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BMC Microbiology Dec 2021Blastocystis is a typical anaerobic colon protist in humans with controversial pathogenicity and has relation with alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition...
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis is a typical anaerobic colon protist in humans with controversial pathogenicity and has relation with alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition (dysbiosis), whose eventual indicator is the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio); this indicator is also linked to complications such as diabetes, obesity, or inflammatory bowel disease. The present study investigated the prevalence of Blastocystis and its association with Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in healthy and metabolic diseased subjects.
METHODS
Fecal and blood samples were collected consecutively from 200 healthy subjects and 84 subjects with metabolic disease; Blastocystis and its most frequent subtypes were identified by end-point PCR and the two most representative phyla of the intestinal microbiota Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes by real-time PCR.
RESULTS
The prevalence of Blastocystis in healthy subjects was 47.0, and 65.48% in subjects with metabolic disease; the most prevalent subtype in the total population was ST3 (28.38%), followed by ST1 (14.86%), ST4, ST5, and ST7 (each one of them with 14.19% respectively), and finally ST2 (8.78%). The low F/B ratio was associated with the prevalence of Blastocystis in the two cohorts FACSA (OR = 3.78 p < 0.05) and UNEME (OR = 4.29 p < 0.05). Regarding the subtype level, an association between the FACSA cohort ST1 and ST7 with low Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was found (OR = 3.99 and 5.44 p < 0.05, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The evident predatory role of Blastocystis over Firmicutes phylum was observed in both cohorts since the abundance of bacterial group's Bacteroidetes increases in the groups colonized by this eukaryote and, therefore, may have a beneficial effect.
Topics: Bacteroidetes; Blastocystis; Cohort Studies; Feces; Female; Firmicutes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 34895145
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02402-z -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2017AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of spp. and its subtypes (STs) in North Cyprus; and to evaluate the presence of this parasite and its STs...
AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of spp. and its subtypes (STs) in North Cyprus; and to evaluate the presence of this parasite and its STs with respect to demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples were collected from 230 volunteers. Each participant also filled out a questionnaire. The samples were examined microscopically by native-Lugol and trichrome methods and further tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Prevalence of spp. infection was found to be 10.5%, 10.5%, and 27.8%, by direct microscopy, trichrome method, and PCR, respectively. No other parasites were detected in the specimens except spp. ( = 2; 0.8%) and ( = 1; 0.4%). The most common STs were ST3 (20; 31.2%), ST2 (18; 28.2%), ST1 (8; 12.5%), and ST4 (7; 11%); whereas other STs were identified as ST6 (3; 4.7%), ST7 (2; 3.2%), and non-ST (6; 9.4%). Presence of spp. and its STs was not significantly related to any of the demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors. Furthermore, no significant association of spp. and its STs with gastrointestinal symptoms was found. This study is the first investigation of the epidemiology of spp. in North Cyprus. Distribution of spp. and its STs among demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors showed complete homogeneity. Presence of the parasite and its STs was not significantly related with the gastrointestinal symptoms among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. These findings suggest that spp. may be part of the intestinal flora in humans.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Child; Cyprus; DNA, Protozoan; Feces; Female; Genetic Variation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Serotyping
PubMed: 28167596
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0706 -
Veterinary Sciences Sep 2021Some enteric parasites causing zoonotic diseases in livestock have been poorly studied or even neglected. This is the case in stramenopile sp. and the microsporidia in...
Some enteric parasites causing zoonotic diseases in livestock have been poorly studied or even neglected. This is the case in stramenopile sp. and the microsporidia in Spain. This transversal molecular epidemiological survey aims to estimate the prevalence and molecular diversity of sp. and in cattle faecal samples ( = 336) in the province of Álava, Northern Spain. Initial detection of and was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of the small subunit () rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, respectively. Intra-host subtype diversity was further investigated by next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) of the rRNA gene in those samples that tested positive by conventional PCR. Amplicons compatible with sp. and were observed in 32.1% (108/336, 95% CI: 27.2-37.4%) and 0.6% (2/336, 95% CI: 0.0-1.4%) of the cattle faecal samples examined, respectively. Sanger sequencing produced ambiguous/unreadable sequence data for most of the isolates sequenced. NGS allowed the identification of 10 subtypes including ST1, ST3, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23, ST24, ST25, and ST26. All -positive isolates involved mixed infections of 2-8 STs in a total of 31 different combinations. The two sequences were confirmed as potentially zoonotic genotype BEB4. Our data demonstrate that mixed subtype infections are extremely frequent in cattle in the study area. NGS was particularly suited to discern underrepresented subtypes or mixed subtype infections that were undetectable or unreadable by Sanger sequencing. The presence of zoonotic ST1, ST3, and ST5, and BEB4 suggest cross-species transmission and a potential risk of human infection/colonization.
PubMed: 34564585
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090191 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Nov 2021Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this...
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women.
METHODS
The study included 425 women aged 45-60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR).
