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Ibrahim A, Kamel NO, Rageh F, Elgamal R, Mansour Salama B, Sakr MA, Elhoseeny MM, Osman EM, Sayed S, Ramadan ME. The involvement of cytokine gene polymorphism in determining the vulnerability to Blastocystis and Helicobacter pylori co-infection in the Egyptian population. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107137. [PMID: 38364930 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107137] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aimed to identify any potential association between IL-1β and TNF-α gene polymorphism and the risk of Blastocystis infection as well as co-infection of Blastocystis with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). METHODOLOGY A total of 314 stool samples were collected and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to identify Blastocystis molecularly. Positive samples were used for H. pylori detection by rapid tests and PCR. Moreover, we investigate polymorphism in the TNF-α gene at position -1031T/C, -308 G/A, and IL-1β at position +3954C/T using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. RESULTS Out of the 314 stool samples, Blastocystis was detected in 93 (29.6 %); among them, 54 (58.1 %) had a mixed infection of Blastocystis with H. pylori. The TT genotype of the IL-1β gene at position +3954 was significantly higher in Blasocystis-infected patients than in uninfected patients (17.2% vs. 6.3 %, P = 0.02), which might be considered a risk factor (OR = 3.2; CI =1.21-8.52). The TNF-α at position -1031 TT genotype was significantly higher in Blastocystis-infected patients than uninfected patients (44.1% vs. 10.8 %, P< 0.0001). The T allele (OR= 2.67; CI=1.51-4.72, P = 0.0008) might be considered a risk factor. The TNF- α at position -308 AA genotype is higher in Blasocystis infected than uninfected (17.2% vs 7.2 %, P = 0.03). TNF-α -308 AA (OR = 2.72; CI = 1.08-6.89) and A allele (OR= 1.46; CI= 0.797-2.66) might be considered risk factors. The TNF- α at position -308 G/A showed that the GG is the most frequent genotype in Blastocystis with H. pylori-positive patients with a significant association (P = 0.004), as well as the G allele (P = 0.02). The G allele (OR=1.924; CI= 1.071-3.454) might be considered a risk factor for co-infection of Blastocystis and H. pylori. CONCLUSION SNPs (-1031 T/C and -308 G/A) of the TNF-α and (+3954 C/T) of the IL-1β may be a useful marker in the assessment of the risk of Blastocystis infection, and TNF-α at position -308 G/A) may be a predictor for co-infection of Blastocystis with H. pylori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ibrahim
- Genetic engineering and Biotechnology research institute, University of Sadat City (GEBRI, USC), Egypt; Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University (Laboratory of Molecular Medical Parasitology, LMMP), Egypt.
| | - Nancy O Kamel
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Egypt
| | - Fatma Rageh
- Infectious disease, Gastroenterology and hepatology department, Suez University, Egypt
| | - Rasha Elgamal
- Clinical pathology department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Egypt
| | - Bassam Mansour Salama
- Infectious and Endemic Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Sakr
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, P.O. Box:43221, Suez, Egypt
| | | | - Eman M Osman
- Immunology and allergy department, Medical Research Institute Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Samar Sayed
- Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Egypt
| | - Manar Ezzelarab Ramadan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, P.O. Box:43221, Suez, Egypt
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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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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] [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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Mızrak M, Sarzhanov F, Demirel F, Dinç B, Filik L, Dogruman-Al F. Detection of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis using conventional and molecular methods in patients with celiac disease. Parasitol Int 2024; 101:102888. [PMID: 38499283 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102888] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are intestinal protists, which are common worldwide, but the pathogenic role of these organisms in gastrointestinal diseases is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in stool samples from adult patients with celiac disease (CD) by using conventional and molecular methods. A total of 75 patients with CD and 75 healthy individuals were included in this study. Fresh stool specimens collected from each individual were analyzed by conventional and molecular methods. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was 41.3% (31/75) and 24% (18/75) in patients with CD, and 46.7% (35/75) and 13.3% (10/75) in healthy controls, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis between CD patients and healthy individuals. Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified in 20 CD and 16 control patients and the overall subtype distribution was observed as ST1 13.9%, ST2 30.6%, and ST3 55.6%. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in adults with CD is similar to the prevalence of protozoa in healthy adults. In this study, the most prevalent Blastocystis subtype was ST3 and the most frequent allele was a34 in both CD patients and healthy individuals. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the detection rates of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis, and it is thought that both protists may be colonisers of the intestinal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzaffer Mızrak
- Yozgat City Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkistan, Kazakhstan
| | - Filiz Demirel
- Health Science University, Ankara City Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bedia Dinç
- Health Science University, Ankara City Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Filik
- Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Division of Medical Parasitology, Ankara, Turkey
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Zhao W, Ren G, Wang L, Xie L, Wang J, Mao J, Sun Y, Lu G, Huang H. Molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. among children who have diarrheia or are asymptomatic in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Parasite 2024; 31:12. [PMID: 38450718 PMCID: PMC10918642 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., a significant zoonotic parasite with a global distribution, was the focus of this study, which aimed to investigate its prevalence and genetic diversity among diarrheic and asymptomatic children in Wenzhou, China. We collected 1,032 fecal samples from Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou, China, comprising 684 from children with diarrhea and 348 from asymptomatic children. Genomic DNA extracted from these samples was used to detect Blastocystis spp. by PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, applying the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis spp. were detected in 67 (6.5%) of the fecal samples. The prevalence rate of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheic children (8.8%; 60/684) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic children (2.0%; 7/348) (χ 2 = 17.3, p < 0.001). Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene identified five known Blastocystis spp. subtypes, ST1 (n = 12), ST2 (n = 5), ST3 (n = 35), ST4 (n = 12), and ST7 (n = 3). ST1 and ST3 were present in both diarrheic and asymptomatic children, while ST2, ST4, and ST7 were exclusive to diarrheic children. Intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms were identified, comprising four variations in ST1 (ST1-1 to ST1-4), five in ST3 (ST3-1 to ST3-5), two in ST4 (ST4-1 and ST4-2), and two in ST7 (ST7-1 and ST7-2). Notably, ST1-2 to ST1-4, ST3-3 to ST3-5, and ST7-1 and ST7-2 represent newly identified variations. The composition and genetic characteristics of subtypes among children in this region suggest various sources of infection, including human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Guangxu Ren
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Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Long Wang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Lisha Xie
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jiayang Wang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Jialiang Mao
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Yanbin Sun
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
| | - Gang Lu
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Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University Haikou Hainan China;
Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University Haikou 571199 China
| | - Huicong Huang
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Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 China
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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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Zhang S, Zhang TH, Jia T, Su N, Xie SC, Li S, Tian X, Zhu XQ, Liu Q, Gao WW. Prevalence and genotype/subtype distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys in Shanxi Province, north China. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:108. [PMID: 38263530 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08128-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis may cause diarrhea in humans and various animals. However, little information is available regarding the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in fecal samples from donkeys (n = 815) in Shanxi Province, north China. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys was 8.1% and 0.2%, respectively. Region and age were risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection in donkeys. Three internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in the current study, including two previously described genotypes (D and Henan-IV) and one novel genotype (named SXD1). Of which, genotype D was found to be the most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the three genotypes belonged to group 1, implying a potential of zoonotic transmission. Multilocus sequence typing showed that 19, 15, 13, and 22 types were identified at the loci MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7, respectively, forming six multilocus genotypes (MLGs) distributed in the genotype D. One Blastocystis subtype (ST33) was identified, which has previously been reported only in horses. This is the first molecular-based description of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis infections in donkeys in Shanxi Province, north China, contributing to a better understanding of transmission dynamics and molecular epidemiological characteristics of the two intestinal protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Hong Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jia
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Su
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Li
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Tian
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
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Leonardi SS, Tan KSW. Blastocystis: view from atop the gut-brain iceberg. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:1-4. [PMID: 37980258 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.10.002] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite that has been linked to gut pathology in humans. In this article, we highlight recent publications that offer insight into how these organisms can influence human cognition and the gut microbiome. We also suggest a potential mechanism of action by which this might occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Santino Leonardi
- 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, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Kevin Shyong-Wei Tan
- 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, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore.
