Analysis of Human Gut Microbiota Composition Associated to the Presence of Commensal and Pathogen Microorganisms in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: The human gut microbiota is a microbial ecosystem contributing to the maintenance of host health with functions related to immune and metabolic aspects. Relations between microbiota and enteric pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa are scarcely investigated. The present study explored gut microbiota composition associated to the presence of common enteric pathogens and commensal microorganisms, e.g., Blastocystis and Entamoeba species, in children and adults from semi-urban and non-urban localities in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Seventy-six stool samples were analyzed for microbiota composition by 16S rRDNA sequencing. The presence of adeno-, entero-, parechoviruses, bacterial and protozoal pathogens, Blastocystis, and commensal Entamoeba species, was analyzed by different molecular assays. Results: Twelve individuals resulted negative for any tested microorganisms, 64 subjects were positive for one or more microorganisms. Adenovirus, enterovirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Blastocystis were frequently detected. Conclusions: The bacterial composition driven by Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae confirmed the biotype related to the traditional dietary and cooking practices in low-income countries. Clear separation in UniFrac distance in subjects co-harboring Entamoeba hartmanni and Blastocystis was evidenced. Alpha diversity variation in negative control group versus only Blastocystis positive suggested its possible regulatory contribution on intestinal microbiota. Pathogenic bacteria and virus did not affect the positive outcome of co-harbored Blastocystis.

Detection, Molecular Identification and Transmission of the Intestinal Protozoa Blastocystis sp. in Guinea from a Large-Scale Epidemiological Study Conducted in the Conakry Area

“…infection and gastrointestinal disorders, raising again the question of the real pathogenic potential of this parasite, at least for a majority of the isolates, as previously discussed in details [18]. However, such a correlation can scarcely be demonstrated in surveys conducted in African countries whose populations are often co-colonized with other intestinal protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba, among others) [46,[50][51][52] that can cause the same digestive symptoms as those associated with Blastocystis sp. infection.…”

“…[47,50]. West Africa is the African region gathering most prevalence data, as several studies have been conducted in Côte d'Ivoire with a prevalence ranging from 58.2% to 87% [48,51,52], in Nigeria with a prevalence of 49% [39], 84% [45] and 55% [53], in Liberia with a prevalence of around 70% [39], in Senegal with a prevalence of 80.4% in the Saint-Louis area [39] and 100% in Podor district [8] and in Mali with a prevalence of 49.7% [54].…”

Pathogenicity and virulence of Entamoeba histolytica , the agent of amoebiasis

“…A successful parasite, surviving throughout the life of the host without damaging it, should be considered a commensal-like organism, but emerging notions point out that in complex ecosystems, commensals can disrupt homoeostasis. This is the case of the human intestinal ecosystem because the presence of non-virulent parasites can modify the composition of the microbiota [ 1 , 2 ] and consequently, they impact the nutritional and immune status of the host, without any sign of intestinal damage [ 3 , 4 ]. This complexity has led to the idea of naming eukaryotic intestinal microbes as symbionts, thus encompassing mutualists, commensals, and parasites [ 3 ] and, therefore, enriching perspectives for the study of host-microbial eukaryote interactions.…”

Binding of cationic analogues of α-MSH to lipopolysaccharide and disruption of the cytoplasmic membranes caused bactericidal action against Escherichia coli

“…Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is the most common GNB that usually present as harmless commensals of the gastrointestinal tract and forms part of the normal gut microbiota 6 . However, after prolonged exposure and under a stepwise selection of antibiotics, E. coli has developed resistance against various antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and β-lactams, and is now considered as one of the most difficult GNB pathogens to treat 7 – 9 .…”