RESULTS
Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
CONCLUSION
This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Feces; Female; Genetic Variation; Humans; Perimenopause; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34724915
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06815-z -
Revista Chilena de Infectologia :... Jun 2016Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterised by multi-factorial aetiology. In IBS physiopathology are involved... (Review)
Review
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterised by multi-factorial aetiology. In IBS physiopathology are involved diverse factors between them biological, psychosocial, and environmental components which affect the immune activation status of gut mucosa. Among these factors is recognized the intestinal parasitosis. Post-infection IBS (PI-IBS) is recognised as a subgroup of functional disorders whose symptoms onset appear after a symptomatic intestinal infection caused by microbial agents. There are few studies regarding of relationship between IBS and intestinal parasitosis in Chile. However, is has been well described a positive association between IBS and Blastocystis hominis infections, one of prevalent parasites in Chile. In other countries, is also described a relationship between IBS and amebiasis and giardiasis. Both, characterized by a common mode of transmission through water as well as contaminated food. Because the high prevalence of parasitosis in our country it is necessary to expand the association studies to clarify the strength of the parasites ethiology in IBS.
Topics: Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Chile; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoebiasis; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Intestinal Mucosa; Irritable Bowel Syndrome
PubMed: 27598274
DOI: 10.4067/S0716-10182016000300003 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Mar 2023is an intestinal protist commonly identified in human and animal feces. At present, there are 28 proposed subtypes (STs) identified based on the small subunit rRNA...
UNLABELLED
is an intestinal protist commonly identified in human and animal feces. At present, there are 28 proposed subtypes (STs) identified based on the small subunit rRNA gene, 13 of which are found in both humans and animals. In general, nonmammalian and avian groups are infected by the nonmammalian and avian subtypes (NMASTs). However, NMASTs were also isolated from mammalian hosts, suggesting possible cross-contamination and transmission from nonmammalian and avian hosts to other animals and, potentially, humans. Thus, this study determined the possible relationship between NMAST sequences and conventional STs to provide new insights into classification, identification, and epidemiological significance. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using three statistical models, namely, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor Joining, and Maximum Parsimony, based on the 30 NMAST sequences. The NMAST sequences formed groups clustered closely with other NMAST subtrees. Most sequences of nonmammalian and avian isolates formed distinct monophyletic clades based on their NMAST classification, with some clustering with mammalian and avian STs. These results indicate the close relationship between isolated from mammalian and avian hosts and nonmammalian and avian hosts.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7).
PubMed: 36910318
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01554-7 -
Biology Sep 2021spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of... (Review)
Review
spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.
PubMed: 34681089
DOI: 10.3390/biology10100990 -
Microorganisms Aug 2023Poultry and poultry meat are considered the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. However, data about the occurrence of and...
Poultry and poultry meat are considered the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. However, data about the occurrence of and concomitantly with intestinal protozoa such as sp. in poultry remain very scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence and possible interactions between these three microorganisms in fecal samples from 214 chickens collected either on farms or from live bird markets in Egypt. The results obtained showed that spp., spp., and sp. were present in 91.6% (196/214), 44.4% (95/214), and 18.2% (39/214) of tested samples, respectively, highlighting an active circulation of these microorganisms. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was reported between the occurrence of spp. and sp. together with a significant negative correlation between sp. and spp. This study confirms the association reported previously between sp. and spp. while disclosing an association between sp. and spp.; it also highlights the need to improve studies on the interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes in the gut microbiota of poultry.
PubMed: 37630543
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081983 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021
PubMed: 34408732
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.701879 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2022Blastocystis ST4 is a common protistan parasite of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals. While it has been suggested that colonization with...
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis ST4 is a common protistan parasite of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals. While it has been suggested that colonization with ST4 is associated with healthy gut microbiota, how ST4 influences the gut microbiota remains poorly studied. This study aimed to examine the interactions between ST4 and several intestinal bacteria using in vitro co-culture systems, and to further investigate the mechanism of interaction and its effect on the epithelial barrier integrity of HT-29 cells.
METHODS
Seven intestinal bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus brevis were co-cultured with Blastocystis ST4 in vitro. Flow cytometry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacteria oxidoreductase genes, respectively, in response to Blastocystis co-incubation. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and flux assays were performed to assess the effect of microbiota representatives on the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier.
RESULTS
Co-incubation with Blastocystis ST4 showed a beneficial influence on most intestinal bacteria, while ST4 significantly inhibited the growth of B. vulgatus, a common pathogen in the genus Bacteroides. The decrease in B. vulgatus when co-incubated with Blastocystis ST4 was associated with high levels of ROS and the upregulation of oxidative stress-related genes. Furthermore, co-incubation with Blastocystis ST4 was able to protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from damage by B. vulgatus.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated, for the first time, that Blastocystis ST4 has beneficial effects on intestinal commensal bacteria in vitro, and can inhibit the growth of pathogenic B. vulgatus. Combined with previous microbiome research on ST4, our data suggest that ST4 may be a beneficial commensal.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Feces; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota
PubMed: 35260166
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05194-x