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The human gut protist Blastocystis, the most common inhabitant, significantly alters gut bacteria diversity and function. This occurs even in healthy individuals, suggesting Blastocystis acts as an ecosystem engineer influencing the microbiome.

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Area of Science:

  • Human Microbiome Research
  • Gut Ecology
  • Protist-Bacteria Interactions

Background:

  • Blastocystis is the most common human gut protist, found in up to 100% of some populations.
  • Its association with disease is known, but its role in asymptomatic individuals and its impact on the gut microbiome remain unclear.
  • Previous studies suggested Blastocystis presence correlates with bacterial changes, but inflammation's role was confounding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of asymptomatic Blastocystis colonization on the fecal bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota.
  • To determine if Blastocystis presence directly influences gut microbial composition and function in the absence of disease.
  • To explore the subclinical immune consequences of Blastocystis colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fecal bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota in 156 asymptomatic adults from a rural Mexican population.
  • Sequencing of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) to identify bacterial and eukaryotic species.
  • Prediction of metabolic pathways using PICRUSt and measurement of fecal short-chain fatty acids and calprotectin.

Main Results:

  • Blastocystis colonization was associated with increased bacterial alpha diversity and significant shifts in beta diversity.
  • Differential abundance of over 230 bacterial OTUs, including Prevotella copri and Ruminococcus bromii.
  • Reduced fecal concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and propionate, and decreased fecal calprotectin levels were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Asymptomatic Blastocystis colonization directly alters the gut bacterial and eukaryotic microbiome composition and function.
  • These shifts occur independently of gastrointestinal disease or inflammation, suggesting Blastocystis acts as an 'ecosystem engineer'.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of Blastocystis and other gut protists in shaping the human microbiome.