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Blastocystis sp. Carriage and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Is the Association Already Established?
Fernando Salvador1, Beatriz Lobo2, Lidia Goterris3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Pº Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
The aim of the present study is to describe the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. detection among asymptomatic subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome in order to evaluate the potential association between irritable bowel syndrome and the parasitic infection.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study where adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria were included. A control group was formed by asymptomatic subjects older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria were: immunosuppressive condition or having received any drug with demonstrated activity against Blastocystis sp. within the last 6 months before study inclusion. Epidemiological and clinical information was collected from all included participants. Two stool samples were obtained from all participants: one sample for microscopic examination and one sample for Blastocystis sp. PCR detection. Blastocystis sp. infection was defined by the positivity of any of the diagnostic techniques.
Results:
Seventy-two participants were included (36 asymptomatic subjects and 36 patients with irritable bowel syndrome). Thirty-five (48.6%) were men, and median age of participants was 34 (IQR 29-49) years. The overall rate of Blastocystis sp. carriage was 27.8% (20/72). The prevalence assessed through microscopic examination was 22.2% (16/72), while the prevalence measured by PCR was 15.3% (11/72). When comparing the presence of Blastocystis sp. between asymptomatic subjects and IBS patients, we did not find any statistically significant difference (36.1% vs. 19.4% respectively, p = 0.114).
Conclusions:
regarding the occurrence of Blastocystis sp., no differences were found between asymptomatic participants and patients with irritable bowel disease irrespective of the diagnostic technique performed.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in Blastocystis sp. detection rates between asymptomatic individuals and those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Blastocystis parasite carriage was observed in both groups, suggesting no direct association with IBS.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder.
- Blastocystis sp. is a frequently detected intestinal parasite.
- The association between Blastocystis sp. and IBS remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in patients with IBS compared to asymptomatic individuals.
- To evaluate the potential link between Blastocystis sp. infection and IBS development.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 36 IBS patients (Rome IV criteria) and 36 asymptomatic adults.
- Exclusion criteria included immunosuppression or recent anti-Blastocystis medication.
- Stool samples were analyzed using microscopy and PCR for Blastocystis sp. detection.
Main Results:
- Overall Blastocystis sp. carriage rate was 27.8%.
- Microscopic examination detected 22.2% prevalence, while PCR detected 15.3%.
- No statistically significant difference in Blastocystis sp. detection was found between IBS patients (19.4%) and asymptomatic subjects (36.1%), with p=0.114.
Conclusions:
- The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. did not differ between asymptomatic individuals and IBS patients.
- Diagnostic technique did not alter the observed lack of association.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of Blastocystis sp. in gastrointestinal health.
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