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Shasha D, Grupel D, Treigerman O, Prajgrod G, Paran Y, Hacham D, Ben-Ami R, Albukrek D, Zacay G. The clinical significance of Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis in human stool-retrospective cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:130-136. [PMID: 37689266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.09.003] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of Dientamoeba fragilis (DF) and Blastocystis species (Bs) in human stool. METHODS Observational study of patients ≥18 years, who were tested by stool multiplex PCR for bacteria and parasites between April 2019 and March 2022. Although DF and Bs are part of the PCR kit, these results are not routinely reported to the patient or the ordering physician. The main outcomes were the incidence of symptoms during 14 days before the referral to stool PCR test, and the incidence of several clinical outcomes during 60 days after the PCR test (symptoms, referrals to further evaluation, prescription of symptomatic, or antibiotic treatment). RESULTS A total of 27 918 patients were tested by stool PCR during the 3 study years. A total of 6215 (22.3%) and 5337 (19.2%) were positive for DF and Bs, respectively. The incidence of symptoms before the test was similar in those positive for Bs or DF and those with all-negative PCR (adjusted OR and 95% CI of 0.87 [0.80-0.95] and 0.82 [0.76-0.88] for Bs and DF, respectively), whereas significantly higher (2.47 [2.23-2.73]) in those positive for the other multiplex PCR assay components. During the 60 days after the test, the prevalence of any of the outcomes was similar in those positive for Bs or DF and those with negative PCR (adjusted OR and 95% CI of 0.92 [0.83-1.02] and 0.89 [0.81-0.97] for symptoms, 0.84 [0.75-0.94] and 0.93 [0.85-1.01] for referrals, 0.88 [0.75-1.03] and 0.82 [0.71-0.94] for symptomatic treatment, and 0.88 [0.75-1.02] and 0.86 [0.75-0.98] for antibiotic treatment in the Bs and DF positive individuals, respectively). The PCR cycle threshold was not associated with any of the outcomes. DISCUSSION Positive stool PCR for DF or Bs was not associated with any of the measured clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shasha
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel; Infectious Disease Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Daniel Grupel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orit Treigerman
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - George Prajgrod
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Paran
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dror Hacham
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronen Ben-Ami
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dov Albukrek
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galia Zacay
- Head Office, Medical Division, Meuhedet Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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10
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Camargo A, Ramírez JD. Blastocystis genetic diversity in animal and human samples from different departments of Colombia using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene (SSU rRNA) by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Acta Trop 2024; 249:107090. [PMID: 38048971 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107090] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote that has raised attention due to its wide distribution in animals and humans. The risk of zoonotic circulation primarily arises from close contact with infected animals. Therefore, the following study aimed to evaluate the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in Colombian human and animal samples using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. For this purpose, 341 human stool samples and 277 animal fecal samples (from cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, cats, and dogs), were collected from different Colombian regions and analyzed using PCR-based detection and full-length 18S SSU rRNA gene Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Among the 618 samples from both hosts, humans and animals, the results revealed widespread Blastocystis frequency, with 48.09% (n = 164) in humans and 31.4% (n = 87) detection in animals. Dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and wild animals tested positive, aligning with global prevalence patterns. Also, 29 human samples and 23 animal samples were sequenced using ONT technology from which 11 long-read unique sequences were generated and cluster with their compared reference sequences. The subtype distribution varied within hosts, detecting ST1 and ST3 in both human and animal samples. Subtypes ST5, ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST24, ST25 and ST26 were limited to animals hosts, some of which are considered to have zoonotic potential. On the other hand, ST2 was found exclusively in human samples from Bolivar region. Mixed infections occurred in both animal and humans, 60.86% and 27.58% respectively. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia identifying ST15 in pigs and ST25 in sheep. The subtypes (STs) identified in this study indicate that certain animals may serve as reservoirs with the potential for zoonotic transmission. The identification of zoonotic subtypes highlights the use of Next Generation Sequencing as the depth and resolution of the sequences increases providing insights into STs of medical and veterinarian significance. It also reveals the coexistence of diverse subtypes among hosts. Further research is essential for understanding transmission dynamics, health implications, and detection strategies for Blastocystis occurrence in animals and humans, mainly associated to the role of animals as reservoirs and their close interaction with humans.
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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
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, 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, NY, United States.
