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Microbiome Aug 2016We investigated whether the carriage of Blastocystis in IBS patients was associated with differences in the faecal microbiota. Forty patients with diarrhoea-predominant... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
We investigated whether the carriage of Blastocystis in IBS patients was associated with differences in the faecal microbiota. Forty patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (26 Blastocystis-positive and 14 Blastocystis-negative) and 57 healthy controls (HC) (42 Blastocystis-positive and 15 Blastocystis-negative) submitted faecal samples for metataxonomic analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Differences in the relative abundance of bacteria in these IBS and HC groups were evaluated from phylum to genus level.
RESULTS
Significant changes were observed in two dominant phyla in IBS patients, regardless of Blastocystis infection status, namely a rise in Firmicutes and a statistically significant reduction in relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (with a threefold increase in the Firmicutes to Bacteoridetes ratio). Significant differences at genus level in IBS subjects compared to HC were also observed for many bacterial species. However, further clinical subgroup analysis of Blastocystis-positive and Blastocystis-negative subjects, regardless of symptoms, showed no significant differences at the phylum or genus level in IBS-P compared to IBS-N.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant differences in the faecal microbiota between diarrhoea-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls were confirmed, but the carriage of Blastocystis did not significantly alter the faecal microbiota. If Blastocystis-positive patients represent a separate clinical subtype of IBS, this group is not identified by changes in the microbiota.
Topics: Adult; Bacterial Load; Bacteroidetes; Base Sequence; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Feces; Female; Firmicutes; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Male; Microbiota; Middle Aged; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 27580855
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-016-0191-0 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2022Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3-15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7-10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1-ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1-ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cat Diseases; Cats; DNA, Protozoan; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Feces; Genetic Variation; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 35733146
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Mar 2016Blastocystis is a genus of common single-celled intestinal parasitic protists with an unsettled role in human health and disease. Being a stable component of intestinal... (Review)
Review
Blastocystis is a genus of common single-celled intestinal parasitic protists with an unsettled role in human health and disease. Being a stable component of intestinal microbiota, once established, the Blastocystis parasite appears more common in healthy individuals than in patients with infectious, functional, or inflammatory bowel disease. Recent data suggest that the parasite is associated with certain gut microbiota profiles and health indices. Convincing data and tools differentiating asymptomatic colonization from infection are yet to be demonstrated. Although the parasite may elicit disease under certain circumstances, the focus on Blastocystis may be shifting from a clinical to a public health perspective.
Topics: Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Carrier State; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Microbiota
PubMed: 26677249
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.02520-15 -
Microorganisms Aug 2022is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic animals are thought to be reservoirs of subtypes that also infect humans. There are...
is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic animals are thought to be reservoirs of subtypes that also infect humans. There are limited studies on the prevalence and subtype distribution of in horses. In this study, 185 fecal samples were collected from horses (1 month to 17 years of age) in four regions of Colombia (Sabana de Bogotá, Costa Atlántica, Llanos Orientales, and Bogotá D.C.). presence and subtypes were determined by PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing. Eighty-one (43.8%) horses were positive for , with positive horses in all four regions. Molecular characterization identified 12 subtypes, 10 known subtypes (ST1, ST3-ST6, ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26), and 2 novel subtypes (ST33 and ST34). The validity of the novel subtypes was confirmed via phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses of the full-length rRNA gene sequences. Mixed subtype infections were common (55.6% of -positive horses). ST10 was the most prevalent subtype, present in 82.8% of -positive horses. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 88.9% of the -positive horses. This constitutes the most comprehensive study of in horses. Our findings indicate that horses harbor potentially zoonotic subtypes and could contribute to the transmission of to humans.
