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Mysterious chronic urticaria caused by Blastocystis spp.?
Małgorzata Lepczyńska1, Wen-Chieh Chen2,3, Ewa Dzika1
1Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland.
International Journal of Dermatology
|October 16, 2015
Summary
Blastocystis parasites in the gut are linked to chronic urticaria. This review explores the organism
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Human Microbiome Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite with unknown clinical significance.
- A potential association between Blastocystis infection and chronic urticaria has been proposed.
- Understanding Blastocystis pathogenicity is crucial for its clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between Blastocystis spp. and chronic urticaria.
- To discuss the factors influencing Blastocystis pathogenicity, including subtypes and genetic diversity.
- To explore the role of Blastocystis in the context of the intestinal microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Blastocystis and chronic urticaria.
- Analysis of data on Blastocystis subtypes, morphologic forms, and genetic diversity.
- Discussion of host-parasite interactions and microbiota influences.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a possible link between Blastocystis infection and chronic urticaria symptoms.
- Blastocystis exhibits significant genetic diversity and various morphologic forms.
- Interactions with other gut microbes may modulate Blastocystis pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Blastocystis spp. infection is a potential contributing factor to chronic urticaria.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of Blastocystis-induced urticaria.
- Understanding Blastocystis diversity and interactions is key to assessing its clinical impact.
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