Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 77 in total

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  1. Elevated levels of urinary hyaluronidase in humans infected with intestinal parasites
    Chandramathi S, Suresh K, Kuppusamy UR
    Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 2010 Jul;104(5):449-52.
    PMID: 20819313 DOI: 10.1179/136485910X12743554760423
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/enzymology*; Blastocystis Infections/epidemiology
  2. Viable blastocystis cysts in Scottish and Malaysian sewage samples
    Suresh K, Smith HV, Tan TC
    Appl Environ Microbiol, 2005 Sep;71(9):5619-20.
    PMID: 16151162
    Blastocystis cysts were detected in 38% (47/123) (37 Scottish, 17 Malaysian) of sewage treatment works. Fifty percent of influents (29% Scottish, 76% Malaysian) and 28% of effluents (9% Scottish, 60% Malaysian) contained viable cysts. Viable cysts, discharged in effluent, provide further evidence for the potential for waterborne transmission of Blastocystis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/parasitology; Blastocystis Infections/transmission; Blastocystis/growth & development*; Blastocystis/isolation & purification
  3. Fulltext Determining intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in inmates from Kajang Prison, Selangor, Malaysia for improved prison management
    Angal L, Mahmud R, Samin S, Yap NJ, Ngui R, Amir A, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2015 Oct 29;15:467.
    PMID: 26511347 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1178-3
    BACKGROUND: The prison management in Malaysia is proactively seeking to improve the health status of the prison inmates. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are widely distributed throughout the world and are still gaining great concern due to their significant morbidity and mortality among infected humans. In Malaysia, there is a paucity of information on IPIs among prison inmates. In order to further enhance the current health strategies employed, the present study aims to establish firm data on the prevalence and diversity of IPIs among HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in a prison, an area in which informed knowledge is still very limited.

    METHODS: Samples were subjected to microscopy examination and serological test (only for Strongyloides). Speciation for parasites on microscopy-positive samples and seropositive samples for Strongyloides were further determined via polymerase chain reaction. SPSS was used for statistical analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 294 stool and blood samples each were successfully collected, involving 131 HIV positive and 163 HIV negative adult male inmates whose age ranged from 21 to 69-years-old. Overall prevalence showed 26.5% was positive for various IPIs. The IPIs detected included Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Trichuris trichiura. Comparatively, the rate of IPIs was slightly higher among the HIV positive inmates (27.5%) than HIV negative inmates (25.8%). Interestingly, seropositivity for S. stercoralis was more predominant in HIV negative inmates (10.4%) compared to HIV-infected inmates (6.9%), however these findings were not statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Blastocystis, Strongyloides, Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar.

    CONCLUSIONS: These data will enable the health care providers and prison management staff to understand the trend and epidemiological situations in HIV/parasitic co-infections in a prison. This information will further assist in providing evidence-based guidance to improve prevention, control and management strategies of IPIs co-infections among both HIV positive and HIV negative inmates in a prison environment.

    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis/isolation & purification; Blastocystis/pathogenicity
  4. Blastocystis sp., Parasite Associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders: An Overview of its Pathogenesis, Immune Modulation and Therapeutic Strategies
    Kumarasamy V, Anbazhagan D, Subramaniyan V, Vellasamy S
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(27):3172-3175.
    PMID: 30084327 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180807101536
    Blastocystis sp. is a unicellular parasitic microorganism commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. It causes symptomatic or asymptomatic infection and its route of transmission is via fecal-oral. High prevalence of Blastocystis infection in developing countries is usually due to poor hygiene practices, exposure to animals infected with the parasite and intake of contaminated water or food. Blastocystis infected individuals often suffer from diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and stomach bloating. Even though pathogenicity of Blastocystis is unclear, it is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome. In this review, we have analysed the evidence that shows the association between this microorganism and gastrointestinal disorders. There have been a number of studies which showed that the pathogenicity of Blastocystis is related to its different STs. The pathogenicity is speculated to be due to cysteine proteases formation which stimulates mucosal cells to release interleukin-8 which has been associated with extreme dehydration and gut inflammation. In vitro studies on human colonic epithelial cells revealed that incubation of Blastocystis modulated the host immune response by stimulating the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and granulocyte macrophage colonystimulating factor. Metronidazole is found to be the first-line drug of choice. Another treatment option is the combination therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis/drug effects*; Blastocystis/immunology; Blastocystis/parasitology
  5. Establishing a protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp
    Lee IL, Tan TC, Govind SK
    Exp Parasitol, 2019 Mar;198:105-110.