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11
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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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12
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Marangi M, Boughattas S, De Nittis R, Pisanelli D, Delli Carri V, Lipsi MR, La Bella G, Serviddio G, Niglio M, Lo Caputo S, Margaglione M, Arena F. Prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. among autochthonous and immigrant patients in Italy. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106377. [PMID: 37839760 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106377] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Blastocystis sp., its genetic diversity and the distribution of circulating subtypes (STs) were molecularly investigated in a cohort of autochthonous and immigrant patients with gastrointestinal symptoms hospitalized over the period February 2022-June 2023 at the Policlinico Ospedaliero-Universitario "Riuniti", Foggia, in Southern Italy. The population variables, including patient geographical origin, gender and age classes were reported. Out of the 927 investigated patients, 36 (3.9%) were positive for Blastocystis sp. A statistically significant association with African origin and age classes >18 years old was found. ST1 (allele 4), ST2 (alleles 9, 13), ST3 (alleles 34, 36) and ST4 (allele 92) were the subtypes detected with a different distribution between autochthonous and immigrant patients. Co-infections with enteric protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Dientamoeba fragilis, pathogenic bacteria as Clostridioides difficile, Campylobacter jejuni and Aeromonas sp. and viral infections such as Norovirus were found in 33% of cases. This is the first study of Blastocystis sp., its circulating subtypes and allele variability among patients with different geographical origin in an area of Southern Italy, in the Central Mediterranean, characterized by high immigrant pressure. These results provide baseline data to better investigate a potential interaction between Blastocystis sp. and other risk factors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | | | - Rosella De Nittis
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Pisanelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Delli Carri
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Lipsi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco La Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Niglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Sergio Lo Caputo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Fabio Arena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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Hurych J, Oscarsson E, Håkanson Å, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Jirků M, Aronson CA, Cinek O, Agardh D. Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei supplementation on the single-cell fecal parasitome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:411. [PMID: 37946274 PMCID: PMC10636941 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06027-1] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 positively affect the fecal bacteriome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity after 6 months of supplementation. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 on the single-cell parasitome, with a primary focus on Blastocystis. METHODS Stool samples were collected from 78 Swedish children with celiac disease autoimmunity participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to either receive a mixture of supplementation with L. plantarum HEAL9 and L. paracasei 8700:2 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). A total of 227 stool samples collected at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention, respectively, were retrospectively analyzed for Blastocystis by quantitative real-time PCR and subtyped by massively parallel amplicon sequencing. Other single-cell parasites were detected by untargeted 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing and verified by real-time PCR. The relation between the parasites and the bacteriome community was characterized by using 16S rDNA profiling of the V3-V4 region. RESULTS Three different single-cell protists were identified, of which the highest prevalence was found for Dientamoeba fragilis (23.1%, 18/78 children), followed by Blastocystis (15.4%, 12/78) and Entamoeba spp. (2.6%, 2/78). The quantity of the protists was stable over time and not affected by probiotic intervention (P = 0.14 for Blastocystis, P = 0.10 for D. fragilis). The positivity of the protists was associated with increased bacteriome diversity (measured by multiple indices, P < 0.03). Bacterial composition was influenced by the presence of the protists: positivity of Blastocystis was inversely associated with Akkermansia (at the levels of the genus as well as its family, order, class and phylum); P < 0.002), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.003) and Romboutsia (P = 0.029); positivity of D. fragilis was inversely associated with families Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.016) and Coriobacteriaceae (P = 0.022) and genera Flavonifractor (P < 0.001), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.009), Lachnoclostridium (P = 0.029), Ruminococcus (P < 0.001) and Granulicatella (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of single-cell protists is low in children with celiac disease autoimmunity. The colonization was stable regardless of the probiotic intervention and associated with increased diversity of the fecal bacteriome but inversely associated with some beneficial bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Hurych
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elin Oscarsson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Håkanson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Carin Andrén Aronson
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
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Olyaiee A, Yadegar A, Mirsamadi ES, Sadeghi A, Mirjalali H. Profiling of the fecal microbiota and circulating microRNA-16 in IBS subjects with Blastocystis infection : a case-control study. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:483. [PMID: 37932792 PMCID: PMC10626746 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01441-8] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorder. Although the main reason for IBS is not clear, the interaction between intestinal microorganisms and the gut barrier seems to play an important role in pathogenesis of IBS. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Blastocystis on the gut microbiota profile and the circulation levels of microRNA (mir)-16 of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects. Stool and blood samples were collected from 80 participants including 40 samples from each IBS and healthy group. Upon DNA extraction from stool samples, barcoding region and quantitative real-time PCR were analyzed to investigate Blastocystis and the microbiota profile, respectively. RNA was extracted from serum samples of included subjects and the expression of mir-16 was evaluated using stem-loop protocol and qreal-time PCR. Significant changes between IBS patients and healthy controls was observed in Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes. In IBS patients, the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria was directly correlated with the presence of Blastocystis, while Alistipes was decreased with Blastocystis. Lactobacillus was significantly increased in Blastocystis carriers. In healthy subjects, the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria was decreased, but Alistipes was increased in Blastocystis carriers. The changes in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was not significant in different groups. The relative expression of mir-16 in Blastocystis-negative IBS patients and healthy carriers was significantly overexpressed compared to control group. The presence of Blastocystis, decreased the relative expression of mir-16 in IBS patients compared to Blastocystis-negative IBS patients. The present study revealed that Blastocystis has the ability to change the abundance of some phyla/genera of bacteria in IBS and healthy subjects. Moreover, Blastocystis seems to modulate the relative expression of microRNAs to control the gut atmosphere, apply its pathogenicity, and provide a favor niche for its colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Olyaiee
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Sadat Mirsamadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Sadeghi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 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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Han N, Peng X, Qiang Y, Zhang T, Li X, Zhang W. Genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. ST3 at the genome level in the Chinese population. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2719-2727. [PMID: 37715083 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07973-6] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota comprises the collective genomes of microbial symbionts and is composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protists within the gastrointestinal tract of a host. Although the literature associated with gut microbiota is increasing, studies on eukaryotes in the human gut are just beginning to surface. Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites of humans and animals and is estimated to colonise more than 1 billion people on a global scale. However, the understanding of the genetic characteristics of Blastocystis subtype (ST) at the genome level and its relationship with other members of the gut microbiota is still limited. In this study, by surveying the prevalence and genome characteristics of Blastocystis sp. ST3 in a Chinese population (prevalence % = 6.09%), the association of Blastocystis sp. ST3 with region and time and the structure of the resident gut bacterial population was clarified. We identified novel sequences (50 mitochondrial and 41 genome sequences) and determined their genetic diversity amongst strains within Blastocystis sp. ST3 (4.14 SNPs/kb). Furthermore, we found that colonisation of Blastocystis was strongly associated with increased bacterial richness and higher abundance of several anaerobes. Finally, we performed time series sampling on two Blastocystis-positive individuals and confirmed that Blastocystis could exist continually in the human gut microbiota and persist for a long time, even for 4 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Han
