes, including the zoonotic subtypes. Further studies among humans, livestock and wild animals are needed to better understand their role in the spread of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, 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, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Xiaokun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Han Han
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jinlin Province, PR China
| | - Heping Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, 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, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, 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, PR China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China.
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15
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Záhonová K, Low RS, Warren CJ, Cantoni D, Herman EK, Yiangou L, Ribeiro CA, Phanprasert Y, Brown IR, Rueckert S, Baker NL, Tachezy J, Betts EL, Gentekaki E, van der Giezen M, Clark CG, Jackson AP, Dacks JB, Tsaousis AD. Evolutionary analysis of cellular reduction and anaerobicity in the hyper-prevalent gut microbe Blastocystis. Curr Biol 2023:S0960-9822(23)00620-6. [PMID: 37267944 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most prevalent microbial eukaryote in the human and animal gut, yet its role as commensal or parasite is still under debate. Blastocystis has clearly undergone evolutionary adaptation to the gut environment and possesses minimal cellular compartmentalization, reduced anaerobic mitochondria, no flagella, and no reported peroxisomes. To address this poorly understood evolutionary transition, we have taken a multi-disciplinary approach to characterize Proteromonas lacertae, the closest canonical stramenopile relative of Blastocystis. Genomic data reveal an abundance of unique genes in P. lacertae but also reductive evolution of the genomic complement in Blastocystis. Comparative genomic analysis sheds light on flagellar evolution, including 37 new candidate components implicated with mastigonemes, the stramenopile morphological hallmark. The P. lacertae membrane-trafficking system (MTS) complement is only slightly more canonical than that of Blastocystis, but notably, we identified that both organisms encode the complete enigmatic endocytic TSET complex, a first for the entire stramenopile lineage. Investigation also details the modulation of mitochondrial composition and metabolism in both P. lacertae and Blastocystis. Unexpectedly, we identify in P. lacertae the most reduced peroxisome-derived organelle reported to date, which leads us to speculate on a mechanism of constraint guiding the dynamics of peroxisome-mitochondrion reductive evolution on the path to anaerobiosis. Overall, these analyses provide a launching point to investigate organellar evolution and reveal in detail the evolutionary path that Blastocystis has taken from a canonical flagellated protist to the hyper-divergent and hyper-prevalent animal and human gut microbe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Záhonová
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic; Life Science Research Centre, Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, Ostrava 710 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ross S Low
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; The Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK
| | - Christopher J Warren
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Diego Cantoni
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Emily K Herman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, 2-31 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Lyto Yiangou
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Cláudia A Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Yasinee Phanprasert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; School of Science, Mae Fah Luang Universit, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Ian R Brown
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Sonja Rueckert
- School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Room 3.B.36, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, Scotland; Faculty of Biology, AG Eukaryotische Mikrobiologie, Universitätsstrasse 5, S05 R04 H83, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Nicola L Baker
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Emma L Betts
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK; School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Room 3.B.36, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, Scotland
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang Universit, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, 333 Moo 1, T. Tasud, Muang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Richard Johnsens Gate 4, 4021 Stavanger, Norway; Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - C Graham Clark
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 1-124 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Canada; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice (Budweis) 370 05, Czech Republic; Centre for Life's Origin and Evolution, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Stacey Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK.
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16
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Potes-Morales C, Crespo-Ortiz MDP. Molecular diagnosis of intestinal protozoa in young adults and their pets in Colombia, South America. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283824. [PMID: 37220135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283824] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the increased incidence worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms cause impaired work capacity in adults and delayed rate growth in children. Enteric infections of unknown etiology can often lead to misdiagnosis, increased transmission, and morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a young adult population and their pets. Stool samples from 139 university students and 44 companion animals were subjected to microscopy diagnosis using wet mounts, concentration by zinc sulphate flotation and staining techniques (Kinyoun and trichrome stain). Molecular diagnosis of protozoa was also performed by conventional PCR. The mean age was 24 years, 54% individuals were female, 46% were men, and 66% had at least one pet. The overall prevalence for at least one parasite was 74.8% and the rate of polyparasitism was 37.5%. Eighty-three patients (59.7%) were positive for Blastocystis spp., followed by Cryptosporidium spp. 24.5%, Endolimax nana 13.6%, Entamoeba dispar/E. moshkovskii 7.8% and Giardia intestinalis 1.4%. Molecular diagnosis substantially improved Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. detection and allowed to distinguish E. histolytica from commensals in the Entamoeba complex. Student's pets were also examined for parasitism. Samples from 27 dogs, 15 cats, one rabbit and one hen were analyzed, and parasites were detected in 30 (68.2%) as follows: Cryptosporidium spp. (24) Giardia spp. (4), hookworm (3), Endolimax nana (2) and Toxoplasma gondii (1). Overall, university students showed high prevalence of parasitism and polyparasitism suggesting exposure to parasite infected animals and contaminated environments. Cryptosporidium spp. was the predominant pathogen in human and domestic animals, and it was only detected by PCR, pointing out the need for sensitive tests in diagnosis and surveillance. Control strategies to prevent the effects of parasitic infections in young population should consider pets as reservoirs and transmission source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterine Potes-Morales
- Department of Microbiology, Section of Parasitology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
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Hernández PC, Maloney JG, Molokin A, George NS, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, Santin M. Exploring Blastocystis genetic diversity in rural schoolchildren from Colombia using next-generation amplicon sequencing reveals significant associations between contact with animals and infection risk. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3. [PMID: 37156906 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07841-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a global distribution in humans and many other animals. Yet, the status of Blastocystis as a pathogen, the risk factors associated with its transmission, and its zoonotic potential remain ill-defined. Here, we explored subtype (ST) diversity and potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection in 98 children from Apulo, Colombia. Samples were screened for Blastocystis via PCR, and ST identification was performed through next-generation amplicon sequencing (NGS). Associations between the presence of Blastocystis and individual STs and sociodemographic variables were assessed via logistic regression analyses. Seventy-one samples (72.4%) were Blastocystis-positive, and NGS revealed the presence of five STs (ST1-ST5). ST1, ST2, and ST3 were common and observed in nearly equal proportions (~ 40%), while samples with ST4 (1.4%) and ST5 (5.6%) were comparatively rare. The presence of mixed STs in the same sample was also common (28.2%). Comparisons among children within the same household identified that shared ST profiles were common, but diversity within family units was also observed. Logistic regression analyses returned significant associations between the presence of Blastocystis, individual subtypes, or mixed subtypes for several variables. Intriguingly, the presence of animals was one of the most common significant associations. Taken together, these data represent an important step forward in understanding both the potential routes and risk factors that may influence Blastocystis transmission and will be useful in shaping future studies which seek to clarify the relationships between STs, pathogenicity, and zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C Hernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Liliana Morales