    PMID: 30695704 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.007
    This study was aimed at establishing a protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp. using distilled water spiked with Blastocystis sp. cysts. The study established a protocol involving eight technical aspects, namely, storage temperature, storage duration, minimum water sample volume, optimum relative centrifugal force, centrifugation duration, minimum number of cyst for inoculation in Jones' medium and turn-around-time for the detection of vacuolar forms of Blastocystis sp. Results showed a minimum of 1.0 L water sample should be collected and processed on the same day. Otherwise, it should be stored at 4 °C and processed within 3 days. Water sample should be centrifuged at 1400×g for 10 min. For the isolation of Blastocystis sp. cysts, parasite pellet could be layered on top of Ficoll-Paque™ PLUS, centrifuged at 1400×g for 20 min and washed twice using 0.9% saline with centrifugation at 1400×g for 10 min. A minimum of 1 × 105 cysts could then be inoculated in Jones' medium supplement with 10% horse serum, incubated at 37 °C and examined for any presence of vacuolar forms of Blastocystis sp. after 3 days of inoculation. A protocol for water sample processing for the detection of Blastocystis sp. has successfully been established. The protocol was validated using 106 various water samples. This protocol will be very useful in determining the extent of Blastocystis sp. contamination in water sources in order to identify the seriousness of contamination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis
  6. Blastocystis sp. reduces the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil as a colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic treatment
    Kumarasamy V, Kuppusamy UR, Jayalakshmi P, Govind SK
    Exp Parasitol, 2023 Aug;251:108564.
    PMID: 37308003 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108564
    Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan parasite with extensive genetic variation and unclear pathogenicity. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effects of Blastocystis on the activity of a commonly used CRC chemotherapeutic agent, 5-FU. The cellular and molecular effects of solubilized antigen of Blastocystis in the presence of 5-FU were investigated using HCT116, human CRC cell line and CCD 18-Co, normal human colon fibroblast cells. For the in vivo study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, as follows; Control Group: oral administration of 0.3 ml Jones' medium, Group A: rats injected with azoxymethane (AOM), Group A-30FU: Rats injected with AOM and administered 30 mg/kg 5-FU, Group B-A-30FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 30 mg/kg 5-FU, Group A-60FU: rats injected with AOM and administered 60 mg/kg 5-FU and Group B-A-60FU: rats inoculated with Blastocystis cysts, injected with AOM and administered 60 mg/kg 5-FU. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory potency of 5-FU at 8 μM and 10 μM was reduced from 57.7% to 31.6% (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis*
  7. Western blot analysis of polyclonal antibodies from experimental animals against Blastocystis antigens
    Init I, Prummongkol S, Gan CC, Nissapatorn V, Khairul Anuar A
    JUMMEC, 2002;7:142-146.
