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Gezici A, Taş Cengiz Z, Yılmaz H, Aydemir S. The Significance of Opportunistic Parasitosis and Blastocystosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer: a Study with Control Group. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2023; 47:220-223. [PMID: 38149442 DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.33042] [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: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic parasites and Blastocystis spp. in patients with gastric cancer (CA) and to determine the significance of these parasite. Methods The patient group and the control group were composed of 100 people each. The stool samples were examined under the microscope for intestinal parasites with the native-Lugol method. Then, samples were multiplied by formol-ethyl acetate method and stained with modified acid-fast method. Results Intestinal parasite positivity was indicated in 14% of the gastric CA, and 2% of the healthy individuals (p=0.001). Blastocystis spp. (p=0.009) was identified in 11%, Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 4%, G. intestinalis was identified in 2%, and C. cayetanensis was identified in 1% of the patient group. There were significant differences between the intestinal parasite positivity (p=0.012), abundant Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.041) and all Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.037) in patient and control groups. Most of the patients who were positive for parasites had diarrhea. Conclusion Based findings, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to evaluate gastric CA patients, especially those with diarrhea, for intestinal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anıl Gezici
- Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Vocational School of Kemaliye Hacı Ali Akın, Division of Veterinary, Erzincan, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Taş Cengiz
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Yılmaz
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van, Türkiye
| | - Selahattin Aydemir
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Van, Türkiye
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Li L, Cai Y, Yu C, Chen M, Tian L. [Progress of researches on Blastocystis hominis infection among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2023; 35:413-420. [PMID: 37926479 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2022261] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common unicellular intestinal protozoa in humans and animals, and the most common clinical manifestations of infections include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Based on the sequence of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, 28 subtypes of B. hominis (ST1 to ST17, ST21 and ST23 to ST32) have been characterized. Previous studies have demonstrated that B. hominis infection is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other intestinal diseases, which threatens the health and quality of life among patients with B. hominis infection and is considered as an important public health problem. This review summarizes the progress of researches on B. hominis infection among IBD and IBS patients during the past 20 years, so as to provide insights into management of blastocystosis in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Y Cai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - C Yu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - M Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - L Tian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Zhang SX, Wang JC, Li ZW, Zheng JX, Zhou WT, Yang GB, Yu YF, Wu XP, Lv S, Liu Q, Chen MX, Lu Y, Dou ZH, Zhang DW, Lv WW, Wang L, Lu ZH, Yang M, Zheng PY, Chen YL, Tian LG, Zhou XN. Impact factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus: a large-scale, multi-center observational study from China. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:82. [PMID: 37697423 PMCID: PMC10494452 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis (Bh) is zoonotic parasitic pathogen with a high prevalent globally, causing opportunistic infections and diarrhea disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection disrupts the immune system by depleting CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+ T) cell counts, thereby increasing Bh infection risk among persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, the precise association between Bh infection risk and HIV-related biological markers and treatment processes remains poorly understood. Hence, the purpose of the study was to explore the association between Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts, HIV viral load (VL), and duration of interruption in antiviral therapy among PLWH. METHODS A large-scale multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in China from June 2020 to December 2022. The genetic presence of Bh in fecal samples was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the CD4+ T cell counts in venous blood was measured using flowcytometry, and the HIV VL in serum was quantified using fluorescence-based instruments. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to assess the non-linear association between Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts, HIV VL, and duration of interruption in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT). RESULTS A total of 1245 PLWH were enrolled in the study, the average age of PLWH was 43 years [interquartile range (IQR): 33, 52], with 452 (36.3%) being female, 50.4% (n = 628) had no immunosuppression (CD4+ T cell counts > 500 cells/μl), and 78.1% (n = 972) achieved full virological suppression (HIV VL < 50 copies/ml). Approximately 10.5% (n = 131) of PLWH had interruption. The prevalence of Bh was found to be 4.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-6.4%] among PLWH. Significant nonlinear associations were observed between the Bh infection risk and CD4+ T cell counts (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, L-shaped), HIV VL (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, inverted U-shaped), and duration of interruption in HARRT (Pfor nonlinearity < 0.001, inverted U-shaped). CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that VL was a better predictor of Bh infection than CD4+ T cell counts. It is crucial to consider the simultaneous surveillance of HIV VL and CD4+ T cell counts in PLWH in the regions with high level of socioeconomic development. The integrated approach can offer more comprehensive and accurate understanding in the aspects of Bh infection and other opportunistic infections, the efficacy of therapeutic drugs, and the assessment of preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Xian Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ji-Chun Wang
- Department of Science and Technology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Li
- Gansu Province People's Hospital, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jin-Xin Zheng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wen-Ting Zhou
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Guo-Bing Yang
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ying-Fang Yu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Wu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shan Lv
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Mu-Xin Chen
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Dou
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- The People's Liberation Army 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wen-Wen Lv
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen-Hui Lu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pei-Yong Zheng
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue-Lai Chen
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li-Guang Tian
