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Higher amoebic and metronidazole resistant forms of Blastocystis sp. seen in schizophrenic patients

Freddy Franklin1,2, Arutchelvan Rajamanikam1,2, Chandramathi Samudi Raju2

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.

Parasites & Vectors
|September 5, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blastocystis sp. in schizophrenia patients exhibits altered growth, morphology, and drug resistance compared to non-schizophrenic individuals. These findings suggest the gut environment influences Blastocystis sp. phenotypes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Human Gut Microbiome Research
  • Schizophrenia Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Blastocystis sp. is a common human gut commensal with known interactions with gut bacteria.
  • Previous studies suggest Blastocystis sp. can be pathogenic and is prevalent in schizophrenia patients.
  • Phenotypic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in schizophrenia patients remain undescribed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. isolated from individuals with schizophrenia (SZ).
  • To compare the phenotype of Blastocystis sp. from SZ patients with that from non-schizophrenic (NS) individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples from 50 SZ and 100 NS individuals were screened for Blastocystis sp. using culture and PCR.
  • Positive isolates underwent genotypic (subtype analysis) and phenotypic characterization.
  • Phenotypic analyses included growth rate, cell morphology, drug resistance, cell surface glycoprotein expression, and protease activity.

Main Results:

  • Blastocystis sp. was detected in 24% of SZ individuals and 5% of NS individuals.
  • ST3 was the most prevalent subtype (66.7%) in SZ patients.
  • Isolates from SZ individuals showed slower growth, larger cell diameter, increased amoebic forms, metronidazole resistance, higher Concanavalin A binding, and elevated cysteine and serine protease levels compared to NS isolates.

Conclusions:

  • Blastocystis sp. from SZ patients exhibits distinct phenotypic variations, including altered morphology and drug resistance.
  • The gut environment in schizophrenia and potential treatments may influence Blastocystis sp. phenotype.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical implications of these phenotypic changes.
Keywords:
AmoebicBlastocystisMetronidazole resistantSchizophrenia

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