Detection and Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis Species in Polish Soldiers Stationed in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

Blastocystis species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders. Soldiers participating in military missions are particularly vulnerable to infection with this protozoa. The present study used molecular methods to detect, identify, and subtype (ST) Blastocystis sp. in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Fecal samples were collected from 192 soldiers on arrival and after four months of stay. After DNA extraction, the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. The DNA of Blastocystis sp. was detected in six (3.13%) and thirty (15.16%) samples in the first and second batch, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed infections with ST 2, 3, 4, and 7. There was no statistical association between Blastocystis sp. infection and the parasite’s ST or the age or rank of soldiers. The results indicate that the visit to a new environment and prolonged stay in the area of military operation in Kosovo resulted in a significant increase in both Blastocystis sp. infections and ST diversity among surveyed soldiers. This shows the need to undertake appropriate countermeasures to reduce Blastocystis infections in the military environment abroad.

Blastocystis spp. and Other Intestinal Parasites in Polish Soldiers Deployed to Lebanon and Iraq

“…infection was found in ~15%, although it needs to be stressed that only direct stool examination was used [16]. A similar prevalence was observed in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo (Southern Europe) [41]. A twofold higher prevalence of Blastocystis spp.…”

“…in the gut [ 51 , 52 ]. The presence of ST4 and ST7 has been reported in soldiers on peacekeeping missions in southern Europe [ 41 ]. The authors noted that ST7 is more frequently detected in Asia than in Europe and has a greater avian zoonotic potential.…”

Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases

“…The current Special Issue has therefore become not only a collection that shows the diverse nature of the research issues in contemporary parasitology, but also a platform for discussion on the possibilities of using various methods from the field of molecular biology [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. The area has recently been subject to an enormous growth in research and, as such, its status requires constant updating and specialized verification; hence, review studies critically analyzing the current state of the knowledge in this area are also invaluable.…”

“…Molecular methods have revolutionized a number of parasitological specialisms, including the study of single-celled organisms, which were previously difficult to detect and identify due to their microscopic size and the small range of features they have that are useful in taxonomic studies based on morphoanatomy [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. These methods can be used in a wide spectrum of research, such as population studies aiming to detect parasites and estimate the frequency of their occurrence in various human populations and communities, thus monitoring changes and detecting new threats [ 47 ]. One such study employed molecular methods to detect and identify Blastocystis sp.…”

“…in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Research has shown that a longer stay in a new environment can result in a significant increase in infection; these findings may further the development of prevention procedures [ 47 ]. In terms of environmental monitoring, research related to the detection of parasites in various reservoir hosts is also important.…”