Comparison of direct fecal smear microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Blastocystis sp. in human stool samples

Santos, Herbert J.; Rivera, Windell L.

doi:10.1016/s1995-7645(13)60138-8

Cited by 29 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Indeed, in vitro culture of Blastocystis spp. as well as nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using DNA extracted from human stool samples have been described to generally display more positive cases than direct microscopy or standard PCR [31][32]. Also, the controversial results observed among different studies (including the present study) might be due to the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic genotypes.…”

Section: Limitations Of the Studymentioning

confidence: 63%

Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

Jupsa-Mbiandou

Fosso

Bille

et al. 2018

J Infect Dev Ctries

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Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

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Section: Limitations Of the Studymentioning

confidence: 63%

Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

Jupsa-Mbiandou

Fosso

Bille

et al. 2018

J Infect Dev Ctries

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“…This study determined the prevalence of Blastocystis using culture and light microscopy techniques and its association with various factors using univariate and multivariate analyses. Culture method was preferred because of its higher sensitivity and specificity compared to direct fecal smear microscopy [ 27 ] and stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [ 28 , 29 ]. Santos and Rivera [ 28 ] considered in vitro culture as the gold standard in detecting Blastocystis cells and reported sensitivity of the following methods: 19.4% for direct fecal smear method, 19.4% for PCR from stool, and 66.7% for PCR from Blastocystis culture.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Culture method was preferred because of its higher sensitivity and specificity compared to direct fecal smear microscopy [ 27 ] and stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [ 28 , 29 ]. Santos and Rivera [ 28 ] considered in vitro culture as the gold standard in detecting Blastocystis cells and reported sensitivity of the following methods: 19.4% for direct fecal smear method, 19.4% for PCR from stool, and 66.7% for PCR from Blastocystis culture. However, in vitro culture is a selective technique; it is affected by the composition of medium used and the protocol applied in cultivation [ 28 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiologic Study ofBlastocystisInfection in an Urban Community in the Philippines

Belleza¹,

Cadacio²,

Borja³

et al. 2015

Journal of Environmental and Public Health

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Blastocystis has been considered as the most common intestinal parasite in humans and has an augmented impact on public health. However, the prevalence of this parasite in the Philippines has not been determined. To contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this infection, a cross-sectional study aimed at providing the first documented data on the prevalence and correlates, sociodemographic factors, hygiene practices, source of water supply, and dog ownership, associated with Blastocystis infection was carried out in randomly selected communities at Pateros, Metro Manila. Fecal samples from respondents were collected and cultured in diphasic agar medium for 3–7 days and examined using light microscopy. Of the 1,271 respondents, 12.98% (95% CI: 11.13–14.83) were detected positive for Blastocystis. Among the correlates of Blastocystis infection, dog ownership was found significantly associated as confirmed by multivariate analysis. Therefore, this factor should be considered in information to create awareness about Blastocystis and to prevent and control Blastocystis infection in particular and diarrheal diseases in general. Further studies using molecular approaches to distinguish subtype and to determine genetic characteristics of isolates from humans and dogs are recommended to analyze their relationship and provide more conclusive evidence of cross-transmission.

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“…Repeated studies have shown that the overall positivity of routine microscopy and culture of stool samples from symptomatic individuals are poor compared to conventional PCR. Selected references in the reference list demonstrate this finding (Morgan, Paillart, & Thompson, 1998;Santos & Rivera, 2013;Stensvold & Nielsen, 2012). The need for comprehensive screening assays in both outbreak settings and routine clinical investigation has therefore been recognised and the latter developed and used in a number of settings (Liu et al, 2013(Liu et al, , 2014Pholwat et al, 2015).…”

Section: Gastrointestinal Tacsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-Density TaqMan® Array Cards for the Detection of Pathogens

Heaney

Rolfe

Gleadall

et al. 2015

Methods in Microbiology

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Comparison of direct fecal smear microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Blastocystis sp. in human stool samples

Abstract: In this study, in vitro culture is the best method for detecting Blastocystis sp. in human stool samples.

Cited by 29 publications

References 20 publications

Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

Epidemiologic Study ofBlastocystisInfection in an Urban Community in the Philippines

Low-Density TaqMan® Array Cards for the Detection of Pathogens

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