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xianhui Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yujun Qiang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiuwen Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Ahlawat GM, Singh PK. Methods of Determining Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Efficiency of Probiotics in Treatment: A Review. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2023; 99:100721. [PMID: 38021264 PMCID: PMC10665699 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100721] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent lifestyle-associated ailment linked to the gut microbiota that significantly influences patients' quality of life. A notable correlation exists between Blastocystis infections and susceptibility to IBS, with infected individuals exhibiting an increased likelihood of developing the condition. Despite promising results from using probiotics to modulate the gut microbiota and manage IBS, the precise mechanisms and potential risks remain unclear. Objective This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of probiotics, particularly Saccharomyces boulardii, in the management of IBS, highlighting the role of the gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis in IBS pathophysiology. Methods A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to examine the association between gut microbiota and IBS, the role of probiotics in managing IBS, the mechanisms of their action, and the potential risks associated with their long-term use. Additionally, this study addresses the influence of Blastocystis infections on IBS susceptibility and evaluates various ongoing clinical trials investigating probiotic use for IBS. Results S boulardii, a yeast species with probiotic properties, has demonstrated effectiveness in both the treatment and prophylaxis of IBS. Its administration is associated with a decrease in the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10. Probiotics appear to function by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and regulating neurotransmitter activity, influencing the gut-brain axis. However, selecting appropriate probiotic strains and dosing regimens is crucial because of potential adverse effects, such as infections and allergic reactions. Conclusions Probiotics, specifically S boulardii, offer a promising avenue for IBS management by modulating gut microbiota. However, further research is necessary to delineate the precise mechanisms of action, optimal strains, dosing regimens for IBS treatment, and potential risks associated with long-term use. A comprehensive approach incorporating probiotics, a low-FODMAP diet, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may provide effective management of IBS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika M. Ahlawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhat K. Singh
- Radiation and Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Malatyalı E, Ertabaklar H, Ertuğ S. Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Türkiye. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2023; 47:184-189. [PMID: 37724369 DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.79188] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an anaerobic protozoan with global importance because of infecting a variety of hosts and having high prevalence in many countries. Blastocystis isolates display remarkable genetic differences, and many subtypes (STs) have currently been defined based on polymorphism in SSU rRNA coding gene. Each 25 subtype may have different characteristics such as pathogenicity, host specificity, and structural variations. Most current research on Blastocystis has focused on these differences and molecular epidemiology. This review aimed to provide a summary of Blastocystis subtype distribution in Türkiye. Regarding human samples, 16 manuscripts were found in the literature, which presented 783 Blastocystis isolates from 9 cities in Türkiye. The most common subtype was ST3 (47.9%), the others were ST1 30 (17.5%), ST2 (14.7%), ST4 (4%), and ST5-ST7 (15.9%). There were few studies on animal hosts and environmental samples. The faecal samples from rats, farm, and pet animals were examined for Blastocystis subtypes and ST1, ST3, ST4-ST7, ST10, and ST12-ST14 were reported. In addition, two studies reported Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 subtypes in environmental water samples. In conclusion, the review of available literature showed that a systematic understanding of the subtype distribution of 35 Blastocystis in Türkiye is still lacking. Most of the studies were performed in a limited number of cities, animal hosts, and environmental samples, therefore, more studies from different provinces are needed in forthcoming research. The majority studies were performed in a limited number of provinces, animal species and very few environmental samples, so in the future; there is a need of novel studies that evaluate more samples from different provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdoğan Malatyalı
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Hatice Ertabaklar
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Sema Ertuğ
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Aydın, Türkiye
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Pietrzak-Makyła B, Korzeniewski K, Gładysz P, Lass A. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis Species in Polish Soldiers Stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14100. [PMID: 37762408 PMCID: PMC10531639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814100] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders. Soldiers participating in military missions are particularly vulnerable to infection with this protozoa. The present study used molecular methods to detect, identify, and subtype (ST) Blastocystis sp. in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Fecal samples were collected from 192 soldiers on arrival and after four months of stay. After DNA extraction, the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. The DNA of Blastocystis sp. was detected in six (3.13%) and thirty (15.16%) samples in the first and second batch, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed infections with ST 2, 3, 4, and 7. There was no statistical association between Blastocystis sp. infection and the parasite's ST or the age or rank of soldiers. The results indicate that the visit to a new environment and prolonged stay in the area of military operation in Kosovo resulted in a significant increase in both Blastocystis sp. infections and ST diversity among surveyed soldiers. This shows the need to undertake appropriate countermeasures to reduce Blastocystis infections in the military environment abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pietrzak-Makyła
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9b, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (B.P.-M.); (P.G.)
| | - Krzysztof Korzeniewski
- Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute, Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paweł Gładysz
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9b, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (B.P.-M.); (P.G.)
| | - Anna Lass
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Powstania Styczniowego 9b, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (B.P.-M.); (P.G.)
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19
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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20
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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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21
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Garcia-Montoya GM, Galvan-Diaz AL, Alzate JF. Metataxomics reveals Blastocystis subtypes mixed infections in Colombian children. Infect Genet Evol 2023; 113:105478. [PMID: 37406785 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105478] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., is an intestinal protist with a broad host range and a high prevalence in human populations worldwide, even in developed Western countries. The publication of conflicting evidence has divided the scientific community about the pathogenic role of this parasite. Even though, genetic studies on Blastocystis sp. revealed associations between genotypes and different pathogenic profiles. Conventionally, the detection of this parasite is based on microscopic or PCR methods, which offer meager or null performance in detecting mixed infections. In this work, we applied a metataxonomic NGS approach targeting the V4 region of the eukaryotic SSU-rRNA gene and classical phylogenetic methods. This approach allowed us to detect Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from infected children living in an urban setting in the city of Medellin attending the same daycare center. Phylogenetic analysis identified the subtypes present in the children as ST1, ST2, and ST3. Besides, mixed infections of subtypes ST1 + ST3 were spotted in 16% of the analyzed stool samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela M Garcia-Montoya
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Medellín, Colombia; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Pediaciencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana L Galvan-Diaz
- Grupo de Microbiología ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan F Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Medellín, Colombia; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Pediaciencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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22
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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23
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Guyard-Nicodème M, Anis N, Naguib D, Viscogliosi E, Chemaly M. Prevalence and Association of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Blastocystis sp. in Poultry. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1983. [PMID: 37630543 PMCID: PMC10458391 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081983] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry and poultry meat are considered the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. However, data about the occurrence of Campylobacter and Salmonella concomitantly with intestinal protozoa such as Blastocystis sp. in poultry remain very scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence and possible interactions between these three microorganisms in fecal samples from 214 chickens collected either on farms or from live bird markets in Egypt. The results obtained showed that Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Blastocystis sp. were present in 91.6% (196/214), 44.4% (95/214), and 18.2% (39/214) of tested samples, respectively, highlighting an active circulation of these microorganisms. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was reported between the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. and Blastocystis sp. together with a significant negative correlation between Blastocystis sp. and Salmonella spp. This study confirms the association reported previously between Blastocystis sp. and Campylobacter spp. while disclosing an association between Blastocystis sp. and Salmonella spp.; it also highlights the need to improve studies on the interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes in the gut microbiota of poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Guyard-Nicodème
- Unit for Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, ANSES, F-22440 Ploufragan, France; (N.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Nagham Anis
- Unit for Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, ANSES, F-22440 Ploufragan, France; (N.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Doaa Naguib
- Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- 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;
| | - Marianne Chemaly
- Unit for Hygiene and Quality of Poultry and Pork Products, Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, ANSES, F-22440 Ploufragan, France; (N.A.); (M.C.)
