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Infectious Agents and Cancer 2017a genetically diverse intestinal parasite with controversial pathogenic potential, has increasingly been incriminated for diarrheal illness in immunocompromised...
BACKGROUND
a genetically diverse intestinal parasite with controversial pathogenic potential, has increasingly been incriminated for diarrheal illness in immunocompromised individuals including colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the possible association between infection and CRC condition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia (KSA).
METHODS
Stool samples were collected from 80 non-cancer (NC) and 138 cancer subjects including 74 CRC patients and 64 patients with other cancers outside gastrointestinal tract (COGT). Molecularly confirmed isolates were genetically grouped and subtyped using multiplex polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequence-tagged site primers-based PCR (PCR-STS), respectively.
RESULTS
were confirmed in 29.7, 25 and 15% among CRC, COGT and NC patients, respectively. Obtained isolates were initially categorized into 2 groups (A and C), which were subsequently subtyped into 3 different subtypes; subtype-I (38%), subtype-II (44%) and subtype-V (22%). Interestingly, subtype-I was the most predominantly detected subtype (54.5%) among CRC patients with a significant association risk (COR 7.548; 95% CI: 1.629-34.987; = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to provide genetic insights on the prevalence of among CRC patients in Makkah, KSA. Moreover, the study suggests for a possible association between subtype-I of and CRC, which could indicate a potential influence of Blastocystis on CRC condition. Further studies are required to confirm this association risk and to investigate the possible underlying mechanism of postulated carcinogenic influence of subtype-I.
PubMed: 28413436
DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0131-z -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Sep 2021While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates... (Review)
Review
While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0-19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included and . Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for to 68.3% for . Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.
PubMed: 34564544
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030160 -
International Journal of Clinical and... 2017Blastocystis hominis (B. h) is a kind of intestinal parasitic protozoa with the characteristic of worldwide distribution, morphology diversity, and diarrhea induced,...
Blastocystis hominis (B. h) is a kind of intestinal parasitic protozoa with the characteristic of worldwide distribution, morphology diversity, and diarrhea induced, etc. The traditional morphological classify was difficult to distinguish the genetic difference of B. h in different population and different geological strains. Recently, based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence of B. h, the sequenced-tagged site (STS) primers was design, and successfully and widely applied to the distinguish the genotype of B. h, and however several B. h strains did not distinguish. To address it, the elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) gene of B. h was screened due to its conservation here, and its specific primers were designed to distinguish the genotype of B. h. After epidemiological survey, the infection rate of B. h in boys was 14.74%, and that of girls was 15.05%, and the total infection rate of B. h was 14.93%. In total of 53 infection students, with the using of 7 pairs STS primers, 31 strains was validated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including 4 strains of Type 1, 17 strains of Type 3, 4 strains of Type 4, 1 strains of Type 6, and 5 strains of Type 7, and did not found the Type 2, Type 5 and mixture genotype. In the 23 unknown genotype strains of B. h, 15 strains were identified by PCR using EF-1α primers, and had a higher homology in the DNA sequence (70%), and was evolutionarily closer to the EF-1α sequence of S and H strains of B. h. This study indicated that STS primers could identify the genotype of B. h, and EF-1α primers as a novel diagnosis primers could auxiliary identify the unknown genotype strain of B. h, and exhibited a wide application on the identification of the genotype strain of B. h, and provided a significant reference on the study of B. h in clinic.
PubMed: 31966682
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2014Stress alters the oxidant-antioxidant state and immune cell responses which disrupts its function to combat infection. Blastocystis hominis, a common intestinal...
BACKGROUND
Stress alters the oxidant-antioxidant state and immune cell responses which disrupts its function to combat infection. Blastocystis hominis, a common intestinal protozoan has been reported to be opportunistic in immunocompromised patients namely cancer. B. hominis infectivity in other altered immune system conditions especially stress is unknown. We aimed to demonstrate the stress effects towards the susceptibility and pathogenicity of B. hominis infection.