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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Chen H, Hao Y, Liu Y, Xu M, Zhang W, Li H, Yang F. The frequency and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in humans and domestic animals in households in Heilongjiang Province, China. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106844. [PMID: 36706827 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan able to infect humans and a large variety of animal hosts worldwide. It exhibits significant genetic diversity, with at least 17 subtypes (STs) identified to date, most of which have low host specificity. In the present study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on Blastocystis infection among humans and domestic animals sharing habitats in northeastern China's Heilongjiang Province, in order to investigate the frequency and subtype distribution and to evaluate the risk of the zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp..Results show that the frequency was 10.5% (6/57), and three subtypes (ST1, ST2, and ST3) were found in humans; in animals, the frequency was 17.9% (46/257), and six subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7, ST10, and ST26) were detected. A significant association between Blastocystis sp. infection and eating unwashed vegetables and fruits was found (P = 0.007). We found no effect on gender, age and season on Blastocystis sp. colonization. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Blastocystis ST7 sequences from chicken in two geographical locations formed two distinct clades. Alleles were identified using the Blastocystis 18S database, and a total of 10 different alleles were found in seven STs. Overlap of STs in humans and domestic animals (pig or cattle) was observed in Dongfanghong village. The findings of potentially zoonotic subtypes in domestic animals suggest that these animals may serve as reservoirs of human Blastocystis sp. infections. Multisectoral cooperation is needed to slow down the transmission of Blastocystis in domestic animals, minimize environmental contamination by Blastocystis cysts, and increase molecular epidemiological surveillance of Blastocystis sp. in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Yaru Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Yuqing Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154007, China.
| | - Mingqi Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - He Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
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Soleimani Jevinani S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Asri N, Rostami-Nejad M, Ahmadipour S, Mirjalali H. Molecular epidemiology and subtyping of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in celiac patients; a case control study. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106086. [PMID: 36963704 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106086] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist, reported from symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Blastocystis sp. has been reported from a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders. Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine, which leads to the lack of tolerance against gluten. Long-term following of gluten-free diet in CD patients decreases the gut microbiota restoration and probably decreases the chance of Blastocystis sp. colonization. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in CD patients in comparison to healthy subjects. Stool samples were collected from 238 participants including 92 confirmed CD patients and 146 healthy subjects. upon DNA extraction, the presence of Blastocystis sp. was evaluated using amplification of discriminative regions of the small ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene. To characterize subtypes and alleles, amplified fragments were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees were constructed to visualize subtype correlation. Our findings showed that 21% (50) of samples including 16.3% (15/92) and 23.97% (35/146) were positive for Blastocystis sp. in CD patients and healthy controls, respectively. Except family relationship, other variables were not statistical correlated with the presence of Blastocystis sp.. Totally, 25 samples were successfully sequenced. Accordingly, ST1, ST2, and ST3 were present in 8 (32%), 9 (36%), and 8 (32%) of the samples, respectively. Allele discrimination showed that all ST1 were allele 4; alleles 11, 9, and 12 were retrieved from ST2, and alleles 34, 36, and 38 were observed in ST3. The relationship between colonization of Blastocystis sp. and alteration in the gut microbiota composition is indeterminate, however, this hypothesis that lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in CD patients who follow a gluten-free diet affect the colonization of Blastocystis sp. via alteration in the gut microbiota composition could be interesting for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Asri
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rostami-Nejad
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Ahmadipour
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Yu M, Yao Y, Xiao H, Xie M, Xiong Y, Yang S, Ni Q, Zhang M, Xu H. Extensive prevalence and significant genetic differentiation of Blastocystis in high- and low-altitude populations of wild rhesus macaques in China. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:107. [PMID: 36932438 PMCID: PMC10022093 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05691-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a wide range of hosts. Thus far, 38 subtypes have been identified. In recent years, wild animals have been confronted with habitat fragmentation as well as an increasing risk of zoonotic disease transmission due to human disturbance. Only limited data are available on Blastocystis infection and subtype distribution in wild rhesus macaques in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in nine wild rhesus macaque populations in China. METHODS A total of 276 faecal samples were collected from five high-altitude populations (high-altitude group [HAG]; 2800-4100 m a.s.l.) and four low-altitude populations (low-altitude group [LAG]; 5-1000 m a.s.l) of rhesus macaques. PCR-based analysis, using a new primer pair for the amplification of a 1690-bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, was used for prevalence and genetic diversity analysis. RESULT Analysis of faecal samples revealed that Blastocystis infection was common in rhesus macaques, with an infection positivity rate of 80.1% (n = 221/276 samples). There was no significant difference (P = 0.121) in positivity rate between the LAG (84.3%) and HAG (76.8%). Overall, 33 haplotypes were obtained and classified into four subtypes (STs), of which three were potentially zoonotic subtypes (ST1, 29.7%; ST2, 16.7%; ST3, 31.9%) and one that was first identified in this study and named ST39 (12.0%). The STs were distributed differently among the rhesus macaque populations, except for ST3, which was found in all populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major divergent clades of ST3 for the HAG and LAG. Genetic diversity analysis showed a high genetic diversity of ST3 (haplotype diversity: 0.846; nucleotide diversity: 0.014) in the rhesus macaques, but a high genetic differentiation (FST > 0.25) and a low gene flow (Nm = 0.09) between the HAG and LAG. CONCLUSION Our study, which is the first investigation on Blastocystis infection in multiple wild rhesus macaque populations in China, indicates a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis in the study areas. Blastocystis ST3 showed high genetic diversity in wild rhesus macaques and significant genetic differentiation between the HAG and LAG. Our results provide fundamental information on the genetic diversity and prevalence of Blastocystis in wild rhesus macaque populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Yu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Yongfang Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Meng Xie
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Shengzhi Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Qingyong Ni
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Huailiang Xu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China.