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Ali SH, Ismail MAM, El-Badry AA, Abu-Sarea EY, Dewidar AM, Hamdy DA. An Association Between Blastocystis Subtypes and Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Significant Different Profile from Non-cancer Individuals. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:752-763. [PMID: 35067864 PMCID: PMC8784229 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocystis is a common enteric human parasite of non-conclusive pathogenicity which may be determined by subtype (ST) variation. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the primary causes of cancer mortality. Blastocystis ST7 has been shown to reduce beneficial intestinal microbiota and may exacerbate CRC. This study assessed the possible association between Blastocystis STs and CRC in comparison to non-cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 fecal samples were obtained from CRC (100) and non-CRC (100) individuals attending Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Blastocystis was searched for in all samples using microscopy and culturing. Positive subculture samples were genetically sequenced and subtyped using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blastocystis STs were determined by sequencing and a phylogenetic tree was created. Related patient characteristics and tumor stages were analyzed for association with presence of Blastocystis. RESULTS Blastocystis was identified in 52% and 42% of CRC and non-cancer individuals, respectively. ST1, 2, and 3 were isolated from both cancer and non-cancer individuals; however, for the first time, ST7 was only isolated from CRC stool samples with significant association. Associated patient characteristics were evaluated as predictors. CONCLUSION Blastocystosis is highly prevalent in CRC patients, predominantly in the latest CRC grades and stages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the identification of Blastocystis ST7 in CRC patients. To determine whether certain STs of Blastocystis are associated with CRC would require further research, including the role played by gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa H. Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A. M. Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas Y. Abu-Sarea
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Dewidar
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Vega L, Herrera G, Muñoz M, Patarroyo MA, Maloney JG, Santín M, Ramírez JD. Gut microbiota profiles in diarrheic patients with co-occurrence of Clostridioides difficile and Blastocystis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248185. [PMID: 33725006 PMCID: PMC7963057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis and Clostridioides difficile co-occurrence is considered a rare event since the colonization by Blastocystis is prevented under a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the microbiota when there is C. difficile infection (CDI). This scenario has been reported once, but no information on the gut microbiota profiling is available. The present study is motivated by knowing which members of the microbiota can be found in this rare scenario and how this co-occurrence may impact the abundance of other bacteria, eukaryotes or archaea present in the gut microbiota. This study aimed to describe the bacterial and eukaryotic communities using amplicon-based sequencing of the 16S- and 18S-rRNA regions of three patient groups: (1) Blastocystis and C. difficile infection (B+/C+, n = 31), (2) C. difficile infection only (B˗/C+, n = 44), and (3) without Blastocystis or C. difficile (B˗/C˗, n = 40). Blastocystis was subtyped using amplicon-based sequencing of the 18S-rRNA gene, revealing circulation of subtypes ST1 (43.4%), ST3 (35.85%) and ST5 (20.75%) among the study population. We found that B+/C+ patients had a higher abundance of some beneficial bacteria (such as butyrate producers or bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties) compared with non-Blastocystis-colonized patients, which may suggest a shift towards an increase in beneficial bacteria when Blastocystis colonizes patients with CDI. Regarding eukaryotic communities, statistical differences in the abundance of some eukaryotic genera between the study groups were not observed. Thus, this study provides preliminary descriptive information of a potential microbiota profiling of differential presence by Blastocystis and C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- 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
| | - Manuel A. Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Monica Santín
- USDA ARS, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, BARC, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Wadi WF, Rathi MH, Molan AL. The possible link between intestinal parasites and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Diyala Province, Iraq. Ann Parasitol 2021; 67:505-513. [PMID: 34953126 DOI: 10.17420/ap6703.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the possible association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and parasitic infections. The study included 100 IBS patients and 100 healthy control subjects. All study subjects filled a structured questionnaire, which covered demographic information and clinical data. Fresh stool samples were collected from patients and control subjects and processed during the same day of collection. Iodine wet mounts and trichrome stained smears prepared from fresh stool and sediment concentrates were microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. Patients attended private gastroenterology clinics and those found to have IBS (45 males and 55 females) were then selected in this study. The healthy subjects (50 males, 50 females) were recruited as controls. In the IBS patients, Blastocystis sp. was detected in 57% and Giardia sp. cysts were observed in 43%. In the control subjects, Blastocystis sp. was detected in 12% and Giardia sp. cysts were observed in 20%. These parasites were found either alone or with other parasites. Only the differences in the presence of Blastocystis (P=0.0001) and Giardia (P=0.0006) between IBS patients and controls were statistically significant. Abdominal pain and blotting were the leading symptoms in IBS patients and controls. Prevalence of Blastocystis and Giardia was higher in IBS patients than in controls. These parasites are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. The findings of the study support a possible link between parasitic infections and IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisam Faisal Wadi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Munther Hamza Rathi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Abdul-Lateef Molan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
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Popruk N, Prasongwattana S, Mahittikorn A, Palasuwan A, Popruk S, Palasuwan D. Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis Infection in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Thailand. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17238877. [PMID: 33260351 PMCID: PMC7730192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global public health problem with an increasing prevalence. DM increases the risk of infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. We examined the prevalence, subtypes, and risk factors of Blastocystis infection in patients with and without DM in central Thailand. Stool samples and questionnaires were obtained from 130 people in the DM group and 100 people in the non-DM group. Blastocystis infection was identified via a nested polymerase chain reaction and subtyped via sequencing of the partial small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Analysis of potential risk factors was conducted via binary logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 10.8%, including rates of 9% and 12.3% in the non-DM and DM groups, respectively. The most prevalent subtype was ST3, followed by ST1, and ST4. Factors that potentially increased the risk of Blastocystis infection include patients being >65 years old, the presence of DM, a DM duration of ≥10 years, a low level of education, and animal ownership. In conclusion, this is the first study of Blastocystis infection in DM, and a high prevalence was found among this population. Therefore, health education promoting sanitation and hygiene is necessary to reduce and prevent infection in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noppon Popruk
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Satakamol Prasongwattana
- Department of Nursing, Bang Pa-in Hospital, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand;
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Attakorn Palasuwan
- Oxidation in Red Cell Disorders Research Unit, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (D.P.); Tel.: +662-3549-100 (S.P.); +662-2181-541 (D.P.)
| | - Duangdao Palasuwan
- Oxidation in Red Cell Disorders Research Unit, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (D.P.); Tel.: +662-3549-100 (S.P.); +662-2181-541 (D.P.)