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24
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Liu H, Ni H, Zhu N, Liu S, Wang R, Cao J, Shen Y, Yin J. Blastocystis infection among diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, Southeast China: A potential zoonotic health threat. Microb Pathog 2023:106219. [PMID: 37391101 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106219] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is one of the important zoonotic parasites which can infect humans and various animals worldwide and has become a growing global public health concern. The study aims to obtain the data of Blastocystis infection and the information of the genetic characteristic. METHODS In the present study, 489 fecal samples were collected from diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and were examined the presence of Blastocystis by polymerase chain reaction combined with sequencing. RESULTS A total of 10 samples (2.04%, 10/489) were positive for Blastocystis with no significant difference among sex and age groups, respectively. Eight samples were successfully sequenced, and five zoonotic ST3 and three zoonotic ST1 with two new sequences were identified. CONCLUSIONS We first demonstrated the occurrence of Blastocystis infection in diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, with two zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST3) and two new sequences being characterized. Meanwhile, mixed infection of Blastocystis and E. bieneusi was found which indicates the importance of investigation of multiple parasites. Finally, more extensive studies will be needed to better understand the transmission of Blastocystis at human-animal-environment interface and provide evidence for the development of one health strategies for the prevention and control of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongxia Ni
- Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315010, China
| | - Na Zhu
- Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315048, China
| | - Shike Liu
- Ninghai County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315699, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315010, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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25
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Kumarasamy V, Kuppusamy UR, Jayalakshmi P, Govind SK. Blastocystis sp. reduces the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil as a colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic treatment. Exp Parasitol 2023:108564. [PMID: 37308003 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan parasite with extensive genetic variation and unclear pathogenicity. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effects of Blastocystis on the activity of a commonly used CRC chemotherapeutic agent, 5-FU. The cellular and molecular effects of solubilized antigen of Blastocystis in the presence of 5-FU were investigated using HCT116, human CRC cell line and CCD 18-Co, normal human colon fibroblast cells. For the in vivo study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, as follows; Control Group: oral administration of 0.3ml Jones' medium, Group A: rats injected with azoxymethane (AOM), Group A-30FU: Rats injected with AOM and administered 30mg/kg 5-FU, Group B-A-30FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 30mg/kg 5-FU, Group A-60FU: rats injected with AOM and administered 60mg/kg 5-FU and Group B-A-60FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 60mg/kg 5-FU. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory potency of 5-FU at 8μM and 10μM was reduced from 57.7% to 31.6% (p < 0.001) and 69.0%-36.7% (p < 0.001) respectively when co-incubated with Blastocystis antigen for 24 h. However, the inhibitory potency of 5-FU in CCD-18Co cells was not significantly affected in the presence of Blastocystis antigen. The reduced inhibitory potency of 5-FU against cancer cell proliferation due to the presence of Blastocystis is consistent with the upregulation of expression of type 2 cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression. Increased inflammation and abnormal histopathological findings along with a significant cancer multiplicity and adenoma incidence were evident in the intestine of the B-A-30FU and B-A-60FU groups when compared with the A-30FU and A-60FU groups respectively. Our in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that Blastocystis infection could potentially interfere with chemotherapy regimens such as 5-FU in CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Umah Rani Kuppusamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pailoor Jayalakshmi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar Govind
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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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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27
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Aslan Çelik B. First report of Blastocystis subtype ST25 in calves in Turkey. Pol J Vet Sci 2023; 26:195-201. [PMID: 37389414 DOI: 10.24425/pjvs.2023.145022] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is a parasite that causes intestinal infection in humans and other animals. A few studies have been performed in Turkey on the distribution of Blastocystis in cattle. In this study, fecal samples were collected from 100 calves and subjected to analysis based on an SSU rRNA gene fragment. The overall prevalence of the disease was determined as 15% (15/100). This rate was 14.04% for females and 16.28% for males. In addition, three Blastocystis subtypes were identified: ST10, ST14, and novel subtypes ST25. To our knowledge, the ST25 subtype was reported with this study for the first time in Turkey. The nucleotide sequences (OM920832-OM920839) obtained in this study were deposited in GenBank. The results obtained will be useful for a better understanding of the epidemiology of Blastocystis spp., and its effects on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Aslan Çelik
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
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28
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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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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Jinatham V, Wandee T, Nonebudsri C, Popluechai S, Tsaousis AD, Gentekaki E. Blastocystis subtypes in raw vegetables from street markets in northern Thailand. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1027-31. [PMID: 36658225 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a stramenopile protist of controversial pathogenicity. The organism colonizes a broad range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Blastocystis has also been found in the environment both in water and soil. Several routes of transmission have been proposed including human to human, animal to human, and via contaminated food and water. In recent years, the presence of Blastocystis in vegetables has started to be explored. However, most studies have focused on microscopic detection. Moreover, works of this type from Asia are barely available. Hence, the aim of this preliminary study was to examine the occurrence of Blastocystis in raw vegetables sold in markets in northern Thailand. Fresh produce (n = 20) commonly used in Thai cuisine (Lanna) was purchased from two street markets and screened for Blastocystis using qPCR. Blastocystis was detected in 45% of the samples with the dominant subtype being ST3. Produce growing underground, such as galangal, carrot, and beetroot, were positive for the organism suggesting soil or inadequately composted manure as the source of contamination. To our knowledge, our study is the first to perform subtyping of Blastocystis in vegetables. Our results hint toward fresh produce being a, as yet, not widely explored, transmission route of Blastocystis in the studied community. Looking forward, large-scale investigations on the prevalence of this and other organisms under the One Health umbrella should be undertaken.
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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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Yang F, Gou JM, Yang BK, Du JY, Yao HZ, Ren M, Lin Q. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Tibetan Sheep in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China. Protist 2023; 174:125948. [PMID: 36947937 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2023.125948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protists in humans and a great number of animals, including sheep and goats. High prevalence and multiple subtypes of Blastocystis have been reported in sheep in several regions of China and elsewhere. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about Blastocystis in Tibetan sheep. A total of 761 fecal samples were collected from Tibetan sheep in seven counties of Qinghai Province, northwestern China, and were examined for the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis using molecular technology based on the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of Blastocystis. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the investigated Tibetan sheep was 7.5% (57/761) using PCR and DNA Sanger sequencing, and differences in prevalence were observed among the ruminants from the seven counties (P < 0.01), and across four seasons (P < 0.01). Sequence analysis revealed five subtypes (ST14 (57.9%), ST10 (26.3%), ST12 (5.3%), ST21 (5.3%), and ST30 (5.3%)) of Blastocystis sp. in these Tibetan sheep, with ST14 as the predominant subtype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Blastocystis colonization in Tibetan sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Min Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Ke Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yue Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Zhong Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province 810016, People's Republic of China.