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Nguyen LDN, Gantois N, Hoang TT, Do BT, Desramaut J, Naguib D, Tran TN, Truong AD, Even G, Certad G, Chabé M, Viscogliosi E. First Epidemiological Survey on the Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution of the Enteric Parasite Blastocystis sp. in Vietnam. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030731. [PMID: 36985304 PMCID: PMC10056178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030731] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Blastocystis sp. is the most common enteric protozoan in human stools worldwide, various geographical areas remain to be investigated regarding the frequency and circulation of this parasite. Such is the case of some developing countries in Southeast Asia that exhibit a higher risk for parasitic infections due to unsanitary conditions. While several epidemiological surveys have been conducted, for instance, in Thailand, little or no data are available from neighboring countries, such as Vietnam. Therefore, in order to determine the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis sp. and to clarify the transmission of the parasite, the first molecular epidemiological survey ever conducted in this country was performed. For this purpose, a total of 310 stool specimens were collected from patients enrolled at the Family Hospital of Da Nang and then tested for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), followed by subtyping of the isolates. The overall prevalence of the parasite reached 34.5% in this Vietnamese cohort. No significant association was found between parasite infection and gender, age, symptomatic status, contact with animals or source of drinking water. Out of the 107 positive patients, nearly half presented mixed infections. Therefore, some of the corresponding samples were reanalyzed by end-point PCR, followed by PCR products cloning and sequencing. Of the 88 total subtyped isolates, ST3 was predominant, followed by ST10, ST14, ST7, ST1, ST4, ST6 and ST8. Our study was, thus, the first to report ST8, ST10 and ST14 in the Southeast Asian population. The predominance of ST3 within this Vietnamese cohort, coupled with its low intra-ST genetic variability, reflected a large inter-human transmission, while ST1 transmission was suggested to be not only anthroponotic, but also likely correlated to animal or environmental sources. Strikingly, isolates considered of animal origin (ST6-ST8, ST10 and ST14) accounted for more than 50% of the subtyped isolates. These findings improved our knowledge of the epidemiology and circulation of Blastocystis sp. in Southeast Asia, and in particular, in Vietnam, and highlighted both a major burden of the parasite in this country and a high risk of zoonotic transmission, mainly from poultry and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | - Bong Thi Do
- Family Hospital, 73 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Jeremy Desramaut
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Doaa Naguib
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Tuan Ngoc Tran
- Family Hospital, 73 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Anh Duc Truong
- Family Hospital, 73 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Gaël Even
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (E.V.)
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (E.V.)
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Beyhan YE, Güven İ, Aydın M. Detection of Blastocystis sp. in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's and chronic diarrheal patients by microscopy, culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Microb Pathog 2023; 177:106039. [PMID: 36863418 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106039] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a zoonotic parasite that is common in humans and animals and settles in the large intestine. The parasite can cause various gastrointestinal system complaints such as indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of Blastocystis in patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's and diarrhea from the gastroenterology outpatient clinic and to compare the diagnostic value of the most preferred methods. A total of 100 patients, 47 men and 53 women, were included in the study. Of the cases, 61 had diarrhea, 35 had ulcerative colitis (UC) and four had Crohn's disease. Stool samples of the patients were analyzed by as direct microscopic examination (DM), culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A total of 42% positivity was detected, 29% positivity in DM and trichrome staining, 28% in culture and 41% in qPCR. 40.4% (20/47) of men and 37.7% (22/53) of women were found to be infected. Blastocystis sp. was found in 75% of Crohn's, 42.6% of diarrheal and 37.1% of UC patients. Diarrhea cases are more common with UC and there is a close relationship between Crohn's and Blastocystis positivity. While DM and trichrome staining showed a sensitivity of 69%, PCR test was found to be the most sensitive diagnostic method with approximately 98%. Diarrhea and UC are often seen together. A close relationship was detected between Crohn's disease and Blastocystis. High prevalence of Blastocystis in cases with clinical symptoms reveals the importance of the parasite. There is a need for studies on the pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. in various gastrointestinal cases, and it is thought that molecular techniques should be used since PCR is seen to be a much more sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Emre Beyhan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey.
