Intestinal protozoa in celiac disease: Detection and phylogenetic characterization.
Merve Yürük1, Emrah Erdoğan1, Eda Sivcan1
1Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.
Tropical Parasitology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Celiac disease (CD) may be linked to intestinal protozoan parasites like Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis. This study found a significant association between these parasites and CD, particularly in female patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy.
- Parasitic infections are potential co-factors in CD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites in celiac disease patients.
- Evaluate genetic variation of identified parasites using phylogenetic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 74 CD patients were screened for 8 protozoan species using microscopy, serology, qPCR, and DNA sequencing.
- Phylogenetic and statistical analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis positivity were significantly associated with CD (P=0.005).
- Parasite positivity rates were higher in female patients.
- Sequence analysis revealed three subtypes with high similarity to previous isolates but with nucleotide-level variations.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal protozoan parasites may contribute to CD via immune mechanisms.
- The altered intestinal environment in CD might increase susceptibility to parasite colonization.
- Findings suggest a potential association between CD and specific intestinal protozoan parasites.
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