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The ISME Journal Sep 2022Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiome in cognition. Blastocystis is a common gut single-cell eukaryote parasite frequently detected in humans but its potential...
Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiome in cognition. Blastocystis is a common gut single-cell eukaryote parasite frequently detected in humans but its potential involvement in human pathophysiology has been poorly characterized. Here we describe how the presence of Blastocystis in the gut microbiome was associated with deficits in executive function and altered gut bacterial composition in a discovery (n = 114) and replication cohorts (n = 942). We also found that Blastocystis was linked to bacterial functions related to aromatic amino acids metabolism and folate-mediated pyrimidine and one-carbon metabolism. Blastocystis-associated shifts in bacterial functionality translated into the circulating metabolome. Finally, we evaluated the effects of microbiota transplantation. Donor's Blastocystis subtypes led to altered recipient's mice cognitive function and prefrontal cortex gene expression. In summary, Blastocystis warrant further consideration as a novel actor in the gut microbiome-brain axis.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cognition; Executive Function; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mice
PubMed: 35729225
DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01262-3 -
European Journal of Clinical... Sep 2017Blastocystis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often... (Review)
Review
Blastocystis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples. This parasite is recognized and diagnosed more often than ever before. Furthermore, some strains develop resistance against currently recommended drugs, such as metronidazole; therefore, the use of natural remedies or special diets has many positive aspects that may address this problem. The goal of this review is to compare natural treatments and various diets against the efficacy of drugs, and describe their influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, which affects Blastocystis growth and the occurrence of symptoms. This article reviews important work in the literature, including the classification, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, genetics, biology, and treatment of Blastocystis. It also includes a review of the current knowledge about human gut microbiota and various diets proposed for Blastocystis eradication. The literature has revealed that garlic, ginger, some medical plants, and many spices contain the most effective organic compounds for parasite eradication. They work by inhibiting parasitic enzymes and nucleic acids, as well as by inhibiting protein synthesis. The efficacy of any specific organic compound depends on the Blastocystis subtype, and, consequently, on its immunity to treatment. In conclusion, the article discusses the findings that human gut microbiota composition triggers important mechanisms at the molecular level, and, thus, has a crucial influence on the parasitic pathogenicity.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Diet; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract; Genetic Variation; Humans; Life Cycle Stages
PubMed: 28326446
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-2965-0 -
The Korean Journal of Parasitology Aug 2022Blastocystis is a genus of unicellular heterokont parasites belonging to a group of organisms known as Stramenopiles, which includes algae, diatoms, and water molds....
Blastocystis is a genus of unicellular heterokont parasites belonging to a group of organisms known as Stramenopiles, which includes algae, diatoms, and water molds. Blastocystis includes several species that habitat in the gastrointestinal tracts of organisms as diverse as humans, farm animals, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and cockroaches. It is important to public health and distributed globally, but its prevalence in dogs in Korea has not been reported to date. Here, we collected 787 canine fecal samples and assessed Blastocystis infection by age, sex, region, season, and diarrhea symptoms. We determined Blastocystis subtypes using phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. We identified, 10 Blastocystis positive samples (1.3%). A higher proportion of infected dogs was asymptomatic; however, infection rates did not significantly differ according to region, age, sex, and season. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Blastocystis sp. identified belonged to 4 subtypes (STs), ST1, ST5, ST10, and ST14, thus revealed the genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This is first report on the presence of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This study revealed a lower infection rate than expected and differed from previous studies in STs. Further studies are warranted to observe the national infection status of Blastocystis in dogs and the genetic characteristics of this genus.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Dogs; Feces; Genetic Variation; Humans; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 36041491
DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.4.289 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2022Blastocystis is an anaerobic unicellular protist frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals worldwide. However, the prevalence and...
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis is an anaerobic unicellular protist frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals worldwide. However, the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in the coypu (Myocastor coypus) population have not been reported so far. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates detected in coypus in China.
RESULTS
A total of 308 fecal samples were collected from coypus in seven regions across China and subsequently examined. Blastocystis was detected in 44 (14.3%) specimens by nested PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Further DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses resulted in the identification of two zoonotic known subtypes, ST4 and ST5, and an unknown subtype. ST4 was the most predominant subtype observed in the samples. ST5 infections were only observed in three coypus. Factors that were associated with prevalence of Blastocystis included age, geographical region and subtype. Interestingly, this is the first report about a potentially novel subtype infecting coypus.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first comprehensive report of Blastocystis in M. coypus across a wide geographic range of China. A moderate degree of genetic divergence was observed. The presence of zoonotic subtypes in farmed M. coypus suggests that these animals have the potential to transmit blastocystosis to both humans and domestic animals. These findings provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in rodents and contribute towards the establishment of efficient blastocystosis control strategies in the investigated areas.
Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; China; DNA, Protozoan; Feces; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Rodentia; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34991712
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05126-1 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2022In Egypt, Blastocystis sp. is not yet on the diagnostic list of parasitology reports, and information about its subtypes (STs) is scarce. This study investigated its...
In Egypt, Blastocystis sp. is not yet on the diagnostic list of parasitology reports, and information about its subtypes (STs) is scarce. This study investigated its prevalence and its STs/alleles, performed phylogenetic analysis, and considered the distribution of risk factors associated with Blastocystis sp. infections in West Ismailia, Ismailia governorate. Sociodemographic data, exposure factors, and previous parasitic infection status were recorded for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis for Blastocystis sp. isolated from fecal samples were performed. Eighty Blastocystis sp.-infected individuals (15.3%) were examined. The age of the individuals ranged between 0.60 and 85.0 (mean 17.10 ± 15.70), the male/female ratio was 33/47, and the asymptomatic/symptomatic ratio was 55/25. The findings demonstrate clear evidence of direct contact with animals, poor water quality, and previous parasitic infections. Eleven samples yielded three Blastocystis STs (ST1: allele 4, ST2: alleles 9 and 12, and ST3: allele 34), with ST3 (45.5%) representing the most common subtype. Phylogenetic analysis with a robust bootstrap revealed three distinct clades for isolates of each subtype. This study updates the epidemiological knowledge of the distribution of Blastocystis sp. STs in Egypt and expands the current understanding of the prevalence, risk factor frequencies, and genetic diversity of this protist in the studied area.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Blastocystis; Phylogeny; Egypt; DNA, Protozoan; Genetic Variation; Blastocystis Infections; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 36351984
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23360-0