PubMed: 36144295
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091693 -
Gut Pathogens 2014Although Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites, there is still much controversy surrounding the pathogenicity and potential treatment options for this... (Review)
Review
Although Blastocystis is one of the most common enteric parasites, there is still much controversy surrounding the pathogenicity and potential treatment options for this parasite. In this review we look at the evidence supporting Blastocystis as an intestinal pathogen as shown by numerous case studies and several in vivo studies and the evidence against. We describe the chronic nature of some infections and show the role of Blastocystis in immunocompromised patients and the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and Blastocystis infection. There have been several studies that have suggested that pathogenicity may be subtype related. Metronidazole is the most widely accepted treatment for Blastocystis but several cases of treatment failure and resistance have been described. Other treatment options which have been suggested include paromomycin and trimethroprim- sulfamethoxazole.
PubMed: 24883113
DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-6-17 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2021Intestinal parasitic infections have high prevalence rate in many regions especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and...
Molecular epidemiology and genotype/subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Encephalitozoon spp. in livestock: concern for emerging zoonotic infections.
Intestinal parasitic infections have high prevalence rate in many regions especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and genotype/subtype of some intestinal protozoa in livestock in Iran. Stool samples were collected from cattle, sheep, chickens, and horses. The presence of targeted parasites was evaluated using real-time PCR. Genotyping/subtyping of positive samples was characterized using sequencing of the ITS and barcoding region, respectively. Blastocystis sp., 27.7% (48/173) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi 26.0% (45/173) were the most frequent protozoa followed by Encephalitozoon spp., 0.57% (1/173). Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected among samples. Encephalitozoon spp., was detected only in chickens 2.2% (1/45). A statistically correlation was seen between animals and the prevalence of targeted protozoa. E. bieneusi genotypes I (9/38; 23.68%), BEB6 (22/38; 57.89%), D (6/38; 15.79%), and horse1 (1/38; 2.63%) were detected among samples. A statistically significant correlation was seen between the genotypes and animals (P ≤ 0.05). Blastocystis sp., ST1 (1/45; 2.22%), ST5 3/45; 6.66%), ST7 (1/45; 2.22%), ST10 (24/45; 53.33%), and ST14 (16/45; 35.55%) were characterized among samples. There was no significant correlation between certain subtypes and animals (P = 0.173). The presence of zoonotic potential genotypes of E. bieneusi in animals and zoonotic potential subtypes ST1 and ST7 among our samples provide a clue about the transmission dynamic of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. between animals-animals and humans-animals.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cattle; Chickens; Encephalitozoon; Encephalitozoonosis; Enterocytozoon; Genotype; Horses; Iran; Livestock; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Epidemiology; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Sheep; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34471179
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96960-x -
Annals of Parasitology 2021Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites of human all over the world. Due to high prevalence and widespread species diversity of this...
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites of human all over the world. Due to high prevalence and widespread species diversity of this parasite and the possibility of potential transmission of them to human, this study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis and characterize its subtypes (genotypes) in Shahrekord, central southwest of Iran. Microscopic examination showed that 6.4% (55/864) of the subjects were infected with Blastocystis spp. All of positive samples were sequenced successfully. The molecular methods showed that the infection was caused by four subtypes, including ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST7. The most common identified genotype of Blastocystis was ST3 (36.4%). The statistical analysis of data showed that there was no significant correlation between the prevalence of Blastocystis or its subtypes with age, gender, job, level of education, contact with animals, and clinical manifestations of infection in the patients. While the frequency of blastocystosis in this population seems to be less than many parts of Iran, but it can be argued that Blastocystis is still the most common intestinal parasite of human in this region compared with other intestinal parasites and it seems that the transmission of infection has an anthroponotic pattern.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Feces; Genetic Variation; Humans; Iran; Prevalence
PubMed: 34597498
DOI: 10.17420/ap6702.337 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2023Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease,...
Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Ecuador, with emphasis on the molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.
BACKGROUND
Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in these settings is largely unknown.
