Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV-positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis-subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA), to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis-carriers.

Results

Blastocystis

SUBMITTER: Fontanelli Sulekova L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6805496 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature