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Food and Waterborne Parasitology Mar 2024and are foodborne parasites known for causing diarrhea. They accumulate in mussels grown on contaminated water bodies, due to the discharge of treated sewage from...
and are foodborne parasites known for causing diarrhea. They accumulate in mussels grown on contaminated water bodies, due to the discharge of treated sewage from sewage treatment plants (STP). Despite this, some countries like Chile do not include these parasites in the control or monitoring of sewage water. The objective of this research was to evaluate the contamination of . and from treated sewage (disinfected by chlorination) and Cholga mussels in a touristic rural cove from the bay of Concepción. Cholga mussels from commercial stores and a treated sewage sample were analyzed. spp. was identified by Ziehl-Neelsen-Staining (ZNS) and by direct-immunofluorescence assay (IFA) from ZNS-positive samples. was identified by PCR using locus SSU rDNA. and subtype ST3 were found in 40% and 45% of Cholga mussel samples, respectively, and both parasites were identified in the treated sewage. SSU rDNA gene alignment from Cholga mussels and treated sewage showed 89% of similarity, indicating that could be the same parasite in both samples. We describe the first evidence of possible contamination with these parasites from treated sewage to Cholga mussel suggesting an environmental contamination with high human risk. Based on these results, further studies will consider all the rural coves and STP from the bay to prevent possible contamination of these parasites.
PubMed: 38188968
DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00214 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Mar 2022This study aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children who were presented to health centers with a complaint of diarrhea and to reveal the...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children who were presented to health centers with a complaint of diarrhea and to reveal the importance of these parasites.
METHODS
The study was conducted on children within the age range of 1-16 who were presented to Iğdır State Hospital and Private Bulut Hospital between 2020 February-April 2020 with a complaint of diarrhea. A total of 300 children comprising 141 girls and 159 boys were enrolled in the study. The control group was composed of 100 children (girls=50, boys=50) without any chronic disease and diarrhea. Stool samples were evaluated by the native-Lugol method and the modified acid-fast staining method.
RESULTS
Intestinal parasite positivity was found in 105 (35%) out of the 300 children in the patient group and in 17 (17%) out of the 100 children in the control group. In terms of parasitic positivity, a statistically significant difference was found between children with diarrhea and the healthy control group (p=0.001). (13%), spp. (3%), and (2%) were found in the patient group. Intestinal parasitic positivity was found in 30.2% and 40.4% of the boys and girls in the patient group, respectively, whereas it was found in 14% and 20% of the boys and girls in the control group, respectively. When evaluated statistically according to gender, a significant difference (comparison for boys: p=0.008; comparison for girls: p=0.004) was noted between the patient group and control group for each gender. In terms of the relationship between the frequency of parasites and some living conditions of the patients, a statistically significant relationship was found in the comparison of "whether or not livestock" (p=0.004) and "whether there is a sewerage network" (p=0.002). Additionally, a significant difference was found between parasitic positivity and abdominal pain (p=0.008) and nausea (p=0.003).
CONCLUSION
The present study concludes that children with clinical symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, should be evaluated for intestinal parasites. Furthermore, it has been understood that intestinal parasites remain an important health problem among the pediatric cohort.
Topics: Animals; Child; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Diarrhea; Feces; Female; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Parasites; Prevalence
PubMed: 35232704
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2021.65375 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health 2018Blastocystis hominis is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans and many other hosts. Pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial and it has been...
Blastocystis hominis is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans and many other hosts. Pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial and it has been suggested that it may be associated with certain subtypes of organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of B. hominis and its subtype distribution in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. During 2012-2014, a total of 481 samples were collected from patients referred to the medical laboratory centers in Ahvaz for stool examination. Samples were examined by wet mount, and genomic DNA was extracted from 50 positive samples. PCR was performed using seven primer pairs targeting the SSU rDNA gene and sequenced. 69 (14.35%) samples were found to be positive for B. hominis and the subtypes of 50 samples were identified. Five subtypes (STs) were identified, including: ST1 (22%), ST2 (6%), ST3 (40%), ST4 (2%), and ST5 (8%). 11 (22%) mixed infections were found, of which 5 were a mixture of ST3/ST4. Mixtures of ST1/ST3 and ST1/ST4 were 3, respectively. In this study people infected with ST3 showed the most gastrointestinal symptoms. This is the first study in the population of Ahvaz and indicates the high prevalence of ST3 in this area. The results suggest a possible association between this subtype and pathogenic potential of parasite.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Child; Cluster Analysis; DNA, Protozoan; DNA, Ribosomal; Female; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Genotyping Techniques; Humans; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Epidemiology; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Young Adult
PubMed: 28404232
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.03.009 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2021Infections by the protist enteroparasites , spp., and, to a much lesser extent, sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular...
