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Subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolates identified in a Sydney population and pathogenic potential of

T Roberts1, D Stark, J Harkness

  • 1Department of Microbiology, SydPath, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St., Darlinghurst, 2010 NSW, Australia. troberts@stvincents.com.au

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study identified seven Blastocystis subtypes in Australian stool samples, finding subtype 3 to be most common. The research explores the link between Blastocystis subtypes and potential disease symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Blastocystis is a common human enteric parasite with uncertain pathogenicity.
  • Pathogenicity may be linked to specific Blastocystis subtypes.
  • Understanding subtype distribution is crucial for assessing health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify Blastocystis subtypes in Australian human stool samples.
  • To perform phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis isolates.
  • To investigate the relationship between Blastocystis subtypes and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Screening 513 stool samples using five diagnostic techniques.
  • Detection and subtyping of Blastocystis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing of small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA).
  • Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced isolates.

Main Results:

  • Ninety-eight Blastocystis isolates were identified from 513 samples.
  • Seven subtypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8) were detected.
  • Subtype 3 was the most prevalent, found in 44% of isolates.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first large-scale study of Blastocystis subtypes in Australia.
  • High prevalence of subtype 3 suggests potential public health significance.
  • Further research is needed to confirm subtype-dependent pathogenicity and clinical correlations.

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