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Di Cristanziano V, D´Alfonso R, Berrilli F, Sarfo FS, Santoro M, Fabeni L, Knops E, Heger E, Kaiser R, Dompreh A, Phillips RO, Norman B, Feldt T, Eberhardt KA. Lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections in HIV positive compared to HIV negative adults in Ghana. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221968. [PMID: 31479472 PMCID: PMC6719849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa is endemic for intestinal parasites and distinguished for the largest burden of HIV cases. Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common protists infecting humans but its role in human disease is still controversial. Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in HIV positive and negative adults in Ghana and its association with immune status and other risk factors. Methods 122 HIV positive outpatients and 70 HIV negative blood donors from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, were included in the present study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and HIV positive patients distinguished for CD4+ T cell count <200 cells/μl (n = 54) and >200 cells/μl (n = 68). A Blastocystis’s phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine sample subtype (ST). Results The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in adult HIV positive individuals was lower than in HIV negative persons (6.6% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.008) and Blastocystis sp. ST1 was the most prevalent strain. Within HIV positive participants, the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was lower in those individuals with CD4+ T cell count <200 cells/μl than in patients with higher CD4+ T cell count (1.9% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.076). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Blastocystis sp. was inversely associated with an obese Body Mass Index (BMI) in HIV negative persons (p = 0.040). Presence of Blastocystis sp. was correlated with higher CD4+ T cell count in HIV positive participants (p = 0.049). Conclusion It is largely reported that people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Africa are affected from parasite infections and that co-infections may adversely impact on their immune status, accelerating progress to AIDS and worsening gastrointestinal manifestations. Differently, in this study Blastocystis sp. was associated with a better immune status jointly with a healthy body weight while it seems to be reduced with the progression of HIV infection. This data agree with recent suggestions that Blastocystis sp. can represent a component of the healthy gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rossella D´Alfonso
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Knops
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Heger
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Betty Norman
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Arévalo F, Vergara G, Ruiz S, Castillo J, Zurita F, Monge E. [Concurrent lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis in patients with chronic diarrhea]. Rev Gastroenterol Peru 2017; 37:340-345. [PMID: 29459804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis are relatively common causes of chronic diarrhea and it is characterized by an intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. There have been no previous reports of coexistence between these 2 pathologies. OBJECTIVE To describe histological and clinical characteristic in patients with coexistence of lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS All cases with simultaneous diagnosis of lymphocytic duodenosis and lymphocytic colitis were reevaluated during lapse time 2010-2016 in hospital Daniel Carrion. The slides were reviewed by 3 pathologists and clinical information was obtained from clinical records. Expression of CD3 and CD8 was detected in 6 cases by immunohistochemical assays. RESULTS A total of 35 patients with coexistence of lymphocytic duodenitis and lymphocytic colitis were selected of the pathology archives, 80% were females, Anemia was identified in 28.5% of patients. Blastocysitis hominis infestation was identified in 31.8%. The mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD8 and CD3 positive was 40% in microscopic enteritis, while the mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD3 positive was 37.2% and CD8 positive was 29.2% Additionally, lymphocytic ileitis was diagnosed in 11 of our cases. Eosinophilic colitis was diagnosed in 9 cases of lymphocytic colitis Conclusion: We found that lymphocytic colitis, microscopic enteritis and even lymphocytic ileitis can coexist in a group of patients with chronic diarrhea. These findings bring the question if this concurrence of both pathologies constituted a more generalized gastrointestinal disorder, involving both the large and the small intestines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Arévalo
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Callao, Perú; Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Lima, Perú
| | - Greys Vergara
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Callao, Perú
| | - Susy Ruiz
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital San Bartolomé. Lima, Perú
| | - Joseph Castillo
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Callao, Perú; Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Lima, Perú
| | - Fiorella Zurita
- Servicio de Patología, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Callao, Perú
| | - Eduardo Monge
- Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Lima, Perú; Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Callao, Perú; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
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Arik Yilmaz E, Karaatmaca B, Cetinkaya PG, Soyer O, Sekerel BE, Sahiner UM. The persistence of chronic spontaneous urticaria in childhood is associated with the urticaria activity score. Allergy Asthma Proc 2017; 38:136-142. [PMID: 28234051 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2017.38.4029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little information regarding the etiology and natural course of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in childhood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the etiology, prognosis, and the factors associated with the prognosis of CSU in children. METHOD Data from children with CSU who had been diagnosed between 1992 and 2015 were analyzed. A telephone interview was done to assess the current status of these patients. Remission was defined as the disappearance of urticaria for >6 months. RESULTS A total of 222 children with CSU were evaluated. The median age of symptom onset was 8.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 4.6-12.3 years), median duration of urticaria was 23 months (IQR, 7-48 months), and the median sum of the daily urticaria activity score of 7 consecutive days (UAS7) was 28 (IQR, 21-42). Accompanying angioedema was reported by 107 patients (48.2%), whereas 27.1% of the study population had autoantibody positivity. Autologous serum skin testing results were positive in 43 (34.1%); skin-prick testing results revealed atopy in 55 children (27.9%). Parasites (4.8%), pollen sensitization (1.5%), food allergy (0.9%), urinary tract infection (0.9%), and Hashimoto thyroiditis (0.5%) were determined as etiologic factors of CSU. The patients were followed up for a median time of 15 months (IQR, 5-36.5 months). Remission was observed in 10.6, 29.3, and 44.5% of the patients in 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, a UAS7 of >28 at admission was found to be a risk factor for persistence of urticaria (odds ratio 6.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.54-25.15; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION The etiology of CSU in children was mostly idiopathic despite detailed investigation. In childhood, the natural course of CSU was favorable, and nearly half of the patients recovered after 5 years of disease duration. A high UAS7 at admission seemed to be a significant risk factor for the persistence of symptoms.
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Tikhonova DV. [A case of anisakidosis associated with Blastocyst invasion]. Med Parazitol (Mosk) 2015:52-54. [PMID: 25850321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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Matiut DS, Hritcu L. The pathogenic role of Blastocystis isolated from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis from Iasi, Romania. Acta Parasitol 2014. [PMID: 26204028 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2015-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common parasite and regarded as one of the etiologic agents of irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and chronic diarrhea. Our study was undertaken in order to identify different subtypes of Blastocystis isolated in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis, as well as with chronic diarrhea and to evaluate their pathogenic potential. Seventy-three subjects (10 asymptomatic infected subjects, 49 subjects harboring Blastocystis or associated with other etiologic agents like bacteria, yeasts, protozoa, helminthes and 14 subjects with unknown etiologic agents) were investigated by in vitro parasitological and bacteriological stool samples followed by PCR subtyping of Blastocystis using STS primers, immunological markers (total serum IgA and IgE antibody levels), Helicobacter pylori antigen rapid test and fecal occult blood test. Also, among 49 subjects, there were 12 subjects harboring Blastocystis as the single etiologic agent. Subtyping proved that only three subtypes of Blastocystis were identified as following: subtype II (66.66%) in single infected subjects, subtype I (16.66%) in mixed infection with subtype II and subtype IV (8.33%) in single infected subjects. Total serum IgA and IgE antibody levels were in normal range. Subtype II was the most frequent subtype followed by subtype I and subtype IV of Blastocystis isolates in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and chronic diarrhea as well as in asymptomatic infected group. Our results suggest that the severity of clinical manifestations depend on factors involving the host and possible parasitic density and not necessarily by isolated subtype.
