Dataset Information

Frequency, subtypes distribution, and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. in COVID-19 patients in Tehran, capital of Iran: A case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent theories on the possible interactions between the intestinal parasites and COVID-19 have stated that these co-infections may cause immune imbalance and further complications in the affected patients. Until now, there is no data about Blastocystis subtypes as an intestinal parasite in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the present work was done to evaluate the molecular prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and related risk factors in Iranian patients with COVID-19.

Method

Stool samples were gathered from 200 COVID-19 patients and 200 control, being matched regarding age, gender and residence. Then, stool samples were surveyed by parasitological methods, including direct slide smear and formalin-ether concentration. In the following, PCR and sequencing were used to detect Blastocystis spp. and their subtypes.

Results

The frequency of Blastocystis spp. in patients with COVID-19 (7.5%; 15/200 by molecular method vs. 6%; 12/200 by microscopy method) was slightly higher than in individuals without COVID-19 (4.5%; 9/200 by molecular method vs. 4%; 8/200 by microscopy method), this difference was not statistically significant (P value = 0.57 for molecular method vs. P value = 0.81 for microscopy method). Regarding associated factors for Blastocystis spp., we found significant differences regarding the residence (rural), loose and watery stool with diarrhea, and duration of treatment (6 weeks <) in the COVID-19 group. Blastocystis ST3 was the most common subtype in the patients with COVID-19 and control group.

Conclusions

Based on this results, health education, improved sanitation and good personal hygiene are highly recommended to prevent Blastocystis in COVID-19 patients.

SUBMITTER: Taghipour A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9733120 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Frequency, subtypes distribution, and risk factors of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. in COVID-19 patients in Tehran, capital of Iran: A case-control study.

Taghipour Ali A Pirestani Majid M Hamidi Farahani Ramin R Barati Mohammad M Asadipoor Esfandiar E

New microbes and new infections 20221209

<h4>Background</h4>Recent theories on the possible interactions between the intestinal parasites and COVID-19 have stated that these co-infections may cause immune imbalance and further complications in the affected patients. Until now, there is no data about <i>Blastocystis</i> subtypes as an intestinal parasite in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the present work was done to evaluate the molecular prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. and related risk factors in Iranian patients with COVID-19.<h ...[more]

PMID: 36514342

Similar Datasets

Project description:Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and blastocystosis are among the most important parasitic diseases common between humans and cats. In addition, there are concerns about the possible transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected cats to humans. Hence, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in stray and household cats and cat owners. Our study was performed on 132, 33, and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, as well as cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified using a nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) and sequencing the internal amplified fragments. Furthermore, to perform multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis, the ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were amplified to assess the DNA of G. duodenalis in the fecal samples of cats and cat owners. In addition, Blastocystis was detected by targeting the SSU rRNA gene, and the subtypes of Blastocystis were determined via the sequencing of amplicons. Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis were detected in seven stray cats (5.3%) and one household cat (3%). The bg gene of G. duodenalis was amplified and successfully sequenced in two (1.5%) stray cats and revealed assemblages F and B of G. duodenalis. Sequencing and phylogenic analysis of SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequences of Blastocystis detected ST5 and ST10 in stray cats (1.5%), ST1 in household cats (9.1%), and ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST7 in owners (30.3%). The low prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Blastocystis in cats and the presence of species/assemblages/subtypes with limited zoonotic potential indicate that cats had a minor role in their owners' infection in the investigated population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in cats suggests the necessity of special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with cats. Therefore, it is recommended that veterinarians, physicians, and urban managers plan to prevent, control, or treat these parasites to help the urban community live healthily alongside cats.