Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women

Abstract

Background Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women. Methods The study included 425 women aged 45–60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Results Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.

The influence of plant extracts on viability of ST3 and ST7 subtypes of Blastocystis sp.

“…It is suggested that ST3 is the most human-specific subtype and is primarily transmitted among people (due to human-to-human transmission) [ 63 ]. In Poland, ST3 is the most prevalent subtype in both, males and females, in various age groups as well as in those traveling outside Europe and the patients who never left their country [ 2 , 3 ]. Regarding ST7 it is considered an avian subtype because of its higher frequency in animals, including livestock, and its relative predominance in birds, both wild and farmed [ 64 ].…”

“…Positive PCR products were purified using Clean-Up (A&A Biotechnology, Poland) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The entire procedure of DNA extraction from feces, the PCR method was described previously by Kosik-Bogacka et al [ 2 ].…”

“…is an obligate anaerobic protozoan transmitted via the fecal–oral route, which can colonize the human large intestine. It is estimated that over 1 billion people around the world are infected with this parasite [ 1 , 2 ]. In Poland, the prevalence of this parasite is in the range of 1–23.6% [ 3 ].…”

Commensal Intestinal Protozoa—Underestimated Members of the Gut Microbial Community

“…Historically, Blastocystis was predominantly characterized as a parasitic protozoa [ 53 ], but conflicting results regarding its pathogenic potential and clinical significance have emerged in several studies [ 40 ]. Blastocystis has been associated with the etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ] and IBD [ 58 ]. In contrast, other cohort studies have found no correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and the presence of Blastocystis, either in healthy subjects or IBS patients [ 59 , 60 ].…”

Prevalence of Blastocystis in Geese Reproductive Flocks

“…The most prevalent subtypes in Polish people are 1-3 and 7, with a low (6-10%) prevalence. European people are generally infected by Blastocystis subtypes 1-4 [17,18]. In Polish chickens, subtypes 5-7 were noted [19].…”