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Davis NA, Giiasov KZ, Islamova ZI, Tuĭchiev LN, Parpieva NN, Belotserkovets VG, Dzhuraeva ZB, Syrov VN, Faĭzullaeva DB, Papina ES, Baimbetov BN, Osipova SO. [Evaluation of the efficacy of antiparasitic drugs in the treatment of concurrent parasitic diseases in patients with HIV infection and in those with pulmonary tuberculosis]. Med Parazitol (Mosk) 2013:24-27. [PMID: 24640127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of albendazole (400 mg taken once), mebendazole (100 mg taken once), and metronidazole (0.5 g thrice daily for 7 days) was evaluated when treating ascariasis, enterobiosis, and blastocystosis, respectively, in patients with HIV infection and in those with pulmonary tuberculosis. Metronidazole-resistant lambliasis was treated with exdisten (5 mg four times for 10 days) in 30.4% of the patients with HIV infection and in 43.3% of those with tuberculosis. Most HIV infected patients received antiretroviral therapy (ARVT). All the tuberculosis patients took isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and streptomycin. Efficiency was monitored by triple coproscopy at an interval of 5-7 days and by additional examinations using the method of Ritchii et al. There was parasitological cure (decreased infection rate for blastocystosis) and clinical improvement as positive changes in symptoms, such as nausea, weakness, headache, weight loss, and others, in all the patients with concomitant ascariasis, enterobiosis, and lambliasis. ARVT and antituberculosis drugs were observed to be better tolerated in all cases.
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Garavelli PL. [Twenty years after, Blastocystis]. Infez Med 2013; 21:169-170. [PMID: 23774985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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15
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Reaves EJ, Kasper MR, Chimelski E, Klein ML, Valle R, Edgel KA, Lucas C, Bausch DG. Outbreak of gastrointestinal illness during Operation New Horizons in Pisco, Peru, July 2012. MSMR 2012; 19:17-19. [PMID: 23231049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In July 2012, the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 investigated an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness characterized by diarrhea among U.S. service members participating in Operation New Horizons in Pisco, Peru. Overall, there were 25 cases of self-reported diarrheal illness among 101 respondents to a questionnaire (attack rate: 24.8%). Personnel who consumed food that was prepared at the two hotels where they were lodged were more likely to report diarrhea than those who did not eat at the hotels (40.9% [9/22] versus 20.3% [16/79]; RR=2.1; p=.047). The difference in diarrhea attack rates between lodgers at the two hotels was not statistically significant. Known or putative pathogens were identified in 72.7 percent (8/11) of samples tested: Blastocystis hominis, Shigella sonnei, diffusely adherent Escherichia coli, and norovirus genotypes I and II. The investigation's findings suggested a food-borne etiology from hotel kitchens. Among all personnel, hand-washing hygiene was reinforced; however, food sources were not restricted.
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Jiménez OMV, Carbonell AE, García OMH, Rodríguez LW, Triana FP, Fabián LG. [Blastocystis hominis in symptomatic celiac patients]. Acta Gastroenterol Latinoam 2012; 42:175-181. [PMID: 23214346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Celiac disease (EC) not diagnosed or treated affect histological, immunological and nutritional status of patients who suffer it. These changes allow infection by parasites that cause no symptoms in immunocompetent patients, such as Blastocystis hominis (Bh). OBJETIVE. To analyze the presence of Bh in symptomatic celiac patients and describe the clinical, histological, immune and nutritional status in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD An observational descriptive cross sectional study was performed. Thirty symptomatic celiac patients (18 women, mean age 41 years old, range 19-68 years), assisted at the Institute of Gastroenterology of Cuba from January to December 2009, entered the study. RESULTS Diarrhea and chronic anemia were the most commonly reported clinical manifestations (22 and 4 patients, respectively). The analysis of more than five Bh per field was more frequent in the group ofpatients studied (63.3%), with statistically significant difference in patients with vilous atrophy and low weight (P < 0.03) compared to cases with less than five Bh per feld. No significant differences were found when the immune status of patients was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS. In symptomatic celiac patients with subtotal-total villous atrophy and low weight the finding of more than five Bh perfield should be considered as opportunistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Manuel Villa Jiménez
- Departamento de Intestino Delgado y Enfermedades Malabsortivas, Instituto de Gastroenterologia, La Habana, Cuba.
