Occurrence and ultrastructural surface of Blastocystis isolated from water sources in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia
A O Attah1,2, K Y Ong1, A Sanggari1
1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous waterborne parasite that has been implicated in some disease conditions including colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, and its surface coat characteristics have been associated with its pathogenicity. Although the morphology of Blastocystis isolates from human and animal sources have been studied, there is a paucity of data on the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis isolated from water sources. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the occurrence and the ultrastructural surface of Blastocystis isolates from several water sources in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. A total of 12 water samples were collected, namely, Pinang River and USM Harapan Lake all in Penang, whereas Lata Bayu Waterfall in Baling and UniSHAMS Lake, Kuala Ketil in Kedah. These were examined for Blastocystis by centrifugation and in vitro cultivation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy were employed to study the morphological characteristics and the surface ultrastructure of the parasite. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to obtain the subtypes (ST) of the positive Blastocystis isolates. The result revealed 25.0% (3/12) contamination with Blastocystis in which ST1, ST2, and an unknown ST (with a high similarity to ST1) were detected in water samples from the upstream, downstream, and midstream, respectively of Pinang River. Our study also revealed similarities in the sizes of the isolates from different river points, which were notably more diminutive compared to the sizes of the parasites observed in existing data from human and animal isolates. The surface characteristics showed a collection of single and dividing cells with smooth, folded surfaces enclosed in a film-like layer. Additionally, there were roundish, irregularly shaped cells with rough surfaces, and a woolly appearance. This study has added to our knowledge of the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis and its possible contribution to the pathogenicity of the parasite.
Insights
This study found Blastocystis parasites in Malaysian water sources, revealing unique surface structures and smaller sizes compared to human isolates. These findings enhance understanding of Blastocystis pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Parasitology
- Microbial ultrastructure
Background:
- Blastocystis is a common waterborne parasite linked to diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Its surface characteristics are associated with pathogenicity, but data on waterborne isolates is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis in water sources in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia.
- To characterize the morphology and subtypes of environmental Blastocystis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected and analyzed for Blastocystis using centrifugation and in vitro cultivation.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy were used for ultrastructural analysis.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified Blastocystis subtypes (ST).
Main Results:
- Blastocystis contamination was found in 25% of water samples, with subtypes ST1, ST2, and an unknown ST detected.
- Isolates from water sources were smaller than those reported from human and animal sources.
- SEM revealed diverse surface features, including smooth, folded, and rough surfaces with a film-like layer or woolly appearance.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into the surface ultrastructure of environmental Blastocystis isolates.
- The observed ultrastructural characteristics may contribute to the pathogenicity of Blastocystis.
- Further research is needed to correlate these findings with disease causation.
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