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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Blastocystis genetic diversity among children of low-income daycare center in Southeastern Brazil

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Author(s):
Oliveira-Arbex, Ana Paula [1] ; David, Erica Boarato [1, 2] ; Guimaraes, Semiramis [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci, Parasitol Dept, Campus Botucatu, POB 510, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Sagrado Coracao Univ USC, Dept Hlth Sci, Bauru, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION; v. 57, p. 59-63, JAN 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Blastocystis, an unicellular anaerobic eukaryote, is known to be a very common intestinal parasite found in humans and animals fecal samples worldwide. Currently, there is an increasing interest to yield insights into its prevalence and diversity in human populations living in poor and deprived areas. In this study, we describe the prevalence and genetic variability of Blastocystis isolates obtained from daycare center attendees aged 0 to 6 years and staff, as well as some children family members and their dogs in a low-income community in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 181 stool samples (123 from daycare children, 14 from workers, 44 from household members and 20 from dogs) were submitted to DNA extraction, tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the SSUrDNA gene and the amplicons retrieved were sequenced. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 40.7% (50/123) in children, 28.6% (4/14) in workers and 50% (22/44) in household members. No dog was found positive. Of the 76 PCR products generated, 57 were successfully sequenced. Four subtypes were identified and the most common were ST1 (54.4%) and ST3 (33.3%), followed by ST2 (7.0%) and ST7 (5.3%). The intrasubtype analysis revealed a total of 10 different alleles previously reported. No statistically significant correlation was observed between subtypes and sociodemographic variables analyzed. Here, the following findings must be highlighted: (1) predominance of subtypes 1 and 3, a pattern that has been observed in many populations worldwide; (2) absence of ST4, a common subtype in Europe but rarely detected in South America's human populations and, (3) human infection with ST7, a subtype primarily found in birds but occasionally seen in human infections, raising the possibility of zoonotic transmission. (AU)