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Salvi PF, Virgilio E, Bocchetti T, Costa G, Pascarella G, Balducci G. Blastocystis hominis and recurrent megacolon: a causative or fortuitous association? Am Surg 2012; 78:E198-E199. [PMID: 22472370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pier Federico Salvi
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, St. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Poirier
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubiere, France
- Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, JE 2526, Evolution des bactéries pathogènes et susceptibilité de l'hôte, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service Parasitologie Mycologie, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubiere, France
| | - Christian P. Vivarès
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubiere, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubiere, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome et Environnement, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, Aubiere, France
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Fouad SA, Basyoni MMA, Fahmy RA, Kobaisi MH. The pathogenic role of different Blastocystis hominis genotypes isolated from patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Arab J Gastroenterol 2011; 12:194-200. [PMID: 22305500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The pathogenic role of Blastocystis hominis is still regarded by some as controversial. Studies have been in progress for years to evaluate the role of blastocystosis in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and demonstrated that faecal carriage of B. hominis was frequent in these patients. This study attempted to distinguish different genotypes of B. hominis isolates obtained from patients with IBS and to evaluate their pathogenic potentials. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred subjects (51 patients with IBS and 49 asymptomatic infected subjects) harbouring B. hominis were investigated by a direct smear examination and in vitro culture of stool samples followed by genotyping of B. hominis by PCR using STS primers. Sigmoidoscopy was done in all subjects and biopsies were taken and subjected to histopathologic examination. RESULTS Genotyping proved that only four genotypes of B. hominis were identified. In patients with IBS, genotypes III, I, and IV were detected (28, 15 and 14 isolates, respectively). On the other hand, genotypes III, IV, and II were identified in asymptomatic infected individuals (21, 19 and 13 isolates, respectively). The degrees of chronic inflammatory changes in sigmoidoscopic biopsies caused by B. hominis genotypes among IBS patients revealed that severe inflammation was present mainly in patients harboring genotype I isolates (4/15) (26.66%), while genotype III caused severe inflammation only in 9.09%. Genotype II isolates were not detected in IBS cases. Asymptomatic infected individuals harboring genotypes II, III and IV exhibited mild to moderate inflammatory changes. Genotype I isolates were not detected in asymptomatic infected group. The correlation between different B. hominis genotypes and degree of inflammation was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION Genotype I was the most pathogenic genotype of B. hominis isolates in patients with IBS while genotype II was not detected among those patients. Also, our results suggest the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains among genotypes III and IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawky A Fouad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Surangsrirat S, Thamrongwittawatpong L, Piyaniran W, Naaglor T, Khoprasert C, Taamasri P, Mungthin M, Leelayoova S. Assessment of the association between Blastocystis infection and irritable bowel syndrome. J Med Assoc Thai 2010; 93 Suppl 6:S119-S124. [PMID: 21280524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between Blastocystis infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Thai patients, Phramongkutklao Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD A case-control study was conducted at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand during 2007-2008. A total of 126 subjects were enrolled into the study. Sixty-six persons were enrolled in the IBS group and 60 persons were enrolled in the control group. Intestinal parasitic infections were determined using wet preparation and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration. Short-term in vitro culture was performed to detect Blastocystis sp. Additionally, stool specimens were cultured for pathogenic bacteria. Patients' history and physical examination were also recorded. RESULTS Of 66 IBS patients, 61 (92.4%) had abdominal pain, 50 (78.1%) had diarrhea, and 14 (21.9%) had constipation. In vitro cultivation revealed that 10.0% and 16.7% were positive for Blastocystis sp. in the control and IBS group, respectively. There was no significant difference of the prevalence of Blastocystis infection between these 2 groups (p = 0.203). CONCLUSION Blastocystis infection was a common parasitic infection which was predominant in both IBS and control group. The presence of Blastocystis sp. in stool did not imply gastrointestinal symptoms in the IBS patients. Further study of subtype characterization of Blastocystis sp. in a larger sample size of the case-control study might reveal a possible relationship between Blastocystis sp. and IBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surapon Surangsrirat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
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Davis NA, Islamova ZI, Giiasov KZ, Badalova NS, Takhtokhodzhaeva GR, Latipov RR, Osipova SO. [Blastocystis hominis and nonpathogenic enteric protozoa in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and those with HIV infection]. Med Parazitol (Mosk) 2010:8-11. [PMID: 20873179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis and nonpathogenic enteric protozoa were diagnosed in 300 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis mainly of its infiltrative form and 500 with Stages II and III HIV infection; the patients received antituberculosis therapy (ATT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART), respectively. Control groups included 200 Tashkent dwellers and 350 patients with various noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Triple coproscopy was made. B. hominis was significantly more frequently detected in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and those with HIV infection than in healthy individuals: in 53.6 +/- 2.9, 42.2 +/- 2.2, and 18.0 +/- 2.5, respectively (P < 0.01). Only did the tuberculosis or HIV-infected patients show a high intensity of B. hominis infection, which was accompanied by recurring diarrhea and nausea. The high activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase was observed in 20% of the patients with tuberculosis + blastocytosis; that of alkaline phosphatase was seen in 25%. The tuberculosis or HIV-infected patients were more frequently found to have Chylomastix mesnili, Jodamoeba butschlii, and Endolimax nana. The specific features of intestinal colonization seem to reflect changes in local immunity; the drugs included into ATT and ART have no substantial effects on the viability of protozoa.
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Smirnova MO, Ruzhitskaia EA, Pampura AN, Prodeus TV. [Blastocystis hominis infection in a baby with food allergy]. Med Parazitol (Mosk) 2010:11-15. [PMID: 20873373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The paper describes a rare manifestation of Blastocystis hominis infection in a 3-month-old baby with food allergy that appeared as atopic dermatitis and coloproctitis induced by food proteins (cow's milk, hen's egg). The fact that food allergy may be one of the predisposing factors in the development of clinical manifestations of B. hominis infection is discussed. The assumption that the amoeboid form of blastocysts accompanies the clinical manifestation of the infection is confirmed.
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Dalia S, Colvin GA. Eosinophilia secondary to strongyloides in Rhode Island. Med Health R I 2010; 93:92-93. [PMID: 20415117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Dalia
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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Church DL, Sutherland LR, Gill MJ, Visser ND, Kelly JK. Absence of an Association Between Enteric Parasites in the Manifestations and Pathogenesis of HIV Enteropathy in Gay Men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 24:567-75. [PMID: 1361241 DOI: 10.3109/00365549209054642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
49 gay men confirmed to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 9 HIV seronegative gay men participated in a pilot study comparing clinical status and enteric parasite load with gastrointestinal structure, function and symptomatology. Cases included 16/49 (33%) men who were CDC stage II, 7/49 (14%) who were CDC stage III, and 26/49 (53%) who were CDC stage IV. The mean CD4-lymphocyte count was 476 +/- 199 (SD)/microliter. The prevalence of enteric parasitic flora was similar in HIV seropositive patients and controls. Seven cases had enteric infection with pathogenic agents including 3 patients with Entamoeba histolytica, and 4 patients with Giardia lamblia, one of whom also had cryptosporidiosis. Other cases were most frequently colonized with Blastocystis hominis (44%) and Endolimax nana (41%) regardless of the HIV clinical status. HIV seropositive patients with enteric parasitic colonization tended to have lower mean levels of serum IgA than cases without parasites. Duodenal morphometric mucosal changes demonstrated a significant decrease in the mean villous height (p < 0.01) with no elongation of the crypt depth in HIV-infected patients with and without diarrhea compared to controls. Despite gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and weight loss being more prevalent in HIV infected individuals than controls, no correlations were found between the presence of particular enteric parasites, gastrointestinal symptomatology, the clinical HIV status of the CD4-lymphocyte count, the malabsorption of D-xylose or morphometric changes in the duodenum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Church
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Doğruman Al F, Adişen E, Kuştimur S, Gürer MA. [The role of protozoan parasites in etiology of urticaria]. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2009; 33:136-139. [PMID: 19598090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate a possible link between parasites and chronic urticaria, the prevalence of intestinal protozoans in stool samples of individuals with chronic urticaria (n=55) and healthy controls (n=43) were evaluated with native lugol, formol-ethyl acetate concentration and trichrom dye, modified acid fast. In the case of Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) ELISA was also used. In the study 29.1% of the patients were found to have protozoan (Blastocystis hominis + G.intestinalis) infections. On the other hand, only 11.6% of the patients in healthy group were having a protozoon infection, all of which were B. hominis. There was no statistically significant difference between the patient group and control group regarding the frequency of B. hominis presence. Also, the number of G.intestinalis positive patients were also statistically different in patient group from those of healthy controls. In patients whom were positive for protozoan infections, agent specific therapy was used. In 7 of these patients symptoms of the disease were subsided with this therapy while six continued to have relapses. Three patients had missed the control visits therefore the course of the disease was not evaluated. As a conclusion, protozoans should be considered in the etiology of chronic urticaria and stool examination should be done in these patients routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funda Doğruman Al
- Gazi Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji, Ankara, Türkiye, Turkey.