METHODS/FINDINGS
Three-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (a)control; (b)stress-induced; (c)B. hominis infected; (d)stress-induced with B. hominis infection; (n = 20 respectively). Stress was induced for an hour daily (30 days) using a Belly Dancer Shaker. Weight gain was monitored, stool samples were collected for B. hominis screening and blood for the determination of differential count, levels of immunoglobulin, oxidative damage, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation upon induction with solubilized antigen of B. hominis (Blasto-Ag). Group (b) exhibited the highest level of weight gain. Group (d) had higher levels of parasite cyst count in stools, serum IgE, oxidized protein and lipid compared to the group (c). Levels of monocyte and antioxidant in group (d) were decreased and their PBMCs showed highest inhibition of proliferation level when exposed to Blasto-Ag. Monocyte level in Group (b) showed insignificant difference compared to group (a) but was significantly lower compared to group (c). Antioxidant levels in group (c) were generally lower compared to group (a) and (b). Inhibition level exhibited by Blasto-Ag treated PBMCs of group (c) was higher compared to group (a) and (b).
CONCLUSION
The pathogenicity and augmentation of B. hominis infection is enhanced when stress is present. Lifestyles today are becoming increasingly stressed and the present findings suggest that the parasite which has been reported to be one of the most common organisms seen in stool surveys, namely in developing countries, may tend to be more pathogenic in stressful situations.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Body Weight; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Leukocyte Count; Rats; Stress, Mechanical; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological; Time Factors; Virulence
PubMed: 24788756
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094567 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2023and are among the most common intestinal protozoa worldwide. Treatment of infection by metronidazole (MTZ) has some limitations. The objective of this study was to...
BACKGROUND
and are among the most common intestinal protozoa worldwide. Treatment of infection by metronidazole (MTZ) has some limitations. The objective of this study was to detect the prevalence of and among school-age children from December 2021 till March 2022 from Motoubes, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt, and determine the efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ), NTZ plus garlic and tinidazole (TIN) on and giardiasis infection.
METHODS
Stool samples were collected from 390 children and microscopically examined using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and culturing on Jones' medium for . Those who tested positive for giardiasis (120 children, 30.7%) (Group I) or (180 children, 46.1%) (Group II) were equally divided into four subgroups. The first subgroup received NTZ orally, every 12 hours for three successive days. The second subgroup received NTZ in the same dose as the first subgroup plus dry garlic powder every 12 hours for three successive days. The third subgroup received TIN as a single oral dose, and a fourth control subgroup. Successful cure was considered if no or giardiasis stages were found in post-treatment faecal specimens.
RESULTS
Cure rate was significantly higher in TIN treated groups (75.5% and 96.6%) than NTZ (57.7% and 40%) or NTZ plus garlic treated groups (55.5% and 43%) in both and giardiasis, respectively (<0.05).
CONCLUSION
TIN, once, is more efficacious than NTZ or NTZ plus garlic in the treatment of and giardiasis in children.
PubMed: 37197063
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12379 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Mar 2022This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in substance abusers and to reveal its significance.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in substance abusers and to reveal its significance.
METHODS
The study was conducted in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Parasitology Research Laboratory and University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital between May 2019 and February 2020. The patient group included 150 patients with substance abuse who applied to the Alcohol and Drug Addicted Treatment Center of University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital, while the control group included 75 patients who had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. Stool samples were examined using native-Lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods.
RESULTS
In this study, one or more intestinal parasites were found in 21.3% of 150 patients who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinic and had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the parasite frequency (p=0.03). In the patient group, was detected in 7.3% (p=0.02), in 6.7%, and in 0.7%. Considering the frequency of parasites in terms of age groups, intestinal parasites were found at a higher rate in the 35 and younger age group (23.8%) than in the 36 and older age group (17.2%). Intestinal parasite positivity was found at the highest rate (23.8%) in those using methamphetamine. Constipation (79.3%) was the most prevalent in parasite-positive substance abusers, followed by diarrhea (23%).
CONCLUSION
This study contributed to the literature by determining the frequency of intestinal parasites in people addicted to substance, and it was revealed that intestinal parasite infections are a negative consequence of substance addiction. Conclusively, our findings revealed that intestinal parasites should be considered in substance abusers. Also, more detailed studies involving more individuals should be conducted to obtain information about intestinal parasite infections.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Blastocystis hominis; Feces; Giardia lamblia; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Parasites; Prevalence; Turkey
PubMed: 35232705
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2021.47955 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Sep 2023Blastocystis hominis (Bh) is zoonotic parasitic pathogen with a high prevalent globally, causing opportunistic infections and diarrhea disease. Human immunodeficiency... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
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 (P < 0.001, L-shaped), HIV VL (P < 0.001, inverted U-shaped), and duration of interruption in HARRT (P < 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.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Male; HIV; Blastocystis Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; China; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
PubMed: 37697423
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01137-5 -
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology... 2020Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder that causes significant morbidity. Interleukin (IL)-17 was identified as a major contributing factor in the...