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Meclat VYB, Ancheta KSB, Adao DEV, Rivera WL. Phylogenetic relationship of nonmammalian and avian Blastocystis isolates and conventional subtypes. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:192-197. [PMID: 36910318 PMCID: PMC9998794 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist commonly identified in human and animal feces. At present, there are 28 proposed subtypes (STs) identified based on the small subunit rRNA gene, 13 of which are found in both humans and animals. In general, nonmammalian and avian groups are infected by the nonmammalian and avian subtypes (NMASTs). However, NMASTs were also isolated from mammalian hosts, suggesting possible cross-contamination and transmission from nonmammalian and avian hosts to other animals and, potentially, humans. Thus, this study determined the possible relationship between NMAST sequences and conventional STs to provide new insights into Blastocystis classification, identification, and epidemiological significance. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using three statistical models, namely, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor Joining, and Maximum Parsimony, based on the 30 NMAST sequences. The NMAST sequences formed groups clustered closely with other NMAST subtrees. Most sequences of nonmammalian and avian isolates formed distinct monophyletic clades based on their NMAST classification, with some clustering with mammalian and avian STs. These results indicate the close relationship between Blastocystis isolated from mammalian and avian hosts and nonmammalian and avian hosts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Yvonne B. Meclat
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Keith Sigfred B. Ancheta
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Davin Edric V. Adao
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
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Hussein EM, Muhammad MAA, Hussein AM, Elzagawy SM, Zaki WM, Temsah AG, Badr MS, Alabbassy MM. Levels of Genetic Variants Among Symptomatic Blastocystis Subtypes and their Relationship to Mucosal Immune Surveillance in the Precancerous Colons of Experimentally Infected Rats. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:70-83. [PMID: 36380160 PMCID: PMC10011339 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00628-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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between the genetic diversity of Blastocystis and immune surveillance in precancerous colons with blastocystosis is still under investigation. This study aimed to identify the genetic Blastocystis variants among 54 symptomatic human isolates and their relationship to mucosal immune surveillance in the precancerous polyps of experimentally infected rats. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction and high-resolution melting (PCR/HRM) curves discriminated human symptomatic Blastocystis isolates into subtypes (STs)/intrasubtypes, which were orally administered to rats to induce experimental infection. Then, the mucosal immune responses of the infected colons were evaluated in relation to polyp formation through immunostaining to identify mucus MUC2 and determine mucosal immune cell (goblet, lymphocyte and mast) counts, secretory IgA levels and parasitic intestinal invasion. RESULTS ST1, ST3, and ST4 were found in 18.5% (10/54), 54.7% (29/54), and 27.8% (15/54) of the samples, respectively. Then, the HRM curve discriminated ST3 into the wild, mutant, and heterozygous [17/54 (31.5%), 5/54 (9.3%), and 7/54 (12.9%)] intrasubtypes. ST1 and ST4 had no genetic variations. Precancerous polyps were detected in the colons of 40.5% of the infected rats. ST1 constituted 14.7% of these cases, while the wild, mutant, and heterozygous intrasubtypes of ST3 showed polyps in 12.9%, 5.5%, and 5.5% of cases, respectively. Only 1.9% of the polyps were related to ST4. MUC2 showed weak immunostaining in 44.5% of the infected colons, and 38.9% were polyp inducers. Low goblet cell numbers and high interepithelial lymphocyte counts were significantly associated with polyp formation, particularly with ST1 and wild ST3. Among the polyp inducers, high numbers of mast cells were detected in wild ST3 and ST4, while a low number was found with heterozygous ST3. The level of secretory IgA was low in polyp-inducing STs. Most of the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Immunosurveillance showed a potential relationship between ST1 and the ST3 intrasubtypes and precancerous polyps. This relationship may provide insight into the prevention and/or development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to combat colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Hussein
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad A A Muhammad
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal, University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Abdalla M Hussein
- Bio-Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11652, Egypt
| | - Sherine M Elzagawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M Zaki
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Ashraf G Temsah
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta Branch, AL Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Medical Genetic Centre, Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha M Alabbassy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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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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Higuera A, Salas-Leiva DE, Curtis B, Patiño LH, Zhao D, Jerlström-Hultqvist J, Dlutek M, Muñoz M, Roger AJ, Ramírez JD. Draft genomes of Blastocystis subtypes from human samples of Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:52. [PMID: 36732768 PMCID: PMC9896827 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05619-7] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is one of the most common eukaryotic microorganisms colonizing the intestines of both humans and animals, but the conditions under which it may be a pathogen are unclear. METHODS To study the genomic characteristics of circulating subtypes (ST) in Colombia, we established nine xenic cultures from Blastocystis isolated from human fecal samples, we identified 10 different subtypes, since one sample had a mixed infection. Thus, the genomes of the subtypes ST1 (n = 3), ST2 (n = 1), ST3 (n = 2), ST6 (n = 1), ST7 (n = 1), and ST8 (n = 2) were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). RESULTS Analyses of these draft nuclear genomes indicated remarkable diversity in terms of genome size and guanine-cytosine (GC) content among the compared STs. Illumina sequencing-only draft genomes contained 824 to 2077 scaffolds, with total genome size ranging from 12 to 13.2 Mb and N50 values ranging from 10,585 to 29,404 base pairs (bp). The genome of one ST1 isolate was sequenced using ONT. This assembly was more contiguous, with a size of 20 million base pairs (Mb) spread over 116 scaffolds, and an N50 of 248,997 bp. CONCLUSION This work represents one of the few large-scale comparative genomic analyses of Blastocystis isolates, providing an additional glimpse into its genomic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Higuera
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dayana E. Salas-Leiva
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Curtis
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Luz H. Patiño
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dandan Zhao
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Jon Jerlström-Hultqvist
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC, Uppsala Universitet, Box 596, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marlena Dlutek
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Marina Muñoz
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrew J. Roger
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY USA
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Örsten S, Baysal İ, Akdoğan N, İnal N, Bostan E, Çiftçi SY, Akyön Y. Possible microRNA-based mechanism underlying relationship between chronic spontaneous urticaria and Blastocystis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 245:108453. [PMID: 36584787 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108453] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis spp. has been proposed as a possible cause of extraintestinal clinical signs such as urticaria pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients in the presence or absence of Blastocystis spp. as well as healthy controls. Additionally, cellular pathways which are affected in the presence of Blastocystis spp. were identified. METHODS Twenty patients diagnosed with CSU were enrolled in the study and divided into equally two groups according to the presence of Blastocystis spp. Besides, six healthy individuals were included in the study. The expression profiles of 372 human-derived miRNAs have been investigated in serum samples from CSU patients and healthy controls with miScript miRNA PCR Array Human miRBase Profiler. RESULTS Compared to Blastocystis-negative (BN)-CSU patients, expression of 3 miRNAs (hsa-miR-3183, hsa-miR-4469, hsa-miR-5191) were found to be downregulated by at least two-fold (p < 0.05) in Blastocystis-positive (BP)-CSU patients. Additionally, the miRNA expression profiles of six healthy individuals (n = 3 Blastocystis-positive, n = 3 Blastocystis-negative) were analyzed and it was determined that the expressions of 7 miRNAs (hsa-miR-4661-5p, hsa-miR-4666a-5p, hsa-miR-4803, hsa-miR-5587-5p, hsa-miR-4500, hsa-miR-5680, hsa-miR-382-3p) increased at least 3-fold in the serum of individuals with Blastocystis-positive compared to Blastocystis-negative subjects. Most down-regulated miRNAs, in BP-CSU patients, affect cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and signaling pathways therefore, Blastocystis spp. presence may influence the clinical presentation of urticaria by leading to unbalanced immunity. In addition, Blastocystis spp. presence may be influenced TGF- β signaling pathway through altered miRNAs and may be laying the groundwork for the development of CSU in healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS As a consequence, this is the first report to show that the miRNA expression profile is affected by the presence of Blastocystis spp. Further miRNA-based studies are needed in order to enlighten the exact underlying molecular mechanisms of the relationship between Blastocystis spp. and CSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serra Örsten
