<i>Blastocystis</i>spp.: Frequency and Subtype Distribution in Iron Deficiency Anemic Versus Non-Anemic Subjects from Egypt

Deeb, Hala K. El; Khodeer, Seham A

doi:10.1645/12-80.1

Cited by 29 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…It may colonize the bowels and is commonly isolated in individuals with neither gastrointestinal complaints nor symptoms [ 19 , 47 ]. However, Blastocystis was also identified as the only causative agent of gastrointestinal or dermatological symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, anorexia, or, less commonly, urticaria, intense itching [ 56 , 57 ], or iron deficiency anemia [ 96 – 98 ].…”

Section: The Role Of Blastocystis In the Human Gutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Lepczyńska

Białkowska

Dzika

et al. 2017

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis

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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.

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Section: The Role Of Blastocystis In the Human Gutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Lepczyńska

Białkowska

Dzika

et al. 2017

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis

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“…ST1-9 has so far been found in humans, with a majority belonging to ST1-4 [ 16 ]. In Africa, the prevalence of Blastocystis subtypes has been studied in the northern and western parts of the continent, namely Egypt [ 17 – 20 ], Libya [ 16 , 21 ], Senegal [ 9 ], Liberia and Nigeria [ 16 ], while data from East Africa is sparse. A study from Petrášová et al [ 22 ] described the Blastocystis subtypes found in non-human primates, as well as in six human researchers, in Rubondo Island in the northwest part of Tanzania.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes 1–3 and Giardia intestinalis assemblage B among patients in Zanzibar, Tanzania

et al. 2016

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BackgroundBlastocystis is a common intestinal parasite with worldwide distribution but the distribution of Blastocystis and its subtypes in East Africa is largely unknown. In this study, we investigate the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in Zanzibar, Tanzania and report the prevalence of intestinal parasites using both molecular methods and microscopy.MethodsStool samples were collected from both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic outpatients in Zanzibar. In addition to microscopy, real-time PCR for Blastocystis, Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Dientamoeba fragilis was used. Blastocystis subtypes were determined by a conventional PCR followed by partial sequencing of the SSU-rRNA gene. Genetic assemblages of Giardia were determined by PCR with assemblage specific primers.ResultsIntestinal parasites were detected in 85 % of the 174 participants, with two or more parasites present in 56 %. Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis were the most common parasites, identified by PCR in 61 and 53 % of the stool samples respectively, but no correlation between carriage of Blastocystis and Giardia was found. The Blastocystis subtype distribution was ST1 34.0 %, ST2 26.4 %, ST3 25.5 %, ST7 0.9 %, and 13.2 % were positive only by qPCR (non-typable). The Giardia genetic assemblages identified were A 6.5 %, B 85 %, A + B 4.3 %, and non-typable 4.3 %. The detection rate with microscopy was substantially lower than with PCR, 20 % for Blastocystis and 13.8 % for Giardia. The prevalence of Blastocystis increased significantly with age while Giardia was most prevalent in children two to five years old. No correlation between diarrhoea and the identification of Giardia, Blastocystis, or their respective genetic subtypes could be shown and, as a possible indication of parasite load, the mean cycle threshold values in the qPCR for Giardia were equal in diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic patients.ConclusionsCarriage of intestinal parasites was very common in the studied population in Zanzibar. The most commonly detected parasites, Blastocystis and Giardia, had different age distributions, possibly indicating differences in transmission routes, immunity, and/or other host factors for these two species. In the Blastocystis subtype analysis ST1-3 were common, but ST4, a subtype quite common in Europe, was completely absent, corroborating the geographical differences in subtype distributions previously reported.

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“…[ 39 ] Moreover, in a recent study performed in Egypt, the frequency of parasites was significantly higher in cases with IDA compared to controls. [ 46 ] Furthermore, a study conducted recently to compare hematological indices in cases with Blastocystis hominis infection against healthy controls revealed that the frequency of SI was significantly lower in cases with B. hominis infection compared to controls. [ 45 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Possible hematological changes associated with acute gastroenteritis among Kindergarten children in Gaza

et al. 2015

Ann Med Health Sci Res

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Background:Gastroenteritis is considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing countries. It is a major childhood problem in Gaza and one of the most common etiologic agents of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).Aim:This study was conducted to investigate possible changes in blood parameters that are associated with gastroenteritis infection among kindergarten children in Gaza.Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional case–control study was performed including kindergarten children suffering from gastroenteritis and matched healthy control group. Types of etiological agents were identified using standard microbiological and serological procedures. Blood samples were collected for estimation of complete blood count and for determination of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation. Independent sample t-test was used for comparisons and performed using SPSS software version 17(Chicago Illinois USA).Results:The prevalence of enteric pathogens among cases (88.5% [85/96]) was significantly higher than in asymptomatic controls (11.1% [6/54]). The most common enteric pathogens isolated were Entamoeba histolytica (28% [42/91]) and Giardia lamblia (26.7% [40/91]). Blood tests revealed that 21.8% (21/96) of cases and 14.8% (8/54) of controls had IDA, which were not significantly different. Meanwhile, a significant difference was found between the TIBC and hemoglobin in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that gastroenteritis infection could be considered as a common health problem in kindergarten children in Gaza, and it is possibly associated with changes in hemoglobin concentration and TIBC.

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Blastocystisspp.: Frequency and Subtype Distribution in Iron Deficiency Anemic Versus Non-Anemic Subjects from Egypt

Cited by 29 publications

References 29 publications

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

High occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtypes 1–3 and Giardia intestinalis assemblage B among patients in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Possible hematological changes associated with acute gastroenteritis among Kindergarten children in Gaza

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