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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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Tee MZ, Er YX, Easton AV, Yap NJ, Lee IL, Devlin J, Chen Z, Ng KS, Subramanian P, Angelova A, Oyesola O, Sargsian S, Ngui R, Beiting DP, Boey CCM, Chua KH, Cadwell K, Lim YAL, Loke P, Lee SC. Gut microbiome of helminth-infected indigenous Malaysians is context dependent. Microbiome 2022; 10:214. [PMID: 36476263 PMCID: PMC9727879 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01385-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While microbiomes in industrialized societies are well characterized, indigenous populations with traditional lifestyles have microbiomes that are more akin to those of ancient humans. However, metagenomic data in these populations remains scarce, and the association with soil-transmitted helminth infection status is unclear. Here, we sequenced 650 metagenomes of indigenous Malaysians from five villages with different prevalence of helminth infections. RESULTS Individuals from villages with higher prevalences of helminth infections have more unmapped reads and greater microbial diversity. Microbial community diversity and composition were most strongly associated with different villages and the effects of helminth infection status on the microbiome varies by village. Longitudinal changes in the microbiome in response to albendazole anthelmintic treatment were observed in both helminth infected and uninfected individuals. Inference of bacterial population replication rates from origin of replication analysis identified specific replicating taxa associated with helminth infection. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that helminth effects on the microbiota were highly dependent on context, and effects of albendazole on the microbiota can be confounding for the interpretation of deworming studies. Furthermore, a substantial quantity of the microbiome remains unannotated, and this large dataset from an indigenous population associated with helminth infections is a valuable resource for future studies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Zi Tee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Xian Er
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alice V Easton
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nan Jiun Yap
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Joseph Devlin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kee Seong Ng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Poorani Subramanian
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Angelina Angelova
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Oyebola Oyesola
- Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shushan Sargsian
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - P'ng Loke
- Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Soo Ching Lee
- Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Rauff-Adedotun AA, Meor Termizi FH, Shaari N, Lee IL. The Coexistence of Blastocystis spp. in Humans, Animals and Environmental Sources from 2010-2021 in Asia. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 34681089 PMCID: PMC8533399 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of Blastocystis spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of Blastocystis spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of Blastocystis spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 11800, Malaysia; (A.A.R.-A.); (F.H.M.T.)
| | - Nurshafarina Shaari
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil 09300, Malaysia;
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Cheng E, Longmore DK, Barzi F, Barr ELM, Lee IL, Whitbread C, Boyle JA, Oats J, Connors C, McIntyre HD, Kirkwood M, Dempsey K, Zhang X, Thomas S, Williams D, Zimmet P, Brown ADH, Shaw JE, Maple-Brown LJ. Birth outcomes in women with gestational diabetes managed by lifestyle modification alone: The PANDORA study. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019; 157:107876. [PMID: 31586661 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess outcomes of women in the Pregnancy and Neonatal Diabetes Outcomes in Remote Australia (PANDORA) cohort with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) managed by lifestyle modification compared with women without hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. METHODS Indigenous (n = 97) and Europid (n = 113) women managed by lifestyle modification were compared to women without hyperglycaemia (n = 235). Multivariate linear and logistic regressions assessed whether GDM-lifestyle women had poorer outcomes compared to women without hyperglycaemia. RESULTS Women with GDM-lifestyle had higher body mass index and lower gestational weight gain than women without hyperglycaemia. On univariate analysis, gestational age at delivery was lower and induction rates were higher in women with GDM-lifestyle than without hyperglycaemia. On multivariable regression, GDM-lifestyle was associated with lower gestational age at delivery (by 0.73 weeks), lower birthweight z-score (by 0.26, p = 0.007), lower likelihood of large for gestational age (LGA) [OR (95% CI): 0.55 (0.28, 1.02), p = 0.059], and greater likelihood of labour induction [2.34 (1.49, 3.66), p < 0.001] than women without hyperglycaemia. CONCLUSION Women with GDM managed by lifestyle modification had higher induction rates and their offspring had lower birthweight z-scores, with a trend to lower LGA than those without hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. Further studies are indicated to explore reasons for higher induction rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cheng
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia; Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia; Danila Dilba Health Service, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - D K Longmore
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.
| | - F Barzi
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.
| | - E L M Barr
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, VIC, Australia.
| | - I L Lee
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.
| | - C Whitbread
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia; Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia.
| | - J A Boyle
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia; Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
| | - J Oats
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - C Connors
- Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, NT, Australia.
| | - H D McIntyre
- Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - M Kirkwood
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.
| | - K Dempsey
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia.
| | - X Zhang
- Innovation and Research, Department of Health, NT, Australia.
| | - S Thomas
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia.
| | - D Williams
- Darwin Midwifery Group, NT Health, Australia.
| | - P Zimmet
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Australia.
| | - A D H Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia.
| | - J E Shaw
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, VIC, Australia.
| | - L J Maple-Brown
- Menzies School of Health Research, NT, Australia; Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia.
