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Biomedical Journal Sep 2023Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infectious diseases among Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, especially for infections with Blastocystis...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infectious diseases among Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, especially for infections with Blastocystis hominis. However, little is known about the impact of Blastocystis subtypes (STs) on the gut microbiota.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan in the period of 2015 to 2019. Blastocystis-positive stool specimens were collected for ST analysis by polymerase chain reaction in 2020. Intestinal microbiota analyses of different Blastocystis STs and Blastocystis-free individuals were conducted by 16S rRNA sequencing.
RESULTS
A total of 13,859 subjects were analyzed, of which 1,802 cases (13%) were diagnosed with intestinal parasitic infections. B. hominis infections were the most prevalent (n = 1546, 85.7%). ST analysis of Blastocystis-positive samples (n=150) indicated that ST1 was the most common type, followed by ST3, ST4, ST2, ST7, and ST5. Different Blastocystis STs (ST1, ST3, and ST4) were associated with distinct richness and diversity of the microbiota. Taxonomic profiles revealed that Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly enriched for all analyzed Blastocystis STs, whereas Holdemanella biformis was more abundant in the Blastocystis-free group. Additionally, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens and Coprococcus eutactus were specifically more abundant in ST3 carriers than in non-infected individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that A. muciniphila is positively associated with all Blastocystis STs, while H. biformis was negatively associated with them. Several bacteria were enriched in specific STs, highlighting the need for further microbiota analysis at the ST level to elucidate the pathogenicity of Blastocystis.
PubMed: 37774792
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100661 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2023Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are ultra-small silver particles with a size from 1 to 100 nanometers. Unlike bulk silver, they have unique physical and chemical... (Review)
Review
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are ultra-small silver particles with a size from 1 to 100 nanometers. Unlike bulk silver, they have unique physical and chemical properties. Numerous studies have shown that AgNPs have beneficial biological effects on various diseases, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, and antiviruses. One of the most well-known applications is in the field of antibacterial applications, where AgNPs have strong abilities to kill multi-drug resistant bacteria, making them a potential candidate as an antibacterial drug. Recently, AgNPs synthesized from plant extracts have exhibited outstanding antiparasitic effects, with a shorter duration of use and enhanced ability to inhibit parasite multiplication compared to traditional antiparasitic drugs. This review summarizes the types, characteristics, and the mechanism of action of AgNPs in anti-parasitism, mainly focusing on their effects in leishmaniasis, flukes, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, , , and . The aim is to provide a reference for the application of AgNPs in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases.
PubMed: 37513969
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071783 -
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 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The...
In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51-13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Phylogeny; Egypt; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Giardia lamblia; Blastocystis; Entamoeba histolytica
PubMed: 37340037
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36320-z -
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 -
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 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms....
Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms. This study focused on the question of whether and to what extent various pathogens interact with each other. Therefore, a mathematical approach was retrospectively applied to PCR-based data of 244 stool samples, collected in two datasets. A stable cluster solution of the pathogens assessed was determined, and a unique configuration between / spp./ forming cluster 1 and was verified. A pathogen density-dependent interplay appeared between the / spp./ cluster, and . The applied mathematical approach demonstrated that co-infections with parasites of questionable pathological relevance such as and can be of diagnostic relevance due to their ability to promote or repress other pathogens. With the increasing availability of highly sensitive multiplexed molecular diagnostic approaches even in resource-limited settings, where multiple colonization of infection events with enteric pathogens in parallel are common, the importance of interpreting whole pathogen patterns rather than just individual pathogen detection may become more and more relevant.
PubMed: 38004654
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112642 -
Thrombosis Journal Apr 2024Some causes of first-line treatment failure for ITP are often closely related to infections. But parasitic infections are rarely mentioned and easily overlooked. The...
BACKGROUND
Some causes of first-line treatment failure for ITP are often closely related to infections. But parasitic infections are rarely mentioned and easily overlooked. The case is the first to describe a boy with immune thrombocytopenia associated with blastocystis hominis.
CASE PRESENTATION
The case involved a boy presenting with bleeding skin spots and ecchymosis and accompanied by intermittent epigastric pain and constipation. After a series of complete examinations, the platelet count was found to be decreased to 13 × 10/L and immune thrombocytopenia was diagnosed. After first-line treatment with gamma globulin and prednisolone, the thrombocytopenia remained unchanged. Blastocystis hominis was subsequently found in the patient's stool and then the treatment of metronidazole was provided. One week later, the patient's thrombocytopenia was completely relieved. He was followed up for six months and was found to have recovered well.
CONCLUSIONS
The screening for potential predisposing factors is very important for immune thrombocytopenia patients with poor response to first-line treatment, and the best treatment strategy should include the management of potential diseases.
PubMed: 38685091
DOI: 10.1186/s12959-024-00611-w -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2023is a controversial parasite because of its taxonomy and its treatment. In this report, an immunocompetent person with chronic blastocystosis, in whom a series of...
is a controversial parasite because of its taxonomy and its treatment. In this report, an immunocompetent person with chronic blastocystosis, in whom a series of treatments were used without success, except for the use of ciprofloxaci. Ciprofloxacin could be an antibiotic of choice in chronic blastocystosis.
PubMed: 37305861
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7446 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Dec 2023The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and Research Hospital.
METHODS
A total of 300 patients between the ages of 18-90 who applied to UHS Van Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal complaints and were referred to the parasitology laboratory between September 2021 and December 2021, and 100 patients without any chronic disease and gastrointestinal complaints in the control group were included in the study. Stool samples taken from patients included in the study and individuals in the control group were analyzed by native-lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods.
RESULTS
In the study, intestinal parasites were detected in 41 (13.3%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in seven (7%) of 100 individuals in the control group. The highest rate of species ( spp.) (5.7%) was found in the patient group. 3%, 2.7% and species ( spp). 2.3% were found among the other species detected. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of parasites and abdominal pain (p=0.022) and nausea (p=0.029).
CONCLUSION
As a result; it was concluded that intestinal parasites are still an important health problem in patients with gastrointestinal complaints and intestinal parasites should definitely be considered in this patient group.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Parasites; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Feces; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Blastocystis; Prevalence
PubMed: 38149443
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.93585