    One (1) anti-Blastocystis serum from a monkey naturally infected with isolate M12 and four (4) hyperimmune sera raised in inbred Balb/c mice against crude antigens of two Blastocystis isolates (C and KPI). one each of Entamoeba histolytica (HK9) and Giardia lamblia (7404) were used to react with several homologous and heterologous Blastocystis isolates, E. histofytica, G. lambfia, Endolimax nana and Bac-4 (Escherichia coli isolated from culture medium of a B. hominis isolate KPl). All anti-Blastocystis sera did not show cross-reactivity with E. histolytica and G. lamblia by western blotting. Similarly, anti-E. histolytica and anti-G. lamblia sera also did not react against all Blastocystis isolates tested, even though these three protozoa are known to produce diarrhoea in humans. Polyclonal sera raised against antigen prepared from xenic culture of Blastocystis produced a smear reaction on the immunoblot, while antibodies raised against antigens prepared from axenic culture (isolate C) gave prominent reaction bands. This may be due to the purity of the immunogen used in inducing the immune response. The cross-reactions of sera from mice immunised with the xenic B. hominis isolates may also due to antibodies against E. coli. Anti-Blastocystis serum from monkey's with natural infection showed several prominent reaction bands together with a smear at above 40 kD were most probably induced by the excretory-secretory antigens of the parasite. A variety of reaction patterns were obtained with these anti-sera and the antigens from different Blastocystis isolates. These may be reflects from differences in antigenic components from various strains of this parasite. KEYWORDS: lJIastocysfis, polycional antibodies, immunoblot, experimental animals
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis
  8. Small forms of Blastocystis hominis
    Rajah S, Suresh K, Vennila GD, Khairul Anuar A, Saminathan R
    JUMMEC, 2002;7:77-79.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis hominis
  9. Immigrant Health Study. 5. Faecal pathogens in foreign workers. [Abstract]
    Suresh K, Rajah S, Khairul Anuar A, Anuar Zaini MZ, Saminathan R, Ramakrishnan S
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:62-63.
    One hundred seventy three stool samples were obtained from workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and others. The stool samples were examined for Ascaris, Trichuris, Hookworm, Schistosomes, trematodes and cestodes. The protozaon parasites included Bnlantidiirrir coli, Blastocystis honlinis, Cyclospora cryptosporidium, Microsporidiirin, Entamoeeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, lodamoeba butschilli. Of these 21.9%, 17% and 1% of the population studied had hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides infections respectively. There was only one Indonesian reported to have Hymenolepis nana infections. The most common protozoan seen in the faecal sample is Blastocystis hominis (36%) followed by Giardia lamblia (4%). Most of the stools positive with these faecal pathogens were semisolid especially the ones positive for the protozoan. We have also shown Blastocystis from the Indonesian workers show very small forms almost 3-5 in size compared to the normal size of 10-15 pm in the other nationalities. These forms show a distinct growth profile in cultures and appears to be more resistant to temperature changes than Blastocystis seen in the other two nationalities. The high incidence of Hookworm and Trichuris infections is suggestive that if these workers are left unheated their productivity will be hampered by other possible serious complications such as anaemia, weight loss, abdominal pain with diarrhoea1 stools and nausea. There are increasing reports that Blastocystis hominis is pathogenic. Flatulence, abdominal discomfort and the increase in the frequency of the passing watery stool has been noted in patients infected with the parasite. Since most of the workers are generally housed in crowded rooms it is highly likely that this will facilitate transmission through the faecal-oral route of both Giardia and Blastocystis possibly increasing the incidences of these infections among workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis; Blastocystis hominis
  10. Fulltext A preliminary study of Blastocystis hominis in some development areas in Alor Gajah District Melaka
    Shafariatul Akmar Ishak, Hidayatulfathi Othman, Mazrura Sahani
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2008;6(1):109-115.
    MyJurnal
    A descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in children aged between 1-12 years old from randomly selected villages in Alor Gajah district Melaka. The sampling was carried out from 1st to 7th of July of 2006. A total of 48 faecal samples were obtained from the children in those studied villages. The faecal specimens were examined by direct saline wet moun, formalin ethyl acetate concentration and trichrome staining method. It was found that 45.8% (22 out of 48) of the examined children were infected with Blastocystis hominis . Based on the results, the cumulative prevalence of three methods used showed that Blastocystis hominis infection in female children higher compared to male children. Whilst the schooling children aged of 6 to 12 years had a higher prevalence than pre school children at the age of 1-5 years. In term of diagnosis, formalin ethyl acetate concentration method showed prevalence of detection at 60.9%. It was followed by direct saline wet mount (43.5%) and trichrome staining at 34.8%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis
  11. Fulltext Parasitic infection in a young man presenting with non-specific abdominal pain
    Farnaza A, Baha L
    Malays Fam Physician, 2010;5(3):148-150.
