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Virus-like particles in Blastocystis sp. from simian faecal material

D J Stenzel1, P F Boreham

  • 1Analytical Electron Microscopy Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. dstenzel@qut.edu.au

International Journal for Parasitology
|March 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Virus-like particles were found in Blastocystis sp. from monkeys. This is the first in situ identification of these particles within Blastocystis, observed via transmission electron microscopy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Primatology

Background:

  • Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan parasite found in humans and animals.
  • The presence and nature of virus-like particles (VLPs) within Blastocystis have been poorly understood.
  • Understanding VLPs in Blastocystis could offer insights into parasite biology and host-parasite interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and morphology of virus-like particles within Blastocystis sp. from non-human primates.
  • To document the initial in situ observation of VLPs in Blastocystis.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples from two Macaca fascicularis monkeys were analyzed.
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to examine the ultrastructure of Blastocystis.
  • Morphological characteristics of observed particles were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Virus-like particles were identified within the cytoplasm of Blastocystis sp.
  • Two distinct morphological types of VLPs were observed.
  • Particle type 1 measured approximately 55-60 nm in diameter with a 30 nm core.
  • Particle type 2 measured approximately 200 nm in diameter with a 100 nm core.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first report of in situ virus-like particles in Blastocystis.
  • The findings suggest the presence of potentially novel viral agents or endogenous viral elements within Blastocystis.
  • Further research is warranted to characterize these VLPs and their biological significance.

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