Back to Search Start Over

Genotypes of Blastocystis sp. among elderly health checkup people in South Korea with a questionnaire on risk factors.

Authors :
Chang, Taehee
Jung, Bong-Kwang
Shin, Hyejoo
Hong, Sooji
Ryoo, Seungwan
Lee, Jeonggyu
Han, Seihee
Park, Sun Min
Rhee, Min-Suk
Kimm, Heejin
Jee, Sun Ha
Chai, Jong-Yil
Source :
Parasitology Research; Sep2021, Vol. 120 Issue 9, p3297-3306, 10p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Blastocystis sp. is a common zoonotic intestinal parasite of humans and animals, and has been classified into at least 17 distinct subtypes. Despite its potential impact on public health, the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. have seldom been the study subject in South Korea. To determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. and to obtain information on risk factors, we performed a cross-sectional study targeting elderly health checkup people, who visited Seoul Western Branch of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP) in October 2019. Stool samples were collected from 293 participants consisting of 128 males and 165 females with a mean age of 64.7 years (from 50 to 88 years) with a questionnaire on potential risk factors. All the samples were tested by PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis sp., and nucleotide sequences of positive samples were used to identify the subtypes. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 9.2% (27/293). Among the positive samples, subtype 3 was predominant (59%; 16/27), followed by subtype 1 (41%; 11/27). No other subtypes were detected. In the univariable analysis, the age, sex, presence of digestive symptoms, source of drinking water, and history of drug intake were not significantly associated with Blastocystis sp. infection. Two parameters, including the Enterococcus hirae bacterial infection and the frequency of intake of cooked or boiled vegetables less than twice a week, showed statistical significance. However, the multivariable regression analysis revealed that only the latter parameter was statistically significant. The results suggested that subtypes 3 and 1 are the 2 major genotypes of Blastocystis sp. among elderly people in South Korea, and low frequency of consuming cooked or boiled vegetables is a potential risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09320113
Volume :
120
Issue :
9
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Parasitology Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
152172731
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-021-07274-w