| | - İrem Güven
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Mesut Aydın
- Department of Gastroenterology, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey
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Abstract
Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40-50%, I2: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32-54%, I2: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89-92%, I2: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37-62%, I2: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43-54%, I2: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40-48%, I2: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27-59%, I2: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Santos-Silva S, Moraes DFDSD, López-López P, Palmeira JD, Torres RT, São José Nascimento M, Dashti A, Carmena D, Rivero-Juarez A, Mesquita JR. Survey of Zoonotic Diarrheagenic Protist and Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) of Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13. [PMID: 36670797 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteropathogenic parasites and viruses have been frequently reported in swine and can infect a wide range of mammals, including humans. Among the wide variety of parasites infecting swine, diarrhoeagenic protists are among those that cause significant morbidity. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has also been reported both in domestic pigs and wild boar and is known to have an important public health significance. These agents share the fecal−oral transmission route, but data on their fecal shedding and circulation pathways are still lacking or incomplete. Hence, the aim of the present study was to characterize the presence of microeukaryotes and HEV in the wild boar of Portugal. Wild boar stool samples (n = 144) were obtained during the official hunting seasons (October to February) in 2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2021/2022 and tested for Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli, Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and HEV by molecular assays, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We have detected Cryptosporidium scrofarum (1.4%, 95% CI: 0.2−4.9), B. coli (14.6%, 95% CI: 9.2−21.4), Blastocystis ST5 (29.2%, 95% CI: 21.9−37.2) and HEV genotype 3 (2.8%, 95% CI: 0.7−6.9; subgenotypes 3e and 3m). Co-infections were observed in thirteen animals where two were positive for both HEV and B. coli, one was positive for both C. scrofarum and Blastocystis ST5, and ten were positive for both B. coli and Blastocystis ST5. Giardia duodenalis and E. bieneusi were not detected in the surveyed wild boar population. As far as we know, this is the first report describing protist infections by Cryptosporidium spp., B. coli, and Blastocystis sp., as well as the first identification of the emerging HEV genotype 3m in wild boar of Portugal. The present work shows that potentially zoonotic protozoa and HEV are circulating in wild boar populations in Portugal. Awareness and epidemic-surveillance network implementation measures targeting wild boar are needed to prevent the spread of these pathogenic agents to humans.
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Martín-Escolano R, Ng GC, Tan KSW, Stensvold CR, Gentekaki E, Tsaousis AD. Resistance of Blastocystis to chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:167-176. [PMID: 36378332 PMCID: PMC9816239 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous, widely distributed protist inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. The organism is genetically diverse, and so far, at least 28 subtypes (STs) have been identified with ST1-ST9 being the most common in humans. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial. Several routes of transmission have been proposed including fecal-oral (e.g., zoonotic, anthroponotic) and waterborne. Research on the latter has gained traction in the last few years with the organism having been identified in various bodies of water, tap water, and rainwater collection containers including water that has been previously filtered and/or chlorinated. Herein, we assessed the resistance of 11 strains maintained in culture, spanning ST1-ST9 to various chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentrations for 24 h, and performed recovery assays along with re-exposure. Following the treatment with both compounds, all subtypes showed increased resistance, and viability could be visualized at the cellular level. These results are hinting at the presence of mechanism of resistance to both chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. As such, this pilot study can be the platform for developing guidelines for water treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Geok Choo Ng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Kevin S W Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand. .,School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand.
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK.
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Darwish B, Aboualchamat G, Al Nahhas S. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in symptomatic patients from the southern region of Syria. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283291. [PMID: 36928869 PMCID: PMC10019620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283291] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protist found in humans and a wide range of animal hosts. Genetic variations were established among the 38 different subtypes detected so far, 14 of which are commonly found in human and animal hosts. The aim of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of the common Blastocystis subtypes and evaluate the possible correlation with several variables (gender, age, symptoms, domestic animals…), among patients from the southern region of Syria. Fecal samples were collected from individuals suffering from gastrointestinal complaints. Microscopic examination along with genotype analyses using seven pairs of subtype-specific primers was performed. Our results revealed the presence of Blastocystis sp. in 46 isolates out of the 60 samples microscopically studied (76.7%); single infection was detected in 24 isolates whereas co-infection with other protozoa was identified in 22 ones. Molecular detection targeting the SSU rRNA gene revealed a 100% positive presence of Blastocystis sp. in all the samples. Genotyping results detected the presence of five different subtypes (ST1-ST5) with varying proportions. However, ST1 was the dominant subtype observed (66.7%). Mixed subtype infections were found in 9 isolates (15%). Three samples remained undefined, nonetheless. Our statistical results showed no significant correlation between Blastocystis STs infection and the different studied variables. In conclusion, this study provides the first genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes prevalence in patients from the southern region of Syria. ST1 distribution was highly predominant. Further molecular studies are needed to estimate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection in other regions in Syria and to understand the epidemiology and sources of transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buthaina Darwish
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ghalia Aboualchamat
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Samar Al Nahhas
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- * E-mail: ,