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Karul A, Ertabaklar H, Karataş E, Ertuğ S. Serum leptin concentrations in patients with intestinal parasites. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2009; 33:207-211. [PMID: 19851965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is a protein hormone controlling food intake and energy expenditure. In all infections including parasitic infections there is loss of appetite and anorexia. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between intestinal parasites and serum leptin concentrations in children and adults. Forty patients with intestinal parasites and 34 healthy subjects took part in this study. Body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured for all patients and controls. Patients were grouped according to age and parasitic infections (Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli). Serum leptin concentrations were detected by immunoenzymometric assay using the Biosource Leptin EASIA kit. Statistical analysis was made by Mann-Whitney-U test using SPSS version 10.0. In children, the serum leptin levels were not statistically significant (patient: 1.49+/-1.97 ng/ml, control: 3.48+/-4.97; p=0.854) But for adults, although the BMI of patients were similar to that of the control group; the leptin levels of patients were low. These levels were not significant (patients: 9.06+/-10.34; controls: 4.7+/-9.02 ng/ml; p=0.271). There was no statistical difference for leptin levels in patient groups, children and adults due to intestinal parasitic infections. Further investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslihan Karul
- Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Aydin, Turkey
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Katsarou-Katsari A, Vassalos CM, Tzanetou K, Spanakos G, Papadopoulou C, Vakalis N. Acute urticaria associated with amoeboid forms of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3. Acta Derm Venereol 2008; 88:80-1. [PMID: 18176765 DOI: 10.2340/00015555-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Karaman U, Atambay M, Daldal N, Colak C. [The prevalence of Microsporidium among patients given a diagnosis of cancer]. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2008; 32:109-112. [PMID: 18645938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Microsporidium among patients given a diagnosis of cancer. For this purpose fecal samples from 320 patients aged 23.60+/-23.00 years were examined using native-Lugol and sedimentation methods and evaluated with modified trichrome, trichrome, and calcofluor dyes. Moreover a control group of 320 non-cancer patients was set up. While 10.9% of the patient group was found to have Microsporidium, only 5.6% of the control group did. Comparison between the control and patient groups in terms of presence of Microsporidium revealed a statistically significant difference. The analysis of a possible relation between intestinal parasites and the presence of Microsporidium revealed a statistically significant correlation between Microsporidium and Blastocystis hominis (P < 0.05). The frequencies of intestinal parasites in the control group and the patient group were found to be 17.8% and 18.1%, respectively. From the findings it was concluded that presence of intestinal parasites and Microsporidium in cancer patients can cause critical problems and adversely affect the therapy. Moreover it was suggested that cancer patients should be informed about regular feces examination and protection against parasites in order to improve their life standards and protect them against parasite infections during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulkü Karaman
- Inönü Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Parazitoloji Anabilim Dali, Malatya, Turkey.
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Deniz K, Sökmensüer LK, Sökmensüer C, Patiroğlu TE. Significance of intraepithelial lymphocytes in appendix. Pathol Res Pract 2007; 203:731-5. [PMID: 17766055 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Revised: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 07/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the mucosa of the appendix. One hundred and four retrospective appendectomy specimens were examined to evaluate the IELs. Intraepithelial lymphocytosis was identified in 11.5% (12 cases) of the specimens. Of these 12 cases, 6 cases with intraepithelial lymphocytosis were associated with parasitic infection. No increase in IELs was found in the 36 appendices that were removed in other primary operations. A wide range of immunologic stimuli can raise IELs in the gastrointestinal system. However, in appendectomies with clinical signs of acute appendicitis, an increase in IELs is more likely to be related to parasitic infection. This increase should be considered for the diagnosis of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Deniz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
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Hirata T, Nakamura H, Kinjo N, Hokama A, Kinjo F, Yamane N, Fujita J. Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Okinawa, Japan. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1717-9. [PMID: 17717704 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to clarify the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Ryukyu University Hospital, Okinawa, Japan, between January 2004 and November 2006. Stool samples collected from 3,292 patients were examined by the direct smear method, formalin-ether sedimentation method, and agar plate culture method. The prevalence rate of B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection was 1.0 and 3.4%, respectively. The prevalence rate of B. hominis infection in patients aged >80 years old was significantly higher than that in patients <80 years old (P < 0.001). The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in patients with B. hominis infection compared with those without (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated a prevalence rate for B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection and an association between B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection in Okinawa, Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Hirata
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan.
