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Gomes-Gonçalves S, Feiteiro MJ, Moreira G, Cruz R, Esteves F, Vala H, Mesquita JR. Targeted-Amplicon NGS for Blastocystis sp. in Shepherd Dogs of Portugal Discriminates Co-Colonization with Multiple Zoonotic Subtypes. Vet Sci 2025; 12:325. [PMID: 40284827 PMCID: PMC12030863 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12040325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2025] [Revised: 03/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Research on endoparasites in pet dogs has been growing, but shepherd dogs have largely been overlooked. These dogs frequently share close proximity not only with sheep, which are reservoirs of zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis, but also with their owners. This close contact increases the potential for shepherd dogs to act as intermediates in the transmission of Blastocystis. To clarify the role of these dogs as reservoirs for this parasite, this study investigated the presence of Blastocystis in shepherd dogs. Stool samples from Portuguese shepherd dogs were analyzed using SYBR-Green-based real-time PCR and melting curve analysis followed by targeted-amplicon NGS for mixed infections detection. Our results revealed a 60% occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in shepherd dog stools and frequent identification of zoonotic subtypes ST1-ST4 and ST14. Additionally, we observed mixed infections and subtype diversity within individual dogs, suggesting a potential role in cross-species transmission between livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gomes-Gonçalves
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (G.M.)
| | - Maria João Feiteiro
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Moreira
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (G.M.)
| | - Rita Cruz
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto (UP), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (G.M.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
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Amoak S, Soldera J. Blastocystis hominis as a cause of chronic diarrhea in low-resource settings: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2024; 12:95631. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v12.i3.95631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis), an anaerobic unicellular protist parasite, is known for its diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting the human gastrointestinal tract. Although globally distributed, it is particularly prevalent in developing nations. Examining the symptoms and treatment outcomes of B. hominis infection in low-resource settings holds immense significance, providing healthcare practitioners with valuable insights to enhance patient care.
AIM To synthesize existing evidence on the symptomatology and treatment outcomes of B. hominis infection in low-resource settings.
METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. The search spanned electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. After a comprehensive screening process, a thorough examination of the papers, adhering to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction from eligible studies was conducted. The findings underwent summarization through simple descriptive analysis.
RESULTS The search yielded 1200 papers, with 17 meeting inclusion criteria. Chronic diarrhea due to B. hominis infection was reported in only two studies, while abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, and nausea/vomiting emerged as the most commonly documented symptoms. Recovery rates after one week of treatment ranged from 71.8% to 100%, and after two weeks, from 60% to 100%.
CONCLUSION In low-resource settings, chronic diarrhea resulting from B. hominis infection is infrequent. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, and nausea/vomiting. Post-treatment, clinical outcomes are notably favorable, supporting the recommendation for treatment. Metronidazole is advocated as the first-line agent, with consideration for switching to a second-line option in cases of treatment failure or poor response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Soldera
- Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
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Figueiredo AM, Santín M, Köster PC, Dashti A, Maloney JG, Torres RT, Fonseca C, Mysterud A, Carvalho J, Hipólito D, Rossa M, Palmeira JD, González-Barrio D, Calero-Bernal R, Carmena D. Molecular detection and characterization of Blastocystis in herbivore livestock species in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110147. [PMID: 38364349 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. The traditional livestock free-roaming raising system in rural communities increases the risk of infection with contact with a wider range of pathogens transmitted via the faecal-oral route associated with that wildlife-livestock-human interface. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in livestock in Portugal. Here, we collected 180 faecal samples from herbivore livestock (cattle, goats, horses, and sheep) in different regions of the country to investigate Blastocystis prevalence and subtype diversity using PCR and next-generation amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis was present in 40.6% (73/180; 95% CI: 33.31-48.11) of the samples (goats, 81.0%; sheep, 60.9%; cattle, 32.2%). None of the horse samples were Blastocystis-positive. Eighteen subtypes were detected (ST1-ST3, ST5-ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23-ST26, ST30, ST42-ST44). Mixed infections were detected in 97.3% of the Blastocystis-positive samples. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 75.0%, 96.4%, and 100% of the Blastocystis-positive specimens collected from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. These results demonstrate that cattle, sheep, and goats harbour a high diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in the study regions. Importantly, our data provide novel molecular evidence strongly suggesting that some Blastocystis STs/ST subgroups may have differential host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Figueiredo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Rita T Torres