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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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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. An update on the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in the Americas. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12592. [PMID: 36619449 PMCID: PMC9816782 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist that presents worldwide distribution, colonizes animal and human hosts, and is classified into at least 34 ribosomal subtypes (STs). Herein, we conducted an update based on studies reporting Blastocystis-positive samples obtained from diverse hosts in the Americas. We described the distribution throughout the continent by assembling maps representing the distribution of STs and the most important 18S-rRNA alleles. Thirty-nine articles from the previous study, "A summary of Blastocystis subtypes in North and South America," and forty-one additional articles from March 2019 to March 2022 were considered. The most common subtype described was ST3, representing the highest percentage of positive samples. Other recently identified STs include ST12, ST13, and ST16 in humans, and ST10, ST14, and ST17 in animals. Novel subtypes have also been described in this continent. We assembled and updated the distribution of Blastocystis in the Americas. We hope this delivers new understandings and knowledge of this microorganism's prevalence and genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia,Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA,Corresponding author.,
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Seguí R, Maravilla P, Martínez-Hernández F, Villalobos G, Tsaousis AD, Gentekaki E, Muñoz-Antolí C, Klisiowicz DR, Oishi CY, Toledo R, Esteban JG, Köster PC, de Lucio A, Dashti A, Bailo B, Calero-Bernal R, González-Barrio D, Carmena D, Santín M. Identification and Molecular Characterization of Four New Blastocystis Subtypes Designated ST35-ST38. Microorganisms 2022; 11. [PMID: 36677338 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Three recent studies of Blastocystis epidemiology in mammalian hosts identified four novel sequences that appeared to share B. lapemi as the most similar sequence. However, full-length ssu rRNA gene sequences were not available to confirm the validity of these new subtypes. In the present study, Nanopore MinION sequencing was used to obtain full-length reference sequences for each of the new subtypes. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses and pairwise distance comparisons were performed to confirm the validity of each of these new subtypes. We propose that the novel sequences described in this study should be assigned the subtype designations ST35-ST38. The full-length reference sequences of ST35-ST38 will assist in accurate sequence descriptions in future studies of Blastocystis epidemiology and subtype diversity.
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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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31
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Naguib D, Gantois N, Desramaut J, Arafat N, Even G, Certad G, Chabé M, Viscogliosi E. Prevalence, Subtype Distribution and Zoonotic Significance of Blastocystis sp. Isolates from Poultry, Cattle and Pets in Northern Egypt. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2259. [PMID: 36422329 PMCID: PMC9696183 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112259] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a widespread enteric protozoan that frequently infects human and animal groups. Despite its burden and zoonotic potential worldwide, epidemiological investigations remain limited in animal groups that come in contact with humans. Therefore, the largest survey ever conducted in North Africa was performed in Egypt with the aim to investigate the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis sp. in animals. For this purpose, a total of 889 fecal specimens were collected from chickens (217), cattle (373), dogs (144) and cats (155) from six governorates of northern Egypt. These specimens were then screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. using a quantitative real-time PCR, followed by subtyping the isolates. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. reached 9.2% (82/889), with the highest infection rates reported in chickens (17.0%) and domestic cattle (11.0%), highlighting an active circulation of the parasite in both animal groups. In contrast, the low prevalence in cats (2.6%) and the absence of the parasite in dogs suggested that pets are not natural hosts of Blastocystis sp. ST10 and ST14 were largely predominant in cattle, confirming that both STs represented cattle-adapted STs. The report of one ST3 and one ST4 isolate in this animal group could be explained by an accidental zoonosis from humans to animals. All but one of the subtyped isolates in poultry belonged to ST7, which was considered as an avian ST. The presence of a remaining isolate of ST14 likely reflected a transient infection from contact between birds and cattle feces. The same environmental contamination was also likely the source of the ST14 infection in three of the four positive cats, with the remaining animals infected by ST3 as the result of human-to-animal transmission. These occurrences and subtyping data, combined with those previously collected in the Egyptian population, implies that poultry could play a significant role as reservoir for zoonotic transmission, which would not be the case for cattle and pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Naguib
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jeremy Desramaut
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nagah Arafat
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Gaël Even
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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32
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Ahmed SA, El-Mahallawy HS, Mohamed SF, Angelici MC, Hasapis K, Saber T, Karanis P. Subtypes and phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis sp. isolates from West Ismailia, Egypt. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19084. [PMID: 36351984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In Egypt, Blastocystis sp. is not yet on the diagnostic list of parasitology reports, and information about its subtypes (STs) is scarce. This study investigated its prevalence and its STs/alleles, performed phylogenetic analysis, and considered the distribution of risk factors associated with Blastocystis sp. infections in West Ismailia, Ismailia governorate. Sociodemographic data, exposure factors, and previous parasitic infection status were recorded for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis for Blastocystis sp. isolated from fecal samples were performed. Eighty Blastocystis sp.-infected individuals (15.3%) were examined. The age of the individuals ranged between 0.60 and 85.0 (mean 17.10 ± 15.70), the male/female ratio was 33/47, and the asymptomatic/symptomatic ratio was 55/25. The findings demonstrate clear evidence of direct contact with animals, poor water quality, and previous parasitic infections. Eleven samples yielded three Blastocystis STs (ST1: allele 4, ST2: alleles 9 and 12, and ST3: allele 34), with ST3 (45.5%) representing the most common subtype. Phylogenetic analysis with a robust bootstrap revealed three distinct clades for isolates of each subtype. This study updates the epidemiological knowledge of the distribution of Blastocystis sp. STs in Egypt and expands the current understanding of the prevalence, risk factor frequencies, and genetic diversity of this protist in the studied area.