Infections by the protist enteroparasites , spp., and, to a much lesser extent, sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the frequency and molecular diversity of these pathogens in faecal samples from asymptomatic schoolchildren ( = 807) and symptomatic children seeking medical attention ( = 286) in Zambézia province, Mozambique. Detection and molecular characterisation of pathogens was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods coupled with Sanger sequencing. was the most prevalent enteric parasite found [41.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.8‒44.7%], followed by sp. (14.1%, 95% CI: 12.1‒16.3%), and spp. (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.9‒2.5%). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (7.0%, 3/43) and B (88.4%, 38/43) within -positive children. Four species were detected, including (30.8%; 4/13), (30.8%, 4/13), (30.8%, 4/13), and (7.6%, 1/13). Four subtypes were also identified including ST1 (22.7%; 35/154), ST2 (22.7%; 35/154), ST3 (45.5%; 70/154), and ST4 (9.1%; 14/154). Most of the genotyped samples were from asymptomatic children. This is the first report of and ST4 in Mozambique. Molecular data indicate that anthropic and zoonotic transmission (the latter at an unknown rate) are important spread pathways of diarrhoea-causing pathogens in Mozambique.
PubMed: 33668348
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030255 -
The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology... Jan 2019Several studies have shown that a change in microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, with the emergence...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Several studies have shown that a change in microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, with the emergence in recent studies of differences according to the subtype of IBD and whether the disease is active or in remission, there has started to be research into the relationship between IBD and several microorganisms. Blastocystis hominis is primary among these organisms. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of B. hominis in the acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis (UC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 114 patients with UC were included in the study, with 52 in the active phase. The Mayo scoring system was used for the activity index. Patients determined with a flare-up agent other than B. hominis were excluded from the study. Fecal samples of the patients were examined by the polymerase chain reaction method for the presence of B. hominis.
RESULTS
B. hominis positivity was determined in 37 (34%) patients with UC. Of the patients, 17 (32.6%) were in the acute flare-up phase, and 20 (32.2%) were in remission (p=0.961). In 11 (64.7%) of the B. hominis positive patients, the disease severity was determined as mild-moderate (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study showed that while there was no difference between the active and remission phases in respect of B. hominis presence, there was milder involvement in those determined with B. hominis.
Topics: Adult; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Feces; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Symptom Flare Up
PubMed: 30644363
DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2018.18498 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022spp., , , , , and are enteric protozoan parasites and fungal species in humans and animals. Père David's deer is an endangered species in China, but the prevalence of...
spp., , , , , and are enteric protozoan parasites and fungal species in humans and animals. Père David's deer is an endangered species in China, but the prevalence of enteric protozoans in this species still needs to be further studied. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of zoonotic parasites in Père David's deer during the period of 2018-2021. Among the 286 fecal samples collected from Père David's deer in the Nanhaizi Nature Reserve, 83 (29.0%) were positive for , 70 (24.5%) were positive for , while other protozoan parasites were negative. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, three subtypes (ST10, ST14, and ST21) and ten genotypes (Genotype D, MWC_d1, HLJD-V, Peru6, BEB6, BJED-I to BJED-I V) were identified. In addition, the subtype ST14 and the genotype D and Peru6 were first detected in Père David's deer. Our study first reports the presence of two enteric protozoans in Père David's deer during a 4-year active surveillance and provides more information about zoonotic subtypes/genotypes of and in deer.
PubMed: 36364973
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111223 -
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny 2017Blastocystis hominis s. l. is one of the most commonly detected protozoa in the human large intestine. The aim of the study was to determine the genetic subtypes of...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Blastocystis hominis s. l. is one of the most commonly detected protozoa in the human large intestine. The aim of the study was to determine the genetic subtypes of Blastocystis hominis s. l. occurring in humans in Poland.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Stool samples from patients diagnosed in the Laboratory of the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH) and in the Parasitology Laboratory of the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw were examined. Blastocystis subtypes were assayed based on the fragment of small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences (SSU rDNA).
RESULTS
The examined isolates were classified into five Blastocystis subtypes (STs), fifteen of which belonged to ST3, three to ST1, two to ST2, two to ST6, and one isolate belonged to ST7. In three cases the subtype of isolate was not identified.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
In Poland, the subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST6 and ST7 have been reported in humans so far. The ST6 and ST7 subtypes are rarely detected in humans in Europe. In Poland, the ST6 subtype was previously described in chickens. On the basis of the studies, it was found that Blastocystis isolated from humans in Warsaw show high genetic diversity. In order to determine the possible pathogenic potential of individual Blastocystis subtypes, special epidemiological studies are required.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; DNA, Protozoan; Diarrhea; Feces; Genetic Variation; Humans; Male; Poland
PubMed: 29415532
DOI: No ID Found -
Epidemiology and Health 2019Blastocystis hominis is a very common large intestinal protozoan with global prevalence in humans and non-human hosts. No precise statistics exist regarding the...