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dário Hipólito
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal; Veterinary Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mariana Rossa
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Josman D Palmeira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain; CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Steiger S, Rossaint J, Zarbock A, Anders HJ. Secondary Immunodeficiency Related to Kidney Disease (SIDKD)-Definition, Unmet Need, and Mechanisms. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:259-278. [PMID: 34907031 PMCID: PMC8819985 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2021091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is a known risk factor for poor outcomes of COVID-19 and many other serious infections. Conversely, infection is the second most common cause of death in patients with kidney disease. However, little is known about the underlying secondary immunodeficiency related to kidney disease (SIDKD). In contrast to cardiovascular disease related to kidney disease, which has triggered countless epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental research activities or interventional trials, investments in tracing, understanding, and therapeutically targeting SIDKD have been sparse. As a call for more awareness of SIDKD as an imminent unmet medical need that requires rigorous research activities at all levels, we review the epidemiology of SIDKD and the numerous aspects of the abnormal immunophenotype of patients with kidney disease. We propose a definition of SIDKD and discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of SIDKD known thus far, including more recent insights into the unexpected immunoregulatory roles of elevated levels of FGF23 and hyperuricemia and shifts in the secretome of the intestinal microbiota in kidney disease. As an ultimate goal, we should aim to develop therapeutics that can reduce mortality due to infections in patients with kidney disease by normalizing host defense to pathogens and immune responses to vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Steiger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Rossaint
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Zarbock
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Simões-Silva L, Araujo R, Pestana M, Soares-Silva I, Sampaio-Maia B. Peritoneal Microbiome in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients and the Impact of Peritoneal Dialysis Therapy. Microorganisms 2020; 8:173. [PMID: 31991821 PMCID: PMC7074711 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors influencing the occurrence of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections are still far from fully understood. Recent studies described the existence of specific microbiomes in body sites previously considered microbiome-free, unravelling new microbial pathways in the human body. In the present study, we analyzed the peritoneum of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients to determine if they harbored a specific microbiome and if it is altered in patients on PD therapy. We conducted a cross-sectional study where the peritoneal microbiomes from ESKD patients with intact peritoneal cavities (ESKD non-PD, n = 11) and ESKD patients undergoing PD therapy (ESKD PD, n = 9) were analyzed with a 16S rRNA approach. Peritoneal tissue of ESKD patients contained characteristically low-abundance microbiomes dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Patients undergoing PD therapy presented lower species richness, with dominance by the Pseudomonadaceae and Prevotelaceae families. This study provides the first characterization of the peritoneal microbiome in ESKD patients, bringing new insight to the human microbiome. Additionally, PD therapy may induce changes in this unique microbiome. The clinical relevance of these observations should be further explored to uncover the role of the peritoneal microbiome as a key element in the onset or aggravation of infection in ESKD patients, especially those undergoing PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Simões-Silva
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal; (L.S.-S.); (R.A.); (M.P.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias, Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Araujo
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal; (L.S.-S.); (R.A.); (M.P.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal
- Medical Biotechnology, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
| | - Manuel Pestana
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal; (L.S.-S.); (R.A.); (M.P.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, EPE, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Soares-Silva
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal; (L.S.-S.); (R.A.); (M.P.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Benedita Sampaio-Maia
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal; (L.S.-S.); (R.A.); (M.P.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-180 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade do Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
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Simões-Silva L, Araujo R, Pestana M, Soares-Silva I, Sampaio-Maia B. The microbiome in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:143-151. [PMID: 29444477 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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