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Matovelle C, Tejedor MT, Monteagudo LV, Beltrán A, Quílez J. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Blastocystis sp. Infection in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Spain: A Case-Control Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:226. [PMID: 36136637 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is known to be the most prevalent parasite in fecal samples of humans worldwide. In the present report, a case–control study (1:9.89 (≈10)) was performed, by analyzing data from 3682 patients who attended a public hospital in the northern area of Spain showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis was performed in human fecal samples by means of optical microscopy. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was 9.18% (338/3682). Most of the Blastocystis sp.-infected patients tested negative for protozoa and helminths, and were underweight and foreign-born (26.4%), mainly from Africa and Central/South America. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anorexia, halitosis, plus relative eosinophilia, as well as co-infections with pathogenic bacteria were associated with Blastocystis sp. infection. Both type 2 diabetes and treatment with immunosuppressive medicines at the time of Blastocystis sp. detection were associated with a higher proportion of infected patients. This is the first case–control study of Blastocystis sp. in humans in northern Spain and may contribute to surveillance and intervention strategies by public health authorities.
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34
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Vioque F, Dashti A, Santín M, Ruiz-Fons F, Köster PC, Hernández-Castro C, García JT, Bailo B, Ortega S, Olea PP, Arce F, Chicharro C, Nieto J, González F, Viñuela J, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Wild micromammal host spectrum of zoonotic eukaryotic parasites in Spain. Occurrence and genetic characterisation. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2926-e2942. [PMID: 35752461 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14643] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Micromammals have historically been recognized as highly contentious species in terms of the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. Limited information is currently available on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild micromammals. We examined 490 faecal samples, grouped into 155 pools, obtained from 11 micromammal species captured in 11 Spanish provinces for the presence of DNA from Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. The presence of Leishmania spp. was investigated in individual spleen samples. All micromammal species investigated harboured infections by at least one eukaryotic parasite, except Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex coronatus and Sciurus vulgaris, but the sample size for these host species was very low. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent species found (3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-5.7), followed by G. duodenalis (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6) and E. bieneusi (2.6%, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). All pooled faecal samples tested negative for Blastocystis sp. Leishmania infantum was identified in 0.41% (95% CI: 0.05-1.46) of the 490 individual spleen samples analysed. Sequence analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium andersoni (5.9%), C. ditrichi (11.7%), C. muris (5.9%), C. parvum (5.9%), C. tyzzeri (5.9%), rat genotypes CR97 (5.9%) and W19 (5.9%), vole genotypes V (11.7%) and VII (5.9%) and Cryptosproridium spp. (35.3%) within Cryptosporidium (n = 17). Known genotypes C (66.7%) and Peru11 (25.0%) and a novel genotype (named MouseSpEb1, 8.3%) were detected within E. bieneusi (n = 12). None of the G. duodenalis-positive samples could be genotyped at the assemblage level. Molecular data indicate that wild micromammals were primarily infected by rodent-adapted species/genotypes of eukaryotic pathogens and thereby have a limited role as a source of human infections. The presence of ruminant-adapted species C. andersoni along with finding C. parvum is indicative of an overlap between domestic/peri-domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- EnvironmentalMicrobial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesus T García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Research on Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Arce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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35
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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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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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Bertozzo TV, David ÉB, Oliveira-Arbex AP, Victória C, Guimarães S. Frequency, spatial distribution, and genetic diversity of Blastocystis among referred individuals to a clinical laboratory: First report of subtype 9 in Brazil. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106608. [PMID: 35841954 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The enteric protist Blastocystis has a worldwide distribution, however its prevalence in the human population is still underestimated, especially in developing countries where proper diagnosis is not performed in the routine of clinical laboratories. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency, genetic diversity, and spatial distribution of Blastocystis isolates detected in fecal samples referred to a clinical laboratory for routine examination in inner São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 348 leftover stool samples available for disposal from female and male individuals with age ranging from 3 months to 88 years were analyzed by both microscopic examination and PCR/sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene. The overall frequency of Blastocystis sp. was 31% (108/348), including 20.1% (70/348) and 31% (108/348) by microscopic examination and PCR/sequencing, respectively. Significant association was found only between Blastocystis infection and age, since the highest rate of positive samples was detected among 5-9 years old individuals (p < 0.0001). In addition, spatial distribution revealed a wide distribution of the positive samples, however they were densely concentrated in more populated areas. Seven subtypes were identified, namely ST1 (40.7%), ST2 (9.2%), ST3 (45.3%), ST4 (0.9%), ST6 (1.8%), ST7 (0.9%) and ST9 (0.9%). The intra-subtype analysis revealed a total of 25 different alleles previously reported. Here, the findings lead us to highlight the following aspects: (1) the identification of a ST9 isolate is a relevant finding since it is considered a very rare subtype in human infections as well as this is the first report in Brazil; (2) the high frequency of Blastocystis in fecal samples submitted for examination in a clinical laboratory points to the need to consider its search in routine parasitological examinations, (3) the spatial distribution of Blastocystis infection was not homogeneous but concentrated in more populated areas where the access for population to diagnostic services in healthcare is likely to be easier and, (4) the genetic variability of Blastocystis isolates suggests exposure of inhabitants living in inner municipalities to different sources of contamination involving anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainá Valente Bertozzo
- Tropical Diseases Posgraduate Program, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Érica Boarato David
- Department of Health Sciences, Sacred Heart University Center (UNISAGRADO), Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cassiano Victória
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Semíramis Guimarães
- Division of Parasitology, Institute of Bioscience, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Botucatu, PO Box: 510, Botucatu, SP CEP 18618-689, Brazil.