    PMID: 25606208 MyJurnal
    A 27-year-old man presented with a two-week history of central colicky abdominal pain associated with loose stools. Further history revealed that he had been exposed to contaminated waters. Stool investigation by direct wet stool smears revealed the presence of Entamoeba histolytica and Blastocystis hominis cysts. A diagnosis of amoebiasis secondary to E. histolytica and concurrent B. hominis infestation was made. We would like to emphasise the importance of clinical history including recent travel to endemic areas. Any suspicion of parasitic infection should prompt the clinician to investigate. Early diagnosis and management would prevent serious complications associated with E. Histolytica infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis hominis
  12. Fulltext High lipid storage in vacoular forms of subtype 6 Blastocystis sp. in ostrich
    Chandrasekaran H, Govind SK, Panchadcharam C, Bathmanaban P, Raman K, Thergarajan G
    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:469.
    PMID: 25358755 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0469-7
    Blastocystis sp., a widely prevalent intestinal protozoan parasite is found in a wide range of animals, including humans. The possibility of zoonotic transmission to human from birds especially ostriches led us to investigate on the cross infectivity of Blastocystis sp. isolated from the ostrich feces as well as the phenotypic and subtype characteristics. There is a need to investigate this especially with the rising number of ostrich farms due to the growing global ostrich industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/parasitology; Blastocystis Infections/veterinary*; Blastocystis/classification*; Blastocystis/metabolism*
  13. Fulltext Phenotypic variation in Blastocystis sp. ST3
    Ragavan ND, Govind SK, Chye TT, Mahadeva S
    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:404.
    PMID: 25174569 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-404
    Blastocystis, is one of the most common human intestinal protozoan, which has many conflicting reports on its pathogenic role. Gut conditions which obviously varies in asymptomatic individuals, symptomatic and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients in terms of gut flora, pH, osmotic pressure and water potentials could play an important role in its pathogenicity. The present study is the first study to investigate phenotypic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. ST3 isolated from asymptomatic, symptomatic and IBS isolates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/parasitology*; Blastocystis/physiology*; Blastocystis/ultrastructure*
  14. Fulltext Advantage of using colonic washouts for Blastocystis detection in colorectal cancer patients
    Kumarasamy V, Roslani AC, Rani KU, Kumar Govind S
    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:162.
    PMID: 24708637 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-162
    There have been previous studies associating microorganisms to cancer and with our recent findings of Blastocytsis antigen having a higher in vitro proliferation of cancer cells strengthens the suspicion. Collecting faecal samples alone to associate this parasite with cancer may not be accurate due to the phenomenon of irregular shedding and the possible treatment administrated to the cancer patients. Hence, this become the basis to search for an alternate method of sample collection. Colonic washout is an almost complete washed up material from colon and rectum which includes various microorganisms such as Blastocystis and other lodged material within the villi. The detection of parasite in colonic washouts will give a better reflection on the association between Blastocystis and CRC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/diagnosis; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology*; Blastocystis/isolation & purification*
  15. Fulltext Higher Caspase-like activity in symptomatic isolates of Blastocystis spp
    Balakrishnan DD, Kumar SG
    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:219.
    PMID: 24886677 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-219
    Biochemical evidence of a caspase-like execution pathway has been demonstrated in a variety of protozoan parasites, including Blastocystis spp. The distinct differences in the phenotypic characterization reported previously have prompted us to compare the rate of apoptosis in Blastocystis spp. isolated from individuals who were symptomatic and asymptomatic. In the current study, we analysed the caspase activation involved in PCD mediated by a cytotoxic drug, (metronidazole) in both symptomatic & asymptomatic isolates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis/enzymology*
  16. Fulltext Amoebic forms of Blastocystis spp. - evidence for a pathogenic role
    Rajamanikam A, Govind SK
    Parasit Vectors, 2013;6(1):295.
    PMID: 24499467 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-295
    Blastocystis spp. are one of the most prevalent parasites isolated from patients suffering from diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting. It's pathogenicity and pathophysiology remains controversial to date. Protease activity and amoebic forms have been reported previously in symptomatic isolates but there has been no conclusive evidence provided to correlate the protease activity and any specific life cycle stage of the parasite thus far.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/parasitology*; Blastocystis/cytology*; Blastocystis/enzymology; Blastocystis/growth & development; Blastocystis/pathogenicity
  17. Fulltext Prevalence, predictors and clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. in Sebha, Libya
    Abdulsalam AM, Ithoi I, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Khan AH, Ahmed A, Surin J, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:86.