OBJECTIVES
Blastocystis hominis is a very common large intestinal protozoan with global prevalence in humans and non-human hosts. No precise statistics exist regarding the geographical distribution of Blastocystis that would enable the identification of high-risk communities. Therefore, the current research aimed to characterize the spatial patterns and demographic factors associated with B. hominis occurrence in northern Iran.
METHODS
The current study was performed among 4,788 individuals referred to health centers in Mazandaran Province, from whom stool samples were obtained. Socio-demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. Samples were examined by a direct wet mount, the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and trichrome staining. Moran local indicators of spatial association and a geographically weighted regression model were utilized to analyze the results.
RESULTS
Generally, the infection rate of Blastocystis parasites was 5.2%, and was considerably higher in the age group of 10-14 years (10.6%) than in other age groups (p=0.005). Our data showed important associations between the occurrence of B. hominis and age, residence, job, contact with domestic animals, anti-parasitic drug consumption, and elevation above sea level (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The current study characterized for the first time the infection rate and risk of B. hominis in the north of Iran, and produced a prediction map. It is expected that this map will help policymakers to plan and implement preventive measures in high-risk areas and to manage already-infected patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Infant; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Spatial Analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 30999737
DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2019009 -
BMC Veterinary Research Oct 2021Captive wild animals in zoos infected with Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. can be sources of zoonotic infections...
Occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in zoos in Henan, China.
BACKGROUND
Captive wild animals in zoos infected with Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. can be sources of zoonotic infections and diseases. Therefore, to investigate the distribution of these pathogens in captive wild animals of zoos in Henan, China, a total of 429 fresh fecal samples were collected from six zoos in Henan, China. The infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were determined by PCR analysis of corresponding loci. Positive results for Cryptosporidium (C. parvum and C. hominis) were subtyped based on the (gp60) gene.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence was 43.1% (185/429), and the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were 2.8% (12/429), 0.5% (2/429), 20.8% (89/429), and 19.1% (82/429), respectively. Five Cryptosporidium species, namely, C. hominis, C. parvum, C. muris, C. andersoni, and C. macropodum, were identified in this study. Cryptosporidium parvum was further subtyped as IIdA19G1. Two Giardia duodenalis assemblages (A and E) were also identified. A total of 20 Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes were detected, including 18 known (BEB6, D, HND-1, CD7, SDD1, Henan-IV, KIN-1, CHK1, Peru8, Henan-V, CHG11, CHG-1, CHS9, CHG21, Type-IV, CHC9, CM5, and CHB1) and 2 novel genotypes (CHWD1 and CHPM1). A total of nine subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST13, and ST14) were identified in captive wild animals in zoos in the present study. Cryptosporidium andersoni, nine Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes, and five Blastocystis subtypes were here first identified in new hosts.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study has expanded the host ranges of these four pathogens. The data indicate that animals in zoos can commonly be infected with these four zoonotic pathogens, and animals in zoos are potential sources of zoonotic infections in humans.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Zoo; Blastocystis; China; Cryptosporidium; Enterocytozoon; Genotype; Giardia lamblia; Host Specificity; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Prevalence
PubMed: 34663327
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03035-0 -
Parasitology Research Sep 2018Intestinal opportunistic infections are often caused by unicellular parasites. Individuals with decreased immunity are particularly susceptible to infection by said...
Intestinal opportunistic infections are often caused by unicellular parasites. Individuals with decreased immunity are particularly susceptible to infection by said microorganisms, and when they are infected, diarrhea can be the main clinical manifestation. However, intestinal parasites have rarely been taken into account in intestinal disorders. In our study, an investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal micro-pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Blastocystis, and microsporidia, in hospitalized patients with different immunological statuses. The study at hand indicates that protozoan parasitic infections are rare among immunodeficient patients in Poland. The overall prevalence of micro-pathogens among participants was 4.6%; it was three times higher in adults (12.5%) than in children (2.3%). Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora species (Apicomplexa) were diagnosed as the main cause of heavy diarrhea. Accordingly, adult patients were positive mainly for Blastocystis and microsporidia, while children were more often infected with the Cryptosporidium species.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Child; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Cyclospora; Cyclosporiasis; Diarrhea; Feces; Female; Giardia; Giardiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections; Poland; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 29946765
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5976-6