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31
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Micheloud D, Jensen J, Fernandez-Cruz E, Carbone J. [Chronic angioedema and blastocystis hominis infection]. Rev Gastroenterol Peru 2007; 27:191-3. [PMID: 17712397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of urticaria associated with Blastocystic Hominis infection has been described in very few studies. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of chronic angioedema associated with Blastocystic hominis have been published. The clinical and immunological data of a patient with said association is presented. In the last 5 years, a 21 year old woman suffered episodic spells of angioedema which affected her lips, face and upper limbs accompanied by recurring urticaria. The patient continually used antihistamines and corticoids. Laboratory and immunological tests were normal. Blastocystic hominis in faeces was identified on three occasions. The angioedema and urticaria, as well as the intestinal infection, were successfully treated with paramomycin sulphate. The angiodema and urticaria continue in remission after 24 months of followup care. This case helps to encourage studies to establish an association between the infection by Blastocystis hominis and the presence of chronic angioedema which does not respond to standard treatment, as this condition can seriously affect the quality of life of sufferers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariela Micheloud
- Unidad de Inmunología Clínica, Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain
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Weitzel T. 2 children with acute abdominal pain and diarrhea. J Pediatr Surg 2007; 42:440; author reply 440-1. [PMID: 17270567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2006.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ozçakir O, Güreser S, Ergüven S, Yilmaz YA, Topaloğlu R, Hasçelik G. Characteristics of Blastocystis hominis infection in a Turkish university hospital. Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2007; 31:277-282. [PMID: 18224616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In order to determine characteristics of Blastocystis (B.) hominis infection; 770 individuals' stool specimens were examined both by simple and concentration techniques and stained with iodine solution and trichrome in the Parasitology Laboratory of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. Among the examined 770 specimens, B. hominis was detected in 94 (12.2%). B. hominis was the most common intestinal parasite among the study group. It was mostly detected with Dientamoeba fragilis. Among the groups the incidence of B. hominis in allergic patients was higher than controls. Among the immunosuppressed patients, B. hominis was detected significantly higher in patients who had solid tumours. Of the 48 individuals who had only B. hominis in their stool the most common symptom was abdominal pain. Concentration technique with trichrome stain was more sensitive than simple smear with lugol solution for the detection of B. hominis. Studies with more patients must be planed to understand the B. hominis infection in solid tumour patients and coexistence of B. hominis and D. fragilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olcay Ozçakir
- Hacettepe Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Ankara, Turkey.
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Stark D, van Hal S, Marriott D, Ellis J, Harkness J. Irritable bowel syndrome: a review on the role of intestinal protozoa and the importance of their detection and diagnosis. Int J Parasitol 2006; 37:11-20. [PMID: 17070814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2006] [Revised: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 09/19/2006] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a defect or a change in bowel habits. Gut inflammation is one of the proposed mechanisms of pathogenesis. Recent studies have described a possible role for protozoan parasites, such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis, in the etiology of IBS. Dientamoeba fragilis is known to cause IBS-like symptoms and has a propensity to cause chronic infections but its diagnosis relies on microscopy of stained smears, which many laboratories do not perform, thereby leading to the misdiagnosis of dientamoebiasis as IBS. The role of B. hominis as an etiological agent of IBS is inconclusive, due to contradictory reports and the controversial nature of B. hominis as a human pathogen. Although Entamoeba histolytica infections occur predominately in developing regions of the world, clinical diagnosis of amebiasis is often difficult because symptoms of patients with IBS may closely mimic those patients with non-dysenteric amoebic colitis. Clinical manifestations of Giardia intestinalis infection also vary from asymptomatic carriage to acute and chronic diarrhoea with abdominal pain. These IBS-like symptoms can be continuous, intermittent, sporadic or recurrent, sometimes lasting years without correct diagnosis. It is essential that all patients with IBS undergo routine parasitological investigations in order to rule out the presence of protozoan parasites as the causative agents of the clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Stark
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Victoria St., Darlinghurst, NSW2010, Sydney, Australia.
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Abstract
Two children aged 12 and 11 years with a similar history of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever with abdominal tenderness, and muscle guarding at the right lower quadrant for few days were admitted to our hospital. They subsequently developed diarrhea but without clinical relief. Just before the decision of laparotomy, both patients were diagnosed as having Blastocystis hominis infection with light microscopic examination of the stools and were treated uneventfully with the appropriate antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesibe Andiran
- Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University Hospital, 06540 Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
A 24-year-old woman had a 9-week history of second to third daily urticaria that began after an episode of contact urticaria to topical bufexamac. She was found to have an underlying gastrointestinal infection with Blastocystis hominis. This was thought to be clinically relevant as she had a history of mild chronic diarrhoea. After treatment of the Blastocystis hominis, her urticaria ceased. This could indicate the importance of performing stool microscopy and culture on all patients with chronic urticaria of unknown aetiology. The relationship of urticaria to intestinal parasites and the possibility that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications could act as cofactors that help precipitate an urticarial reaction is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Gupta
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Cassano N, Scoppio BM, Loviglio MC, Vena GA. Remission of delayed pressure urticaria after eradication of Blastocystis hominis. Acta Derm Venereol 2005; 85:357-8. [PMID: 16191864 DOI: 10.1080/00015550510026695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Abstract Background and Aim: Previous reports regarding the clinical significance and pathogenicity of Blastocystis hominis have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Blastocystis and gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompetent individuals. METHODS We monitored over 2800 healthy people for a period of 15 months, and took stool specimens during both asymptomatic periods and during periods of gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS After exclusion of individuals who had simultaneous identification of other fecal pathogens, we compared the proportions of asymptomatic versus symptomatic individuals positive for Blastocystis and found no significant difference (P = 0.5). Symptom status did not correlate with parasite abundance. We found that some individuals were likely to have Blastocystis detected during both asymptomatic and symptomatic periods, possibly suggesting carriage of the organism. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we found no correlation between clinical symptoms and the presence or absence of Blastocystis among this healthy cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Leder
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Luca M, Ivan A, Goţia S, Caşotă RE, Danciu V. [Epidemiologic and laboratory assessments of etiologic implications of Blastocystis hominis in gastrointestinal diseases]. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi 2005; 109:140-3. [PMID: 16607843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Authors present the first laboratory and epidemiological results which reveal the circulation in a population of protozoan Blastocystis hominis and its implication in the determinations of some gastrointestinal troubles, with fever, diarrhea and constipation, intense intestinal meteorism, associated with abdominal pain and cramps. Out of the 3106 investigated patients, 9.7% presented B. hominis as a unique etiologic agent, with an increased prevalence in adults (74.3%) and women (65.3%). Blastocystis infection with clinical manifestations or its asymptomatic form is included among emergent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Luca
