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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40430744 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14050425

Prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and Other Gastrointestinal Pathogens Among Patients Admitted to Research Hospitals in Campania Region, Italy.

Pathogens 14(5)

Authors: Marianna Ascierto, Annalisa Chianese, Francesco Foglia, Emiliana Finamore, Luciana Petrullo, Carla Zannella, Anna De Filippis, Maria Grazia Coppola, Massimiliano Galdiero

Affiliations

  • Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
  • Complex Operative Unit of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
  • Unit of Microbiology, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", 80131 Naples, Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Blastocystis spp. is a common protozoan found in the gastrointestinal tract, typically existing as a non-pathogenic organism in humans and other animals. However, it can become pathogenic when the immune system is compromised due to bacterial, viral, fungal, or other parasitic infections, as well as systemic conditions, leading to symptomatic blastocystosis.

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from patients at the University Hospital of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" and Cotugno Hospital in Naples. Among these samples, those that tested positive for Blastocystis spp. and were associated with other microbial infections were further analyzed. Bacterial co-infections were identified using immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Viral infections were detected using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), while fungal infections were diagnosed through microscopic examination and molecular biology techniques. Additionally, co-infections with other parasites were identified through microscopic analysis after Ridley's concentration and Giemsa staining (O&P).

RESULTS

Out of the 2050 stool samples collected, 121 were positive for Blastocystis spp., of which 75 were associated with other infections. We identified the vacuolar form in patients co-infected with bacteria (n = 22), viruses (n = 30), fungi (n = 3), and other parasites (n = 20).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated a higher incidence of the vacuolar form of Blastocystis spp. in symptomatic and immunocompromised patients, suggesting that a weakened immune system may increase the risk of contracting Blastocystis and other microbial infections.

MeSH

Coinfection, Immune System, Prevalence, Research, Parasites, Bacteria, Infections