Use of next-generation amplicon sequencing to study Blastocystis genetic diversity in a rural human population from Mexico

Abstract

BackgroundThe intestinal parasite Blastocystis is found in humans and animals around the world. It is spread through the consumption of contaminated food and water and has been associated with a variety of intestinal symptoms. Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans, yet its prevalence and distribution in humans in North America is not well characterized.MethodsNext-generation amplicon sequencing of a region of the Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene was applied to DNA extracted from fecal specimens obtained from 182 inhabitants of a rural population in Mexico to characterize Blastocystis prevalence, subtype distribution, and intra-host subtype diversity in humans.ResultsOf the 182 samples tested in this study, 68.1% (124) contained one or more Blastocystis subtypes. Subtype 3 was the most common subtype observed and was found in 81.5% of the positive samples. Subtype 1, 16.9% of the positive samples, and subtype 2, 17.7% of the positive samples, were also found in this population. Mixed infections were observed in 13.7% of the positive samples. In this population, the odds of having Blastocystis increased in adulthood (> 15 years; OR: 1.72, P < 0.0001), and the odds of having subtype 1 increased in the presence of farm animals (OR: 1.51, P = 0.03). The odds of having subtype 1, subtype 2, or a mixed infection decreased in the presence of cement flooring (OR: − 1.61, P = 0.005; OR: − 1.14, P = 0.03; OR: − 1.48, P = 0.02) possibly indicating socioeconomic factors are involved in the risk of acquiring one of these subtypes.ConclusionsThese data contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of Blastocystis infection in humans and can be used to shape future studies which aim to better characterize the transmission pathways and health outcomes of Blastocystis infections.

Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Senegalese School Children

“…is thus much lower in industrialized countries than in lower-income geographical areas [ 5 ]. For instance, it reaches 10 to 20% in European countries [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] but can largely exceed 40–50% in various African [ 12 , 13 ], Asian [ 14 , 15 ], and American countries [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Blastocystis sp. Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution amongst Syrian Refugee Communities Living in North Lebanon

“…The transmission of Blastocystis sp. is thus naturally favored by the precarious sanitary and hygienic conditions encountered in certain populations with low level of sanitation, particularly in African, Asian, or American developing countries [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. On the other hand, the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp.…”

Use of Oxford Nanopore MinION to generate full-length sequences of the Blastocystis small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene

“…Infection with Blastocystis in humans has been linked to gastrointestinal illnesses and/or urticaria [ 5 , 6 ]. However, the pathogenicity of Blastocystis remains a topic of some controversy as asymptomatic infection is also commonly reported [ 7 , 8 ]. Blastocystis transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route.…”