- Universitatea de Medicina şi Farmacie Gr T Popa Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină, Disciplina de Parazitologie
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Brahm NC, Buswell AL, Brahm RE, Brown RC. Protozoal Infections in the Developmentally Disabled: Often Overlooked Cause of Rectal Digging and Fecal Smearing. Ann Pharmacother 2004; 38:1542. [PMID: 15226486 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1d591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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43
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Nassir E, Awad J, Abel AB, Khoury J, Shay M, Lejbkowicz F. Blastocystis hominis as a cause of hypoalbuminemia and anasarca. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2004; 23:399-402. [PMID: 15112065 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-004-1122-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2004] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan Blastocystis hominis has been considered nonpathogenic, but this classification has come under scrutiny in light of reports in the medical literature indicating it could be the cause of intestinal disorders and, in one case, hypoalbuminemia. Reported here is a severe case of infection with B. hominis that caused acute gastroenteritis with prolonged diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia and anasarca. The diagnosis was based on the parasitological finding, since no other pathological evidence was found. The patient responded favorably to treatment with metronidazole for 10 days. This case supports the idea that B. hominis should be considered as a cause of opportunistic infection in debilitated patients despite the controversy surrounding its pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nassir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel
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Biedermann T, Hartmann K, Sing A, Przybilla B. Hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic urticaria cured by treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection. Br J Dermatol 2002; 146:1113-4. [PMID: 12072100 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.473212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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46
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Scrimgeour D. Chronic intermittent diarrhoea and fatigue. Aust Fam Physician 2001; 30:897. [PMID: 11676320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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47
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Taşova Y, Sahin B, Koltaş S, Paydaş S. Clinical significance and frequency of Blastocystis hominis in Turkish patients with hematological malignancy. Acta Med Okayama 2000; 54:133-6. [PMID: 10925738 DOI: 10.18926/amo/32298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The effect of Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised subjects has been the subject of debate in recent years, mostly in response to its unknown pathogenicity and frequency of occurrence. We performed a non-randomised, open labelled, single institute study in our hospital in order to investigate the clinical significance and frequency of B. hominis in patients suffering from hematological malignancy (HM) who displayed symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases during the period of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The presence and potential role of other intestinal inclusive of parasites were also studied. At least 3 stool samples from each of 206 HM patients with gastrointestinal complaints (the HM group) were studied. These were compared with stool samples from a control group of 200 patients without HM who were also suffering from gastrointestinal complaints. Samples were studied with saline-lugol, formalin-ether, and trichome staining methods. Groups were comparable in terms of gender, age and type of gastrointestinal complaints. In the HM group, the most common parasite was B. hominis. In this group, 23 patients (13%) had B. hominis, while in the control group only 2 patients (1%) had B. hominis. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Symptoms were non-specific for B. hominis or other parasites in the HM group. The predominant symptoms in both groups were abdominal pain (87-89.5%), diarrhea (70-89.5%), and flatulence (74-68.4%). Although all patients with HM were symptom-free at the end of treatment with oral metranidazol (1,500 mg per day for 10 days) 2 patients with HM had positive stool samples containing an insignificant number of parasites (< 5 cells per field). In conclusion, it appears that B. hominis is not rare and should be considered in patients with HM who have gastrointestinal complaints while being treated with chemotherapy. Furthermore, metranidazol appears to be effective in treating B. hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Taşova
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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48
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Abstract
We detected heavy infections of Blastocystis hominis in four individuals with intestinal obstruction due to cancerous growths. After surgery, the infections spontaneously resolved, without specific chemotherapy. It appears that the B. hominis infection was coincidental and not related to the neoplastic growth. We suggest that intestinal obstruction and concomitant stool retention, plus hemorrhage from cancerous lesions, may have permitted the more abundant growth of B. hominis. This is the first report of a possible relationship between intestinal obstruction and a concomitant B. hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Horiki
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Lanuza MD, Carbajal JA, Villar J, Mir A, Borrás R. Soluble-protein and antigenic heterogeneity in axenic Blastocystis hominis isolates: pathogenic implications. Parasitol Res 1999; 85:93-7. [PMID: 9934956 DOI: 10.1007/s004360050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The protein profile and the antigenic cross-reactivity of 18 axenic isolates of Blastocystis hominis obtained from symptomatic patients with chronic diarrhea (14 isolates) showing no evidence of parasitic etiology and from patients with acute diarrhea attributable in 2 cases to Salmonella spp. were analyzed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of soluble proteins showed the existence of a common profile composed of 31 bands, with molecular weights ranging between 24 and >200 kDa, and minor differences in the proteins of 149, 118, 106, 50, 48, 47, and 30 kDa. These differences allowed us to classify the strains into three related patterns (I-III). In an indirect immunofluorescence assay, all strains were serologically identical, but two related antigenic groups (1 and 2) were found in double-immunodiffusion and Western-blot studies. The isolates of protein patterns I and II belonging to antigenic group 1 were isolated from patients with chronic diarrhea, whereas the four isolates from patients with acute diarrhea were clustered in protein pattern III and in antigenic group 2. These results confirm the protein and antigenic heterogeneity of B. hominis and the existence of demes with different pathogenic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Lanuza
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Valencia, Spain
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50
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Hussain R, Jaferi W, Zuberi S, Baqai R, Abrar N, Ahmed A, Zaman V. Significantly increased IgG2 subclass antibody levels to Blastocystis hominis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1997; 56:301-6. [PMID: 9129532 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1997.56.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal parasite of humans in the tropics whose pathogenic role is in dispute. Its presence has been reported in a variety of intestinal disorders resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea, anorexia, and flatulence. We have therefore investigated a possible link between IBS and blastocystosis by determining IgG antibody levels to B. hominis in patients with IBS. Levels of IgG antibodies were significantly elevated in patients with IBS compared with asymptomatic controls (P < 0.0001, by Student's t-test) in both B. hominis stool culture-positive and stool culture-negative IBS patients. When IgG antibodies were divided into their respective subclasses, only IgG2 levels were significantly increased in IBS patients compared with asymptomatic controls, indicating that the predominant response in these patients may be directed to carbohydrate antigens. The diagnostic usefulness of this test in IBS patients remains to be established because these data are only suggestive of a possible link between B. hominis and IBS. However, we hope that this antibody test will help in elucidating the controversy that surrounds the role of B. hominis as a pathogen at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hussain
- Department of Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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