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Jinatham V, Nonebudsri C, Wandee T, Popluechai S, Tsaousis AD, Gentekaki E. Blastocystis in tap water of a community in northern Thailand. Parasitol Int 2022; 91:102624. [PMID: 35842087 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most common protist in the gut of humans and other animals having global distribution. Occasionally, this organism has also been reported in the environment. Transmission to humans occurs via the fecal-oral route, while water also comprises a transmission route. Blastocystis has been commonly found in rivers, lakes, and wells. Nonetheless, there is limited data about the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in tap water. The main aim of this study was to examine the presence of Blastocystis subtypes in tap water (n=20) in a community in northern Thailand. Molecular characterization using the small subunit ribosomal RNA was used to screen for Blastocystis and identify the diversity of subtypes in samples. The overall prevalence was 30% with only subtype three (ST3) encountered in the tap water. These results indicate that tap water has a potential role in the transmission of this subtype in the studied community. Further investigations should focus on expanding sampling to include additional housing complexes and screening for Blastocystis in humans who are exposed to this water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasana Jinatham
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.
| | | | - Thanawat Wandee
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Siam Popluechai
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand; Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand; Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.
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Su C, Mei X, Wei L, Zhang F, Wang J, Chang Y, Wang M, Tian X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. First Report of Blastocystis spp. Infection in Pet Birds in Henan Province, Central China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:370-381. [PMID: 35834663 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are common intestinal parasites found in humans and many kinds of animals. Blastocystis spp. infection is associated with a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chronic urticaria, among which asymptomatic infection is the most common. Among the 11 potentially zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis spp., 9 subtypes have been reported in bird species. The purpose of this study was to detect the infection rate and gene subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pet birds in Henan Province, Central China, to provide a foundation for preventing and controlling Blastocystis spp. in pet birds. Fecal DNA was extracted from 382 fresh fecal samples of pet birds collected from five areas in Henan Province, Central China. Twenty-three species of pet birds from four orders, from local pet trading markets, parks, and individuals, were sampled. All DNA samples were investigated by PCR, and positive samples were sequenced to analyze the gene subtypes based on the small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. Blastocystis spp. was detected in 0.8% of the samples. Further DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses resulted in the identification of two known zoonotic subtypes, ST1 (n = 2) and ST7 (n = 1). As far as we know, this is the first time that ST1 subtype has been reported in Chinese birds. It is found that pet birds may be the hosts of zoonotic Blastocystis spp. subtypes, and the role of birds in transmitting Blastocystis spp. to humans needs to be further studied.
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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, P.R. China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Fuqiang Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Mingyong Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Immunoregulationand Molecular Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China.,MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P.R. China
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Öner TÖ, Karabey M, Can H, Döşkaya AD, Karakavuk M, Gül A, Köseoğlu AE, Döşkaya M, Ün C, Gürüz AY, Kaya S, Pektaş B, Gökmen AA. Molecular investigation of Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in cancer patients under chemotherapy in Aegean region, Turkey. Acta Trop 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106577] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Badparva E, Javadi Mamaghani A, Kheirandish F, Ebrahimzadeh F, Fallahi S. Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for rapid, accurate, and specific detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients. Infection. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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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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Guilavogui T, Gantois N, Even G, Desramaut J, Dautel E, Denoyelle C, Cissé FI, Touré SC, Kourouma BL, Sawant M, Chabé M, Certad G, Viscogliosi E. Detection, Molecular Identification and Transmission of the Intestinal Protozoa Blastocystis sp. in Guinea from a Large-Scale Epidemiological Study Conducted in the Conakry Area. Microorganisms 2022; 10:446. [PMID: 35208899 PMCID: PMC8876712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a single-celled parasite estimated to colonize the digestive tract of 1 to 2 billion people worldwide. Although it represents the most frequent intestinal protozoa in human stools, it remains still under-investigated in countries with a high risk of infection due to poor sanitary and hygiene conditions, such as in Africa. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and subtype (ST) distribution of Blastocystis sp. in the Guinean population. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from 500 individuals presenting or not digestive disorders in two hospitals of Conakry. Search for the parasite in stools was performed by real-time PCR targeting the small subunit rDNA gene followed by sequencing of the PCR products for subtyping of the isolates. A total of 390 participants (78.0%) was positive for Blastocystis sp. Five STs were identified in the Guinean cohort (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST14) with varying frequency, ST3 being predominant. Among them, ST4 was found in only two patients confirming its global rarity in Africa whereas infections by ST14 were likely the result of zoonotic transmission from bovid. No significant association was detected between Blastocystis sp. colonization or ST distribution and the symptomatic status of Guinean subjects or the presence of digestive symptoms. In contrast, drilling water consumption represented a significant risk factor for infection by Blastocystis sp. Predominance of ST3 coupled with its low intra-ST diversity strongly suggested large-scale human-to-human transmission of this ST within this cohort. In parallel, the highest intra-ST diversity of ST1 and ST2 was likely correlated with various potential sources of infection in addition to anthroponotic transmission. These findings highlighted the active circulation of the parasite in Guinea as reported in some low-income African countries and the necessity to implement prevention and control measures in order to limit the circulation of this parasite in this endemic geographical area.
