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Blastocystis sp. subtype 5: a possibly zoonotic genotype
Yiming Yan1, Shuilian Su, Jinhua Ye
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gannan Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, People's Republic of China. Yanyiming2000@tom.com
Parasitology Research
|August 1, 2007
Summary
Zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 is supported by molecular evidence. Human and pig isolates of Blastocystis subtype 5 showed similar genetic profiles, suggesting animal-to-human transmission.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Zoonoses
Background:
- Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals.
- Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 was previously thought to be restricted to cattle and pigs.
- Previous studies indicated potential human infection with Blastocystis subtype 5 but failed to cultivate isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. subtype 5.
- To genetically characterize human and pig Blastocystis isolates.
- To compare Blastocystis subtypes found in humans and pigs in the same geographical area.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using sequence-tagged site (STS) primers for genotyping.
- Small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.
- In vitro cultivation and characterization of Blastocystis isolates.
Main Results:
- Two human Blastocystis isolates belonged to subtype 5, and one contained mixed subtypes 3 and 5.
- All 16 pig Blastocystis isolates belonged to subtype 5.
- RFLP analysis showed high similarity between human (non-mixed) and pig Blastocystis subtype 5 isolates.
- Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 overgrew subtype 5 in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Molecular data strongly support the zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 from pigs to humans.
- Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 can be successfully cultivated from human infections.
- Co-infection with multiple Blastocystis subtypes can occur in humans, with potential competitive exclusion in vitro.
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