- Hacettepe University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - İpek Baysal
- Hacettepe University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Akdoğan
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neşe İnal
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ecem Bostan
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Yakut Akyön
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
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Zhang K, Qin Z, Qin H, Wang Y, Wang L, Fu Y, Hou C, Ji C, Yuan Y, Zhang L. First detection of Blastocystis sp. in migratory whooper swans ( Cygnus cygnus) in China. One Health 2023; 16:100486. [PMID: 36683961 PMCID: PMC9846003 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is a usual intestinal protist that always found in humans and various animals. Currently, the prevalence of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is unknown. In our research, we aimed to determine the occurrence, prevalence, subtype distribution and dynamic transmission mechanisms of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan in China. We also assessed the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates, as well as possible routes of transmission and impact of this organism on One Health perspective. Fecal samples (n = 770) were collected from whooper swans inhabiting the Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park, China. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 11.6% (89/770). We identified 9 subtypes of Blastocystis sp., including 5 zoonotic subtypes [ST1 (Cakir et al., 2019 (8)), ST4 (Selma and Karanis, 2011 (4)), ST5 (Stensvold et al., 2009 (1)), ST6 (Fare et al., 2019 (5)) and ST7(58)] and 3 host-specific subtypes [ST10 (Zhao et al., 2018 (7)), ST14 (Tan et al., 2010 (2)), ST23 (Wang et al., 2018 (3)), and ST25 (Stensvold et al., 2009 (1))]. Subtypes ST4, ST5, ST6, ST10, ST14, ST23, and ST25 were first identified in the whooper swan. Among these subtypes, ST23 and ST25 were identified in birds for the first time, indicating that these subtypes are expanding their host range. So far, this is the first research reporting on the prevalence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis in the migratory whooper swan in China. The findings obtained in this study will provide new insights into the genetic diversity and transmission routes of Blastocystis, and the possible public health concerns posed by this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yinlin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Luyang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Changjiang Hou
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, PR China
| | - Chenxiao Ji
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, PR China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Sanmenxia Management Office of Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, Sanmenxia 472000, 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 450002, Henan Province, PR China,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China,Corresponding author at: College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengzhou New District, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China.
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Hernández-Castro C, Dashti A, Vusirikala A, Balasegaram S, Köster PC, Bailo B, Imaña E, López A, Llorente MT, González-Barrio D, Sánchez S, Carmena D. Prevalence and temporal dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. among toddlers attending day-care centres in Spain. A prospective molecular-based longitudinal study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:213-223. [PMID: 36282323 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04662-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal eukaryotic parasites affecting children in developed and resource-limited countries. Lack of information on the epidemiology and long-term stability in asymptomatic children complicates interpretation of transmission and pathogenesis. To assess the occurrence, genetic diversity, and temporal dynamics of intestinal eukaryotic parasites in young children, 679 stool samples from 125 toddlers attending six public day-care centres in Central Spain were collected bimonthly within a 1-year period. Detection and identification of species/genotypes were based on PCR and Sanger sequencing methods. Four eukaryotic species were identified: G. duodenalis (2.5‒31.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.0‒2.4%), Blastocystis sp. (2.5‒6.4%), and Entamoeba dispar (0.0‒0.9%). Entamoeba histolytica and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were undetected. Sequence analyses identified assemblage A (63.6%) and B (36.4%) within G. duodenalis (n = 11), C. hominis (40%), C. parvum (40%), and C. wrairi (20%) within Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 5), and ST1 (3.8%), ST2 (46.2%), ST3 (15.4%), and ST4 (34.6%) within Blastocystis sp. (n = 26). Giardia duodenalis sub-assemblage AII/AIII was detected in a toddler for 10 consecutive months. Stable carriage of Blastocystis ST2 allele 9, ST3 allele 34, and ST4 allele 42 was demonstrated in five toddlers for up to 1 year. Conclusions: Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. were common in toddlers attending day-care centres in Central Spain. Long-term infection/colonization periods by the same genetic variant were observed for G. duodenalis (up to 10 months) and Blastocystis sp. (up to 12 months). What is Known: • Asymptomatic carriage of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. is frequent in toddlers. • The epidemiology and long-term stability of these eukaryotes in asymptomatic young children is poorly understood. What is New: • Long-term colonization/infection periods by the same genetic variant were described for Blastocystis sp. (up to 12 months) and G. duodenalis (up to 10 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amoolya Vusirikala
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | | | - Pamela Carolina Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Imaña
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea López
- Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Llorente
- Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Attah AO, Sanggari A, Li LI, Nik Him NAII, Ismail AH, Meor Termizi FH. Blastocystis occurrence in water sources worldwide from 2005 to 2022: a review. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1-10. [PMID: 36434314 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07731-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in the study of Blastocystis in the last two decades. Many studies have been carried out in human and animal hosts including environmental sources, but there is little or no information on the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources across the world from 2005 to 2022, noting the method of detection and the distribution of the subtypes from various water sources. A literature search was performed on internet-based databases including Google search, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Upon application of the criteria for inclusion, 25 articles revealing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources in 15 countries were included in the review. Blastocystis occurrence varies across water sources ranging from 0% in a drinking water source in Venezuela to 100% in rivers; well water, stored water, and fishpond in Nepal and Malaysia; and fountain water, irrigation water, and rainwater in Italy, Spain, and Thailand. The occurrence of the parasite was significantly associated with the coliform count, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and chemical oxygen demand. A total of 11 Blastocystis subtypes were identified in water sources worldwide, namely, ST1-ST8, ST10, ST23, and ST26 in which ST1 and ST3 were the most prevalent subtypes. Considering the importance of Blastocystis as a waterborne parasite, the subtype distribution and morphological distinction in water sources need to be carried out using molecular and electron microscopic techniques. Existing studies have covered only about 10% of the world's countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achigili Okau Attah
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, P. M. B. 1034, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Anamalai Sanggari
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Lee Ii Li
- Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil, 09300, Kedah, Malaysia
| | | | - Azma Hanim Ismail