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Hajissa K, Islam MA, Sanyang AM, Mohamed Z. Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among school children in africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009971. [PMID: 35148325 PMCID: PMC8870593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission and children are the primary victims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the objective of assessing the prevalence of IPPs among school children in Africa. Methods Relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified by systematic online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases without language restriction. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of studies were assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test. Results Of the 1,645 articles identified through our searches, 46 cross-sectional studies matched our inclusion criteria, reported data from 29,968 school children of Africa. The pooled prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites amongst African school children was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.2%-30.3%) with E. histolytica/ dispar (13.3%; 95% CI: 10.9%-15.9%) and Giardia spp. (12%; 95% CI: 9.8%-14.3%) were the most predominant pathogenic parasites amongst the study participants. While E. coli was the most common non-pathogenic protozoa (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.9%-23.2%). Conclusions This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IPPs in school children, especially in northern and western Africa. Thus, poverty reduction, improvement of sanitation and hygiene and attention to preventive control measures will be the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission. Pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a major public health concern. Studies have documented that, the prevalence rates of protozoan infections are quite high in developing regions, particularly Africa and children are the primary victims. Despite numerous studies have been conducted on IPPs in school children in African countries, data on the burden of these infections in African school children have not yet been synthesised. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide continent-wide prevalence of IPPs amongst African school children. Our study found that about 25.8% of the children had one or more species of intestinal protozoan parasites in their faecal specimens. E. histolytica/ dispar and Giardia spp. were the most predominant parasites amongst the study participants. The relatively high prevalence estimate of IPPs amongst African children and the considerable variation in the disease prevalence over the years, between and within countries and regions clearly indicates the needs to improve sanitation and hygiene, paying more attention to preventive control measures as well as poverty reduction which are the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Abdoulie M. Sanyang
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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46
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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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47
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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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Jinatham V, Maxamhud S, Popluechai S, Tsaousis AD, Gentekaki E. Blastocystis One Health Approach in a Rural Community of Northern Thailand: Prevalence, Subtypes and Novel Transmission Routes. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:746340. [PMID: 34956115 PMCID: PMC8696170 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.746340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most commonly found eukaryote in the gut of humans and other animals. This protist is extremely heterogeneous genetically and is classified into 28 subtypes (STs) based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Numerous studies exist on prevalence of the organism, which usually focus on either humans or animals or the environment, while only a handful investigates all three sources simultaneously. Consequently, understanding of Blastocystis transmission dynamics remains inadequate. Our aim was to explore Blastocystis under the One Health perspective using a rural community in northern Thailand as our study area. We surveyed human, other animal and environmental samples using both morphological and molecular approaches. Prevalence rates of Blastocystis were 73% in human hosts (n = 45), 100% in non-human hosts (n = 44) and 91% in environmental samples (n = 35). Overall, ten subtypes were identified (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 ST5, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST23, and ST26), eight of which were detected in humans (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST7, ST10, and ST23), three in other animals (ST6, ST7, and ST23), while seven (ST1, ST3, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST23, and ST26) were found in the environment. In our investigation of transmission dynamics, we assessed various groupings both at the household and community level. Given the overall high prevalence rate, transmission amongst humans and between animals and humans are not as frequent as expected with only two subtypes being shared. This raises questions on the role of the environment on transmission of Blastocystis. Water and soil comprise the main reservoirs of the various subtypes in this community. Five subtypes are shared between humans and the environment, while three overlap between the latter and animal hosts. We propose soil as a novel route of transmission, which should be considered in future investigations. This study provides a thorough One Health perspective on Blastocystis. Using this type of approach advances our understanding on occurrence, diversity, ecology and transmission dynamics of this poorly understood, yet frequent gut resident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasana Jinatham
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Sadiya Maxamhud
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Siam Popluechai
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.,Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand.,Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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49
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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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50
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Dashti A, Rivero-Juárez A, Santín M, George NS, Köster PC, López-López P, Risalde MA, García-Bocanegra I, Gómez-Villamandos JC, Caballero-Gómez J, Frías M, Bailo B, Ortega S, Muadica AS, Calero-Bernal R, González-Barrio D, Rivero A, Briz V, Carmena D. Diarrhoea-causing enteric protist species in intensively and extensively raised pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in Southern Spain. Part I: Prevalence and genetic diversity. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1051-e1064. [PMID: 34755463 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14388] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Numerous protist species are shared between humans and pigs. Among those, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Balantioides coli have a clear public and animal health significance. For others such as Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp., their impact on animal health has not been fully established. Little information is currently available on the molecular diversity of these protists in swine populations. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., B. coli, Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi in faecal samples from Iberian and Large White pigs raised under different (intensive and/or extensive) management systems in southern Spain. A total of 151 extensively raised Iberian pigs, 140 intensively raised Iberian pigs, and 184 intensively raised Large White pigs were investigated. Blastocystis sp. was the agent most prevalently found (47.8%), followed by B. coli (45.5%), G. duodenalis (10.7%), E. bieneusi (6.9%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.5%). Blastocystis sp. was significantly less prevalent in intensively raised Iberian pigs (22.9%) than in their extensively raised counterparts (51.0%) or in intensively raised Large White pigs (64.1%). A significantly higher prevalence was found for G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and E. bieneusi in Large White pigs than Iberian pigs. Balantioides coli was similarly distributed (40.0-51.1%) in all three investigated swine populations. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage E, two Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis), B. coli (genotypes A and B), Blastocystis sp. (ST1, ST3, and ST5), and E. bieneusi (EbpA, EbpC, EbpD, O, and a novel genotype named PigSpEb2). Novel genotype PigSpEb2 was found alone or in combination with EbpA. Data suggest a widespread exposure to protist enteroparasites in domestic pig populations irrespectively of breed and raising management system. Many of the species/genotypes identified have a zoonotic potential and might represent a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Nadja S George
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María A Risalde
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Pathology and Toxicology Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Gómez-Villamandos
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Pathology and Toxicology Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aly Salimo Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Licungo, Quelimane, Zambézia, Mozambique
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain.,Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía. University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Briz
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Spain
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