Blastocystis subtype 4 linked to gut microbiota stability
Folahan Feranmi
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract harbours many microbes, accounting for the highest population of microbiota in humans. It is believed that the presence of parasites in the gut is associated with infection and ultimately eliciting gastrointestinal-related symptoms such as inflammation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome. However, an experimental colonisation study in mice has shown that a ubiquitous unicellular parasite—specifically a subtype of the genus Blastocystis—could be associated with benefits for gut health rather than being harmful.
Topics & Concepts
BlastocystisIrritable bowel syndromeGastrointestinal tractBiologyPopulationMicrobiomeGut floraImmunologyImmunityImmune systemMedicineMicrobiologyFecesBioinformaticsGastroenterologyEnvironmental healthBiochemistryParasitic Infections and Diagnostics