Relationship Among Blastocystis, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio and Chronic Stress in Mexican University Students

Abstract

The role played by Blastocystis in humans has been a subject of discussion due to its intestinal effects and modifications in the intestinal microbiota. We aimed to analyze the relationship between Blastocystis subtypes ST1-4 and 7, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) of fecal microbiota, and chronic stress in university students. This study had a cross-sectional design with a sample of 202 students. We analyzed fecal and hair samples, and stress inventories were applied to the students. The results showed a frequency of Blastocystis-colonized students of 52.97%. Regarding fecal microbiota, a median RAU of 0.801 for Firmicutes and 0.82 of Bacteroidetes were obtained, with an F/B ratio of 0.83. A low F/B ratio (66.04%) was more frequent in Blastocystis-colonized students, whereas a high F/B ratio (68.09%) (p = < 0.0001) was found in the Blastocystis-non-colonized. Only Blastocystis ST3 did not significantly correlate with a low F/B ratio (p = 0.290). The ST4 was associated with lower values of cortisol (p = 0.030), psychological stress (p = 0.040), and lower frequency of constipation (p = 0.010). Only two students with the ST1 had abdominal pain (p = 0.007). Our results suggest that colonization by Blastocystis subtypes can modify the intestinal microbiota due to a decreased ratio between the two most representative phyla (F/B). Also, the results of this study show that ST4 colonization is related to a lower level of chronic stress. Graphical abstract

Liposomes Co‐Delivering Curcumin and Colistin to Overcome Colistin Resistance in Bacterial Infections

“…Interestingly, the relative abundance of bacteria in the Lipo‐cc‐treated group was very similar to that in the untreated group, whereas the Col group (Col) showed a significantly different pattern of intestinal microflora because of the greatly increased abundance of Firmicutes . The ratio of Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes (F/B) has been used as a biomarker of chronic stress, [ 26 ] obesity, [ 27 ] malnutrition, [ 26 ] inflammation, [ 28 ] and other diseases, and the increase of this ratio indicates the occurrence of intestinal ecological disorders. Compared with the untreated control group, the increase in the F/B value in the Col group indicated that the abundance of microbiota changed significantly and intestinal ecological disorders occurred (Figure 6D).…”

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

“…The majority of studies conducted in young adults has been performed using only conventional microscopy except those in Mexican students focused on molecular diagnosis and typing of Blastocystis spp. [ 15 , 35 ].…”

“…in Mexican students where Blastocystis spp. prevalence was 47% and 53% respectively, using microscopy and molecular approaches [ 15 , 35 ]. Although Blastocystis spp.…”

“…Blastocystis spp. has been found colonizing over 1 billion people around the world and its role in host microbiota interactions and other gut health conditions remains to be elucidated [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Diet Profile in Asymptomatic University Students of FACSA Cohort Colonized by Blastocystis: Brief Report

“…This group of patients can meet their nutritional needs with legumes due to the high amount of protein, fibre, iron, folate, and potassium [38]; furthermore, legumes have low-fat content (in almost all cases), as well as low sodium and glycemic index, absence of cholesterol and gluten [39], which could influence the association with Blastocystis. Additionally, legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans, are rich in fibre resistant to digestion that increases the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which are produced by gut microbial fermentation [22]. Recent evidence suggests that dietary fibre and gut microbialderived SCFAs exert multiple beneficial effects on the host´s energy metabolism by improving the intestinal environment [34], also promoting the secretion of the intestinal mucosa, and reducing intestinal permeability.…”