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Lee IL, Tan TC, Govind SK. Establishing a protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp. Exp Parasitol 2019; 198:105-110. [PMID: 30695704 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed at establishing a protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp. using distilled water spiked with Blastocystis sp. cysts. The study established a protocol involving eight technical aspects, namely, storage temperature, storage duration, minimum water sample volume, optimum relative centrifugal force, centrifugation duration, minimum number of cyst for inoculation in Jones' medium and turn-around-time for the detection of vacuolar forms of Blastocystis sp. Results showed a minimum of 1.0 L water sample should be collected and processed on the same day. Otherwise, it should be stored at 4 °C and processed within 3 days. Water sample should be centrifuged at 1400×g for 10 min. For the isolation of Blastocystis sp. cysts, parasite pellet could be layered on top of Ficoll-Paque™ PLUS, centrifuged at 1400×g for 20 min and washed twice using 0.9% saline with centrifugation at 1400×g for 10 min. A minimum of 1 × 105 cysts could then be inoculated in Jones' medium supplement with 10% horse serum, incubated at 37 °C and examined for any presence of vacuolar forms of Blastocystis sp. after 3 days of inoculation. A protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp. has successfully been established. The protocol was validated using 106 various water samples. This protocol will be very useful in determining the extent of Blastocystis sp. contamination in water sources in order to identify the seriousness of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ii Li Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah International Islamic University, 09300, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Tian Chye Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar Govind
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Samseh Abdullah N, Moktar N, Lee IL, Md Salleh F, Anuar TS. Comparison of Direct Examination and In Vitro Culture for the Detection of Blastocystis spp. in Orang Asli Stool Samples. SAINS MALAYS 2018. [DOI: 10.17576/jsm-2018-4709-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SNA, Husnie NS, Azrul SM, Moktar N. Blastocystis spp. contaminated water sources in aboriginal settlements. Trop Biomed 2017; 34:110-117. [PMID: 33592988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis has been increasingly reported in water bodies. However, lack of studies to determine the presence of Blastocystis in water used by the aborigines in Malaysia has led to the birth of this research. This study was therefore aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis in water samples in aboriginal settlements in Pahang, Malaysia. Water samples collected from seven sampling points of two rivers and other water sources in the villages were subjected to filtration and cultivation followed by trichrome staining. The trichrome stained slides were observed microscopically under 1000X magnification for the presence of Blastocystis. River samples were also measured for physicochemical parameters. From this study, 42.9% of the river water and 6.25% of other water samples were positive for Blastocystis. All river samples showed presence of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. Statistical analysis showed Blastocystis occurrence in the river were significantly correlated conductivity, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solid (TDS), concentration of sulfate and faecal coliforms. The river water used by the aborigines is a probable source for Blastocystis transmission in this community. Therefore, protection of the river from organic material and faecal contaminations are highly required in order to control the contamination by Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Noradilah
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
| | - I L Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kolej Universiti INSANIAH, Kuala Ketil, Kedah
| | - T S Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - F M Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - S N A Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - N S Husnie
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - S M Azrul
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
| | - N Moktar
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
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Noradilah SA, Lee IL, Anuar TS, Salleh FM, Abdul Manap SNA, Mohd Mohtar NSH, Azrul SM, Abdullah WO, Moktar N. Occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in water catchments at Malay villages and Aboriginal settlement during wet and dry seasons in Peninsular Malaysia. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2541. [PMID: 27761331 PMCID: PMC5068341 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tropics, there are too few studies on isolation of Blastocystis sp. subtypes from water sources; in addition, there is also an absence of reported studies on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in water during different seasons. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in river water and other water sources that drained aboriginal vicinity of highly endemic intestinal parasitic infections during wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from six sampling points of Sungai Krau (K1–K6) and a point at Sungai Lompat (K7) and other water sources around the aboriginal villages. The water samples were collected during both seasons, wet and dry seasons. Filtration of the water samples were carried out using a flatbed membrane filtration system. The extracted DNA from concentrated water sediment was subjected to single round polymerase chain reaction and positive PCR products were subjected to sequencing. All samples were also subjected to filtration and cultured on membrane lactose glucuronide agar for the detection of faecal coliforms. During wet season, Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2 and ST3 were detected in river water samples. Blastocystis sp. ST3 occurrence was sustained in the river water samples during dry season. However Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2 were absent during dry season. Water samples collected from various water sources showed contaminations of Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4, during wet season and Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST3, ST8 and ST10 during dry season. Water collected from all river sampling points during both seasons showed growth of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, indicating faecal contamination. In this study, Blastocystis sp. ST3 is suggested as the most robust and resistant subtype able to survive in any adverse environmental condition. Restriction and control of human and animal faecal contaminations to the river and other water sources shall prevent the transmission of Blastocystis sp. to humans and animals in this aboriginal community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samseh Abdullah Noradilah
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ii Li Lee
- Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kolej Universiti Insaniah , Kuala Ketil , Kedah , Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatmah Md Salleh
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Noor Shazleen Husnie Mohd Mohtar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Syed Muhamad Azrul
- Multipurpose Laboratory, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Wan Omar Abdullah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia , Pandan Indah , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre , Cheras , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Lee IL, Tan TC, Tan PC, Nanthiney DR, Biraj MK, Surendra KM, Suresh KG. Predominance of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 in rural communities, Nepal. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1553-62. [PMID: 22076050 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite. To date, there have been sporadic and scanty studies on Blastocystis sp. carried out in rural communities in Nepal. We surveyed the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its possible associated risk factors, and reported the predominant Blastocystis sp. subtype in two rural communities, Bolde Phediche and Bahunipati, in Nepal. Human faecal samples were collected from 241 participants, cultured using in vitro cultivation and examined for Blastocystis sp. The presence of Blastocystis sp. in faecal samples was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently genotyped using subtype-specific sequence tagged site (STS) primers. There were 26.1% (63/241) of the participants that were infected by Blastocystis sp. We detected 84.1% (53/63) of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 infections in these rural communities. The unusually high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 can be attributed to the rearing of family-owned animals in barns built close to their houses. Eighty one percent (51/63) of the Blastocystis sp. infected participants drank not boiled or unfiltered water. The present study revealed that Blastocystis sp. could pose a health concern to the communities and travellers to the hilly area in Nepal. Infection may be transmitted through human-to-human, zoonotic and waterborne transmissions. We provide recommendations to ensure good public health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- I L Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the results of macular hole surgery with the use of indocyanine green (ICG) to assist internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and macular hole surgery without indocyanine green use. METHODS A retrospective, comparative, consecutive study of 68 patients with macular holes. In total, 34 patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM peeling, and 34 patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM peeling with the assistance of indocyanine green. The main outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity and macular hole status. RESULTS Indocyanine green increased the ability to visualise and peel the ILM. The average preoperative visual acuity in the group where ICG was used was 6/36 and the group where ICG was not used was 6/60. The average follow-up was 25 weeks for the ICG group and 53 weeks for the group with no ICG. Both groups were also compared at 25 weeks follow-up. Hole closure rate for the group with ICG was 97% compared to 91% without ICG. The mean postoperative visual acuity was 6/24 for the group with ICG and 6/12 for the group without ICG, a difference of two lines on the Snellen chart when compared with the preoperative acuity (P-value 0.299, Student's t-test). Both groups had a mean improvement of Snellen acuity of two lines (ICG group: P-value 0.0002, Student's t-test; no ICG group: P-value 0.00004, Student's t-test). In all, 83% of patients in the ICG group maintained or improved their visual acuity compared to 91% in the group without ICG. DISCUSSION There is no doubt that indocyanine green stains and assists in visualisation and therefore increases the ease of peeling the ILM in macular hole surgery. Initially, there was concern regarding a poorer outcome for patients with the use of ICG, which has also been previously discussed in the literature. When the two groups were compared at a similar follow-up time of approximately 25 weeks, it was shown that there was no statistically significant difference between the outcomes in the two groups. This study had an improved hole closure rate for the group where ICG was used, although it was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Slaughter