METHODOLOGY
This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the carriage of intestinal helminths, including STH, and GP in asymptomatic schoolchildren (3-11 years) in the Chimborazo and Guayas provinces, Ecuador. Single stool samples (n = 372) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Conventional microscopy examination was used as screening method, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays were used to further investigate the epidemiology of some GP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the association of suspected risk factors with the presence of helminths and GP.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
At least one intestinal parasite species was observed by microscopy in 63.2% (235/372) of the participating schoolchildren. Enterobius vermicularis (16.7%, 62/372; 95% CI: 13.0-20.9) and Blastocystis sp. (39.2%, 146/372; 95% CI: 34.2-44.2) were the most prevalent among helminths and GP, respectively. Assemblages A (50.0%), B (37.5%) and A+B (12.5%) were detected within Giardia duodenalis and ST3 (28.6%), ST1 and ST2 (26.2% each), and ST4 (14.3%) within Blastocystis sp. Three genotypes, two known (A: 66.7%; KB-1: 16.7%) and a novel (HhEcEb1, 16.7%) were identified within Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Municipality of origin, household overcrowding, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene habits were risk factors for childhood intestinal parasites colonization.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Despite massive government drug administration programs, STH and GP infection remain a public health concern in paediatric populations living in poor-resource settings. Molecular analytical methods are required to better understand the epidemiology of these intestinal parasites. This study provides novel information on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi genetic variants circulating in Ecuadorian human populations.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; Giardia lamblia; Blastocystis; Parasites; Enterocytozoon; Ecuador; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Blastocystis Infections; Helminths; Risk Factors; Feces
PubMed: 37224177
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011339 -
Parasitology Feb 2024sp. is a prevalent protistan parasite found globally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in... (Review)
Review
sp. is a prevalent protistan parasite found globally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in research on axenic isolation techniques for sp. and their diverse applications. Axenic isolation, involving the culture and isolation of sp. free from any other organisms, necessitates the application of specific media and a series of axenic treatment methods. These methods encompass antibiotic treatment, monoclonal culture, differential centrifugation, density gradient separation, micromanipulation and the combined use of culture media. Critical factors influencing axenic isolation effectiveness include medium composition, culture temperature, medium characteristics, antibiotic type and dosage and the subtype (ST) of sp. Applications of axenic isolation encompass exploring pathogenicity, karyotype and ST analysis, immunoassay, characterization of surface chemical structure and lipid composition and understanding drug treatment effects. This review serves as a valuable reference for clinicians and scientists in selecting appropriate axenic isolation methods.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Blastocystis; Gastrointestinal Tract; Karyotype; Temperature
PubMed: 38087868
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182023001300 -
Folia Parasitologica Nov 2022Species of Blastocystis Alexieff, 1911 are anaerobic intestinal protists found in humans and many kinds of animals that mainly cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other...
Species of Blastocystis Alexieff, 1911 are anaerobic intestinal protists found in humans and many kinds of animals that mainly cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other clinical symptoms. At present, data on the prevalence and subtype diversity of species of Blastocystis in domestic rabbits are very limited. The purpose of this study was to characterise the infection rate and gene subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in domestic rabbits in Henan Province, Central China, and provide foundation for prevention and control of the disease caused by Blastocystis sp. in domestic rabbits. DNA was extracted from 286 fresh rabbit faecal samples collected from four areas of Henan Province, Central China. All DNA samples were screened using PCR and positive samples were sequenced to identify individual subtypes based on the small ribosomal subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Blastocystis sp. in domestic rabbits in Henan Province was 15% (43/286). Three subtypes were identified, including ST1 (26/43, 60%), ST3 (5/43, 12%) and ST7 (12/43, 28%), all of which belonged to potentially zoonotic subtypes, ST1 was the dominant gene subtype. These results showed that infection with Blastocystis sp. was common in domestic rabbits in Henan Province, Central China, and was represented by zoonotic subtypes. Therefore, special attention should be paid to reduce the risk of transmission of Blastocystis sp. from domestic rabbits to humans.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Rabbits; Blastocystis; Prevalence; Ribosome Subunits, Small; China; Feces
PubMed: 36458581
DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.027