    PMID: 23566585 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-86
    BACKGROUND: Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. The clinical relevance of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya.
    METHODS: A total of 380 stool samples were collected from outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya for routine stool examination. The presence of Blastocystis sp. was screened comparing light microscopy of direct smears against in vitro cultivation. Demographic and socioeconomic information were collected with a standardized questionnaire.
    RESULTS: The us (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.02, 4.70) as significant predictors of Blastocystis infection among this population. In those who had only Blastocystis infection but no other gastrointestinal parasitic infections, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was higher compared to those without Blastocystis infection (35.3% vs 13.2%; x² = 25.8; P < 0.001). The most common symptoms among these patients were abdominal pain (76.4%), flatulence (41.1%) and diarrhoea (21.5%).overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 22.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher among patients aged ≥18 years compared to those aged < 18 years (29.4% vs 9.9%; x² = 19.746; P < 0.001), and in males compared to females (26.4% vs 17.5%; x² = 4.374; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis showed significant associations between Blastocystis infection and the occupational status (P = 0.017), family size (P = 0.023) and educational level (P = 0.042) of the participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the age of ≥ 18 years (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.21; 9.86) and occupational stat
    CONCLUSIONS: Blastocystis sp. is prevalent and associated with gastrointestinal symptoms among communities in Sebha city, Libya. Age and occupational status were the significant predictors of infection. However, more studies from different areas in Libya are needed in order to delineate the epidemiology and clinical significance of this infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/epidemiology*; Blastocystis Infections/parasitology; Blastocystis Infections/pathology; Blastocystis/isolation & purification*
  18. Fulltext Blastocystis sp.: waterborne zoonotic organism, a possibility?
    Lee LI, Chye TT, Karmacharya BM, Govind SK
    Parasit Vectors, 2012;5:130.
    PMID: 22741573 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-130
    Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite found in faecal sample surveys. Several studies have implicated human-to-human, zoonotic and waterborne transmissions by Blastocystis sp. However, there has been no study providing evidence interlinking these three transmissions in a community. We have previously shown a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 amongst village dwellers in Bahunipati, Nepal, and the present study extends the observation to assess if the same subtype of Blastocystis sp. occurs in animals they rear and rivers they frequent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis/classification*; Blastocystis/isolation & purification*
  19. Fulltext Blastocystis infection in Malaysia: evidence of waterborne and human-to-human transmissions among the Proto-Malay, Negrito and Senoi tribes of Orang Asli
    Anuar TS, Ghani MK, Azreen SN, Salleh FM, Moktar N
    Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:40.
    PMID: 23433099 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-40
    Blastocystis has been described as the most common intestinal parasite in humans and has an increased impact on public health. However, the transmission of this parasite has not been conclusively determined.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/epidemiology*; Blastocystis Infections/transmission*; Blastocystis/isolation & purification*
  20. Fulltext Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia): a possible therapeutic candidate against Blastocystis sp
    Girish S, Kumar S, Aminudin N
    Parasit Vectors, 2015;8:332.
    PMID: 26082155 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0942-y
    In the local Malaysian context, herbal plants such as Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali), Orthosiphon stamineus (MisaiKucing), Ficus deltoidea (Mas Cotek), Zingiber officinale (Halia Bara) and Barringtonia racemosa (Putat) are known and widely used for its therapeutic properties. The first part of this study aims to screen for the anti-protozoal activity of these herbal plant extracts against Blastocystis sp. isolate subtype (ST) 3. Herbal extract with the highest efficacy was further fractionized into water and ethyl acetate fractions and tested against ST1, ST3 and ST5 Blastocystis sp. isolates. These isolates were also exposed to allopathic drugs, Metronidazole (MTZ), Tinidazole, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(TMP-SMX), Ketoconazole and Nitazoxanide for comparison purpose.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blastocystis Infections/parasitology; Blastocystis/drug effects*; Blastocystis/physiology
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