- Ophthalmology Department, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
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Lin VK, Robertson JB, Lee IL, Zimmern PE, McConnell JD. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chains are developmentally regulated in the rabbit bladder. J Urol 2000; 164:1376-80. [PMID: 10992418] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In smooth muscle (SM), myosin heavy chain (MHC) is expressed predominantly as two isoforms, SM1 and SM2, which are encoded by a single gene and expressed by alternative splicing mechanisms. Although functional differences of these isoforms are unknown, changes in SM1/SM2 ratio have been reported in various pathophysiologic conditions. We analyzed MHC composition of bladder detrusor SM from rabbits of different ages to determine whether SM1 and SM2 isoform expressions are developmentally regulated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rabbit bladders on the -11, -4, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 90th days of life were analyzed for SM MHC isoform expression at protein and mRNA levels. Porous sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), S1 protection assay, and histological analysis were employed. RESULTS The predominant MHC isoform in fetal and neonatal bladders was SM1. In the third postnatal week, the SM1/SM2 ratio decreased from 2.3 to 1.0. A stable SM1/SM2 ratio of 0.6 was observed in the adult animal. Although expression of SM1 mRNA was 2.6-fold greater than that of SM2 in the fetus, the relative amount of SM2 mRNA increased rapidly after birth and remained the predominant isoform throughout adult life. Developmental changes in relative amounts of SM1 and SM2 protein in bladder tissues were virtually identical to those of SM1 and SM2 mRNA. SM cell growth and disappearance of primitive mesenchyme from the bladder occurred concomitantly with the MHC isoform shift. CONCLUSIONS The parallel temporal course of MHC mRNA and protein isoform levels suggests detrusor SM MHC expression may be developmentally regulated at the mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Lin
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9110, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common among aging men. Over 80% of males 50-60 years and older have various degrees of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH. Despite the tremendous medical impact of BPH, its molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Current BPH research focuses on steroid hormonal effects, stromal-epithelial cell interaction, and oncogenes and growth factors. But little is known about the potential prostatic smooth muscle (SM) alterations that may occur during stromal hyperplasia. METHODS To study SM phenotypic modulation in hyperplastic prostatic growth, we isolated and characterized the 3' end of human SM myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) cDNA as a molecular probe. Expression of SMMHC and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain (NMMHC) in human prostates was analyzed using Western blot, Northern blot, and in situ hybridization to determine if BPH tissue expresses significantly less SMMHC and more NMMHC than a normal prostate. In addition, a competitive, reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was adapted to quantify SMMHC and NMMHC mRNA expression at the sensitivity level of 10(-21) mole per mg of wet tissue. RESULTS Western blot, Northern blot, and in situ hybridization results reveal that both SMMHC and NMMHC are expressed in the human prostate, while SMMHC is the predominant form found in normal prostate stroma. Results from competitive RT-PCR analysis indicate that NMMHC mRNA expression is approximately 10(-20) mole/mg of tissue. The SMMHC mRNA expressed is approximately 10(-18) mole/mg. No significant difference was found when NMMHC mRNA expression was compared between normal and BPH periurethral tissues. However, SMMHC expression was reduced almost fivefold in BPH compared to normal prostate, despite an increase in prostatic stromal mass. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the pathogenesis of BPH is associated with a unique type of SM proliferation. Such proliferation is characterized by downregulation of SMMHC mRNA expression but without upregulation of NMMHC mRNA expression, the pattern seen in proliferating SM cells in culture and in other pathologic forms of SM hyperplasia (e.g., atherosclerosis). These findings support a model of BPH typified by active smooth muscle proliferation early in the disease process, and supports clinical observations that suggest ongoing prostate growth of the prostate is minimal in older men. Therapeutic strategies to prevent disease progression should therefore focus on early phases of prostatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Lin
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9110, USA.
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Abstract
A new metronidazole derivative, Tiberal (Ro-07-0207, Roche Laboratories), was evaluated in 22 children with Giardia lamblia infection. Seven patients received an oral dose of 1 g twice daily for one day; the remaining 15 patients received a single dose of 50 mg/kg. Parasitological cure was noted in all 22 patients. Significant side effects were observed only in those children who received the drug at the higher dosage regime. The present study also confirms the findings of other authors that a mucosal imprint method is more reliable than examination of stools, duodenal juice or jejunal biopsy material for the detection of G. lamblia infection.
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