Virus-like particles in a Blastocystis species from the sea-snake, Lapemis hardwickii

Teow, W.L.; Ho, L. C.; Ng, G. C.; Chan, Yee Cheun; Yap, E. H.; Chan, Peggie; Howe, J.; Zaman, V.; Singh, Mulkit

doi:10.1016/0020-7519(92)90065-s

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The pathogenicity of ST4 was also hypothesized by Stensvold et al [ 48 ] in a short report in 2011. The explanations for pathogenicity may include intra-subtype differences in Blastocystis protease activity, variations in intestinal microbiota of the individual host, and a symbiotic role for viruses associated with Blastocystis , which can interact to mediate host colonization and Blastocystis virulence [ 49 , 50 ]. Also, the presence of gut microbiota seems to be essential for the pathogenic expression of enteric protozoan such as Blastocystis .…”

Section: Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity Of Blastocystimentioning

confidence: 99%

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Lepczyńska

Białkowska

Dzika

et al. 2017

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis

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Blastocystis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples. This parasite is recognized and diagnosed more often than ever before. Furthermore, some strains develop resistance against currently recommended drugs, such as metronidazole; therefore, the use of natural remedies or special diets has many positive aspects that may address this problem. The goal of this review is to compare natural treatments and various diets against the efficacy of drugs, and describe their influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, which affects Blastocystis growth and the occurrence of symptoms. This article reviews important work in the literature, including the classification, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, genetics, biology, and treatment of Blastocystis. It also includes a review of the current knowledge about human gut microbiota and various diets proposed for Blastocystis eradication. The literature has revealed that garlic, ginger, some medical plants, and many spices contain the most effective organic compounds for parasite eradication. They work by inhibiting parasitic enzymes and nucleic acids, as well as by inhibiting protein synthesis. The efficacy of any specific organic compound depends on the Blastocystis subtype, and, consequently, on its immunity to treatment. In conclusion, the article discusses the findings that human gut microbiota composition triggers important mechanisms at the molecular level, and, thus, has a crucial influence on the parasitic pathogenicity.

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Section: Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity Of Blastocystimentioning

confidence: 99%

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Lepczyńska

Białkowska

Dzika

et al. 2017

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis

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“…Alteration of cellular physiology and biochemistry as a result of laboratory culture and other physical conditions needs to be investigated more thoroughly and must be clarified before conclusions about the validity of information obtained from B. hominis in vitro can be reached. The presence of endosymbionts (176,178,235) and virus-like particles (176,195) in Blastocystis spp. may result in significantly altered cellular characteristics, indicating that further caution is warranted when performing biochemical, molecular, or cytochemical analyses.…”

Section: Biochemistry and Cytochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Blastocystis hominis revisited

1996

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Blastocystis hominis is a unicellular organism found commonly in the intestinal tract of humans and many other animals. Very little is known of the basic biology of the organism, and controversy surrounds its taxonomy and pathogenicity. There morphological forms (vacuolar, granular, and ameboid) have been recognized, but recent studies have revealed several additional forms (cyst, avacuolar, and multivacuolar). The biochemistry of the organism has not been studied to any extent, and organelles and structures of unknown function and composition are present in the cells. Several life cycles have been proposed but not experimentally validated. The form used for transmission has not been defined. Infections with the organism are worldwide and appear in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient individuals. Symptoms generally attributed to B. hominis infection are nonspecific, and the need for treatment is debated. If treatment appears warranted, metronidazole is suggested as the drug of choice, although failures of this drug in eradicating the organism have been reported. Infection is diagnosed by light microscopic examination of stained smears or wet mounts of fecal material. Most laboratories identify B. hominis by observing the vacuolar form, although morphological studies indicate that other forms, such as the cyst form and multivacuolar form, also should be sought for diagnosis.

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“…8,11,12,38,64 To date, little is known about why certain subtypes cause urticaria only in certain groups of patients. Probable explanations may include intra-subtype differences in protease activity, 58 variations in intestinal microbiota among individual hosts, and the symbiotic role of viruses associated with Blastocystis, 65 which can interact to mediate host colonization and Blastocystis virulence. In this sense, the presence of gut microbiota seems to be essential for the pathogenic expression of enteric protozoa such as Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and different species of Eimeria and Giardia.…”

Section: Influence Of the Morphologic Forms Of Blastocystis On Urticamentioning

confidence: 99%

Mysterious chronic urticaria caused by Blastocystis spp.?

2015

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Species of the genus Blastocystis, which are single-cell, intestinal protozoan parasites of humans and animals, remain mysterious, with unclear clinical and epidemiologic significance. In recent years, many researchers have suggested a possible connection between Blastocystis spp. infection and chronic urticaria. In the present article, we review the literature and discuss the possible associations between the clinical symptomatology and pathogenicity of this organism in terms of its subtypes, morphologic forms, genetic diversity, and interactions with other intestinal microbiota.

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Virus-like particles in a Blastocystis species from the sea-snake, Lapemis hardwickii

Cited by 12 publications

References 13 publications

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Blastocystis hominis revisited

Mysterious chronic urticaria caused by Blastocystis spp.?

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