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Investigation of Blastocystis spp. in patients with inflammatory bowel disease by direct microscopy and molecular
Şentürkoğlu Feride1, Samadzade Rugıyya1, Korkmaz Hüseyin2
1Selçuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Konya, Turkey.
Background:
Blastocystis spp. is a single-celled, eukaryotic protozoan parasite that lives in the intestinal tract of human and animal hosts.
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Blastocystis spp.
Methods:
Crohn's disease (n:25), Ulcerative Colitis patients (n:30) and healthy individuals (n:30) included into the study. Stool samples were investigated by direct microscopic examination and real time PCR method.
Results:
Blastocystis spp. was detected in five (16.6%) of Ulcerative Colitis, one (4%) of Crohn's disease, and one (3.3%) of the healthy control group by direct microscopy. Blastocystis spp. DNA was detected in seven (23.3%) of Ulcerative Colitis, one (4%) of Crohn's disease and one (3.3%) of the healthy control group by real time PCR method.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was found to be higher in Ulcerative Colitis patients (23.3%) than in Crohn's disease (4%) and healthy controls (3.3%). According to these results, it has been shown that there may be a possible relationship between Ulcerative Colitis and Blastocystis spp.
Insights
Blastocystis spp. is more prevalent in Ulcerative Colitis patients than in Crohn's disease or healthy individuals. This suggests a potential link between Blastocystis and Ulcerative Colitis, warranting further investigation into this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Blastocystis spp. is a common eukaryotic protozoan parasite residing in the human and animal intestinal tract.
- Understanding the role of Blastocystis in gastrointestinal health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and the presence of Blastocystis spp.
- To compare Blastocystis prevalence in IBD patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from patients with Crohn's disease (n=25), Ulcerative Colitis (n=30), and healthy controls (n=30).
- Samples were analyzed using direct microscopic examination and real-time PCR for Blastocystis spp. detection.
Main Results:
- Blastocystis spp. was detected in 16.6% of Ulcerative Colitis patients and 4% of Crohn's disease patients by microscopy.
- Real-time PCR identified Blastocystis spp. in 23.3% of Ulcerative Colitis patients, 4% of Crohn's disease patients, and 3.3% of healthy controls.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in Ulcerative Colitis patients (23.3%) compared to Crohn's disease (4%) and healthy controls (3.3%).
Conclusions:
- The higher prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in Ulcerative Colitis patients suggests a potential association.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific relationship and potential role of Blastocystis in the pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis.
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