High occurrence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 in individuals referred to medical laboratories in Kermanshah, Iran

• Published in: Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench Vol. 15; no. 2; pp. 164 - 171
• Main Authors: Maleki, Bahman, Sadraei, Javid, Dalimi Asl, Abdolhossein, Pirestani, Majid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tehran, Iran Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2008-2258; 2008-4234

The current study investigated the prevalence and genotypes of Blastocystis sp. in individuals who referred to medical laboratories in Kermanshah, Iran.AimThe current study investigated the prevalence and genotypes of Blastocystis sp. in individuals who referred to medical laboratories in Kermanshah, Iran.Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan found in humans and a wide range of animals, and it is involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders.BackgroundBlastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protozoan found in humans and a wide range of animals, and it is involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders.A total of 950 stool samples were examined using the standard formalin-ether concentration technique. All specimens were cultured in Robinson xenic medium. Subsequently, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) were conducted.MethodsA total of 950 stool samples were examined using the standard formalin-ether concentration technique. All specimens were cultured in Robinson xenic medium. Subsequently, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) were conducted.Microscopic examination showed that 86 out of 950 samples (9.05%) were infected with Blastocystis sp. Subsequently, 33 of 86 positive samples were cultured and molecularly confirmed by conventional PCR, indicating six subtypes (ST1-ST6). Of note, ST3 (45.0%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (15.15%) and ST5 (12%).ResultsMicroscopic examination showed that 86 out of 950 samples (9.05%) were infected with Blastocystis sp. Subsequently, 33 of 86 positive samples were cultured and molecularly confirmed by conventional PCR, indicating six subtypes (ST1-ST6). Of note, ST3 (45.0%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (15.15%) and ST5 (12%).Based on the current findings, ST3 was the most frequent subtype among all positive samples. Having a better understanding of Blastocystis sp. subtype distribution and risk factors would lead to improved preventive measures.ConclusionBased on the current findings, ST3 was the most frequent subtype among all positive samples. Having a better understanding of Blastocystis sp. subtype distribution and risk factors would lead to improved preventive measures.