BACKGROUND
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder that causes significant morbidity. Interleukin (IL)-17 was identified as a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of HT. (BH) is a very common infection and has been shown to be associated with several diseases. Our aim was to determine serum IL-17 level in HT patients with and without BH infection and the effect of eradicating BH in patients with HT.
METHODS
A prospective cohort study was conducted on 20 HT patients not infected with BH (group I), 20 HT patients infected with BH (group II), and 20 healthy patients (group III). Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and IL-17 were performed by ELISA method and were repeated in group II after 6 weeks of eradication of BH.
RESULTS
Patients with HT showed a significantly higher serum IL-17 compared with controls. IL-17 was significantly higher in HT patients infected with BH compared with HT patients not BH infected (mean 6.93 ± 2.83 pg/ml 3.25 ± 1.55 pg/ml, = 0.003). After BH eradication TSH, anti-TPO, and IL-17 were significantly decreased (mean 14.76 ± 11.11 µIU/ml 9.39 ± 7.11 µIU/ml, < 0.001; mean 308 ± 175.6 IU/ml 295.4 ± 167.1 IU/ml, = 0.006; and mean 6.93 ± 2.83 pg/ml 6.45 ± 2.48 pg/ml, < 0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis after treating BH infection showed that IL-17 was significantly negatively correlated with FT3 (adjusted = 0.002) and significantly positively correlated with anti-TPO (adjusted = 0.045).
CONCLUSION
Treatment of BH infection ameliorates HT through reduction in IL-17, anti-TPO, and TSH.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PACTR201909495111649.
PubMed: 32128107
DOI: 10.1177/2042018820907013 -
Veterinary World Jan 2023is an intestinal protozoan in humans and animals. The parasite causes mild-to-severe intestinal complications, such as diarrhea, in healthy humans and...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
is an intestinal protozoan in humans and animals. The parasite causes mild-to-severe intestinal complications, such as diarrhea, in healthy humans and immunocompromised hosts. This study aimed to determine the antiprotozoal activity of (L.) Mansf and (Fr.) Kart extracts against .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Antiprotozoal activity of and extracts against subtype 3 was determined using the erythrosin B exclusion assay, confirmed by a time-kill study. The morphology of the parasite treated with the extracts was observed by a scanning electron microscope. The phytochemicals present in and extracts were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.
RESULTS
Both and extracts demonstrated strong antiprotozoal activity with similar minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 62.5 μg/mL. At 4× MIC and 8× MIC, both and extracts, and metronidazole inhibited the growth of by up to 90% after 12 h treatment. cells treated with extract, extract, and metronidazole were deformed and withered when compared with the control. Geraniol and versalide were found as the main compounds in and extracts, respectively.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate the potential medicinal benefits of and extracts in the growth inhibition of .
PubMed: 36855350
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.187-193 -
Microorganisms Jun 2023is an intestinal protozoan that is often neglected, despite causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. Previous research has demonstrated that lipids can be synthesized by...
is an intestinal protozoan that is often neglected, despite causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. Previous research has demonstrated that lipids can be synthesized by or can accumulate in growth medium, but their function and mechanisms in the pathogenesis of remain unclear. Our study found that lipid-rich ST7-B can increase inflammation and disrupt Caco-2 cells more than the same parasite without the lipovenoes supplement. Additionally, the cysteine protease of , a virulence factor, is upregulated and has higher activity in lipid-rich . In order to better understand the effects of lipids on pathogenesis, we treated lipid-lowering pravastatin during ST7-B culturing with a lipovenoes supplement, which decreased the lipid levels of the and reduced the -induced inflammation and cell disruption of Caco-2 cells. We also analyzed the fatty acid composition and possible synthesis pathway in ST7-B, finding significantly higher ratios of arachidonic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid than in the other lipid components in lipid-rich ST7-B. These results suggest that lipids play a significant role in the pathogenesis of and provide important information on the molecular mechanisms of and potential treatments for infection.
PubMed: 37375084
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061582