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Deng L, Wojciech L, Png CW, Kioh DYQ, Gu Y, Aung TT, Malleret B, Chan ECY, Peng G, Zhang Y, Gascoigne NRJ, Tan KSW. Colonization with two different Blastocystis subtypes in DSS-induced colitis mice is associated with strikingly different microbiome and pathological features. Theranostics 2023; 13:1165-1179. [PMID: 36793854 PMCID: PMC9925320 DOI: 10.7150/thno.81583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the role of Blastocystis infection and Blastocystis-altered gut microbiota in the development of inflammatory diseases and their underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: We investigated the effect of Blastocystis ST4 and ST7 infection on the intestinal microbiota, metabolism, and host immune responses, and then explored the role of Blastocystis-altered gut microbiome in the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Results: This study showed that prior colonization with ST4 conferred protection from DSS-induced colitis through elevating the abundance of beneficial bacteria, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and the proportion of Foxp3+ and IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells. Conversely, prior ST7 infection exacerbated the severity of colitis by increasing the proportion of pathogenic bacteria and inducing pro-inflammatory IL-17A and TNF-α-producing CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, transplantation of ST4- and ST7-altered microbiota resulted in similar phenotypes. Conclusions: Our data showed that ST4 and ST7 infection exert strikingly differential effects on the gut microbiota, and these could influence the susceptibility to colitis. ST4 colonization prevented DSS-induced colitis in mice and may be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy against immunological diseases in the future, while ST7 infection is a potential risk factor for the development of experimentally induced colitis that warrants attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Lukasz Wojciech
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Chin Wen Png
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Dorinda Yan Qin Kioh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Yuxiang Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Thet Tun Aung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Eric Chun Yong Chan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Robert John Gascoigne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Kevin Shyong Wei Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117545, Singapore
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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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44
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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Abu A, Sutthikornchai C, Mahittikorn A, Koompapong K, Chiabchalard R, Arthan D, Soonthornworasiri N, Popruk S. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis Isolated from School-Aged Children in the Thai-Myanmar Border, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:204. [PMID: 36612533 PMCID: PMC9819352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010204] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric protozoa that inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and different animals. Moreover, it has a worldwide geographic distribution. Its main mode of transmission is via the fecal-oral route. At present, 26 subtypes are widely distributed across both humans and animals. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis among school-aged children living on the Thai-Myanmar border, Ratchaburi province, Thailand. In total, 508 samples were collected from children at six schools. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was amplified and sequenced in the 600 bp barcode region of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA). The overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 3.35% (17/508). ST3 (11/17) was the most predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (5/17) and ST2 (1/17). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the Tamura92+G+I model using the maximum-likelihood algorithm. Surprisingly, all sequences of the ST3-positive samples were closely correlated with the cattle-derived sequence. Meanwhile, all sequences of the Blastocystis ST1-positive samples were closely correlated with the human-derived sequence. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to validate the zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis. Based on our findings, personal hygiene and sanitation should be improved to promote better health in children in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanee Abu
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chantira Sutthikornchai
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Khuanchai Koompapong
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Rachatawan Chiabchalard
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Dumrongkiet Arthan
- Department of Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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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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Taghipour A, Pirestani M, Hamidi Farahani R, Barati M, Asadipoor E. Frequency, subtypes distribution, and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. in COVID-19 patients in Tehran, capital of Iran: A case-control study. New Microbes New Infect 2023; 51:101063. [PMID: 36514342 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent theories on the possible interactions between the intestinal parasites and COVID-19 have stated that these co-infections may cause immune imbalance and further complications in the affected patients. Until now, there is no data about Blastocystis subtypes as an intestinal parasite in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the present work was done to evaluate the molecular prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and related risk factors in Iranian patients with COVID-19. Method Stool samples were gathered from 200 COVID-19 patients and 200 control, being matched regarding age, gender and residence. Then, stool samples were surveyed by parasitological methods, including direct slide smear and formalin-ether concentration. In the following, PCR and sequencing were used to detect Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes. Results The frequency of Blastocystis spp. in patients with COVID-19 (7.5%; 15/200 by molecular method vs. 6%; 12/200 by microscopy method) was slightly higher than in individuals without COVID-19 (4.5%; 9/200 by molecular method vs. 4%; 8/200 by microscopy method), this difference was not statistically significant (P value = 0.57 for molecular method vs. P value = 0.81 for microscopy method). Regarding associated factors for Blastocystis spp., we found significant differences regarding the residence (rural), loose and watery stool with diarrhea, and duration of treatment (6 weeks <) in the COVID-19 group. Blastocystis ST3 was the most common subtype in the patients with COVID-19 and control group. Conclusions Based on this results, health education, improved sanitation and good personal hygiene are highly recommended to prevent Blastocystis in COVID-19 patients.
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Dubik M, Pilecki B, Moeller JB. Commensal Intestinal Protozoa-Underestimated Members of the Gut Microbial Community. Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:biology11121742. [PMID: 36552252 PMCID: PMC9774987 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121742] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal microbiota contains a diverse consortium of microbes, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi. Through millennia of co-evolution, the host-microbiota interactions have shaped the immune system to both tolerate and maintain the symbiotic relationship with commensal microbiota, while exerting protective responses against invading pathogens. Microbiome research is dominated by studies describing the impact of prokaryotic bacteria on gut immunity with a limited understanding of their relationship with other integral microbiota constituents. However, converging evidence shows that eukaryotic organisms, such as commensal protozoa, can play an important role in modulating intestinal immune responses as well as influencing the overall health of the host. The presence of several protozoa species has recently been shown to be a common occurrence in healthy populations worldwide, suggesting that many of these are commensals rather than invading pathogens. This review aims to discuss the most recent, conflicting findings regarding the role of intestinal protozoa in gut homeostasis, interactions between intestinal protozoa and the bacterial microbiota, as well as potential immunological consequences of protozoa colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Dubik
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Bartosz Pilecki
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Bonnet Moeller
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of intestinal parasites in refugee and native patients who applied to a territory hospital in Turkey. METHODS A total of 17911 patients who were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively in terms of intestinal parasites. The patients' stool samples were investigated for the existence of intestinal parasites by direct wet mount preparation, formalin ether concentration technique and cellophane tape method. The data obtained were compared between patient groups according to the examination method. RESULTS The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis in refugee children was found twice higher than that in native patients and the most common symptom was abdominal pain in these patients. Intestinal parasite detection rates were significantly higher in the stool concentration method than in the direct wet mount examination. Cutaneous complaints and protein energy malnutrition/growth retardation were the most common clinical conditions besides gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with intestinal parasitosis. CONCLUSION In our study, the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in refugees was found to be higher than in the normal population. Intestinal parasitic infections should be investigated with proper diagnostic methods especially in children with PEM/GR and cutaneous symptoms in addition to gastrointestinal problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Demirel
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedia Dinç
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
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