Prevalence and genetic characterization of Dientamoeba fragilis in asymptomatic children attending daycare centers

Oliveira-Arbex, Ana Paula; David, Érica Boarato; Cacciò, Simone M.; Fonseca, Cátia Regina Branco da; Martin, Joelma Gonçalves; Kurokawa, Cilmery Suemi; Tosini, Fabio; Neto, Jayme Augusto Souza; Guimarães, Semíramis

doi:10.1590/s1678-9946202163039

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(55 reference statements)

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“…However, the conclusions of these studies are sometimes questionable since they are based on indirect results with no proven causal links. In addition, numerous studies have shown D. fragilis carriage without any clinical signs [ 30 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

No evidence of pathogenicity of Dientamoeba fragilis following detection in stools: A case-control study

Tchamwa Bamini,

Charpentier,

Guemas

et al. 2024

Parasite

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Dientamoeba fragilis is a ubiquitous intestinal parasite with detection in the stools that has become increasingly frequent following the advent of PCR as a routine screening tool. However, the pathogenicity of this parasite is still much debated. In order to assess the potentially pathogenic nature of this protozoan, a retrospective case-control study was carried out between January and December 2020 on patients from Toulouse University Hospital, with the aim of evaluating the potential clinical effects and changes in laboratory parameters linked to the presence and load of D. fragilis in stools. After matching age, sex and mode of care (consultation or hospitalisation), no significant difference was observed in the frequency of clinical signs between the 36 patients who tested positive for Dientamoeba fragilis PCR in their stools and the 72 control patients who were PCR negative for this protozoan. The presence of D. fragilis in the faeces was not associated with changes in laboratory parameters. Furthermore, a high digestive load of D. fragilis had no identifiable impact on clinical and laboratory parameters. Only the concomitant presence of Blastocystis sp. in stools was significantly more frequent in the D. fragilis group (uni- and multivariate analysis). Finally, this study showed no significant difference in clinical or laboratory signs between patients carrying Dientamoeba fragilis and the control group, regardless of the intestinal parasite load, suggesting that D. fragilis could be considered a commensal of the digestive tract.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

No evidence of pathogenicity of Dientamoeba fragilis following detection in stools: A case-control study

Tchamwa Bamini,

Charpentier,

Guemas

et al. 2024

Parasite

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“…fragilis detection by several stain methods is challenging and little is known about its impact in low- and middle-income countries. Studies in Latin America have shown prevalences up to 40% depending on the region and population group [ 66 ]. For instance, D .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, D . fragilis has been found in 15% of asymptomatic individuals [ 55 ] and 10.3% in children from Brazil [ 66 ] and 40.4% in a rural community in Venezuela [ 56 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…D. fragilis detection by several stain methods is challenging and little is known about its impact in low-and middle-income countries. Studies in Latin America have shown prevalences up to 40% depending on the region and population group [66]. For instance, D. fragilis has been found in 15% of asymptomatic individuals [55] and 10.3% in children from Brazil [66] and 40.4% in a rural community in Venezuela [56].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies in Latin America have shown prevalences up to 40% depending on the region and population group [66]. For instance, D. fragilis has been found in 15% of asymptomatic individuals [55] and 10.3% in children from Brazil [66] and 40.4% in a rural community in Venezuela [56].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

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Molecular diagnosis of intestinal protozoa in young adults and their pets in Colombia, South America

Potes-Morales

Crespo-Ortiz

2023

PLoS ONE

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Intestinal parasitic infections have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the increased incidence worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms cause impaired work capacity in adults and delayed rate growth in children. Enteric infections of unknown etiology can often lead to misdiagnosis, increased transmission, and morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a young adult population and their pets. Stool samples from 139 university students and 44 companion animals were subjected to microscopy diagnosis using wet mounts, concentration by zinc sulphate flotation and staining techniques (Kinyoun and trichrome stain). Molecular diagnosis of protozoa was also performed by conventional PCR. The mean age was 24 years, 54% individuals were female, 46% were men, and 66% had at least one pet. The overall prevalence for at least one parasite was 74.8% and the rate of polyparasitism was 37.5%. Eighty-three patients (59.7%) were positive for Blastocystis spp., followed by Cryptosporidium spp. 24.5%, Endolimax nana 13.6%, Entamoeba dispar/E. moshkovskii 7.8% and Giardia intestinalis 1.4%. Molecular diagnosis substantially improved Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. detection and allowed to distinguish E. histolytica from commensals in the Entamoeba complex. Student’s pets were also examined for parasitism. Samples from 27 dogs, 15 cats, one rabbit and one hen were analyzed, and parasites were detected in 30 (68.2%) as follows: Cryptosporidium spp. (24) Giardia spp. (4), hookworm (3), Endolimax nana (2) and Toxoplasma gondii (1). Overall, university students showed high prevalence of parasitism and polyparasitism suggesting exposure to parasite infected animals and contaminated environments. Cryptosporidium spp. was the predominant pathogen in human and domestic animals, and it was only detected by PCR, pointing out the need for sensitive tests in diagnosis and surveillance. Control strategies to prevent the effects of parasitic infections in young population should consider pets as reservoirs and transmission source.

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Investigation of intestinal parasites by conventional and molecular methods in children with gastrointestinal system complaints

Özkan-Ahmetoğlu¹,

Demirel

Taşar³

et al. 2023

Parasitol Res

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Background and aims:Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem that causes morbidity and mortality, especially in children living in rural areas. In this study, stool samples of pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints were examined by conventional and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Methods:A total of 100 pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints and 50 healthy children were included in the study. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined by direct microscopic examination (native-Lugol method), formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, Kinyoun's acid-fast staining, and Wheatley trichrome staining methods. Real-time PCR was used for the detection of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilisin the stool samples. Sanger sequencing was used to identify Blastocystissp. subtypes. Results:One or more intestinal parasites were found in 12% (n=100) of the patient group and 1% (n=50) of the control group using conventional techniques. By using real-time PCR, Blastocystis sp. was discovered in 14% (14/100) of the patient group and 4% (4/50) of the control group. There was no signi cant difference in the frequency of Blastocystis sp. between the two groups. The most prevalent Blastocystissubtype was ST1 and the most frequent allele was a2 among the samples successfully ampli ed and sequenced. D. fragilis was detected in 17% (17/100) of the patient group and 8% (4/50) of the control group by real-time PCR. The prevalence of D. fragiliswas not signi cantly different between the patient and control groups, as well. Conclusions:Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis were found in high prevalence in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints in this study. Although the role of these protists as a pathogen in humans is still controversial, it is supposed to the presence of the parasites are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. More case-control studies are needed to understand the pathogenic or commensal role of these parasites on the intestinal microbiota, especially in both patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy individuals.

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Prevalence and genetic characterization of Dientamoeba fragilis in asymptomatic children attending daycare centers

Cited by 8 publications

References 29 publications

No evidence of pathogenicity of Dientamoeba fragilis following detection in stools: A case-control study

No evidence of pathogenicity of Dientamoeba fragilis following detection in stools: A case-control study

Molecular diagnosis of intestinal protozoa in young adults and their pets in Colombia, South America

Investigation of intestinal parasites by conventional and molecular methods in children with gastrointestinal system complaints

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