Muhsin-Sharafaldine M-RAbdel Rahman LSuwanarusk RGrant JParslow GFrench NTan KSWRussell BMorgan XCUssher JE2024-08-072024-08-072023-12-01Muhsin-Sharafaldine M-R, Abdel Rahman L, Suwanarusk R, Grant J, Parslow G, French N, Tan KSW, Russell B, Morgan XC, Ussher JE. (2023). Dientamoeba fragilis associated with microbiome diversity changes in acute gastroenteritis patients.. Parasitol Int. 97. (pp. 102788-).1383-5769https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71229This study examined the correlation between intestinal protozoans and the bacterial microbiome in faecal samples collected from 463 patients in New Zealand who were diagnosed with gastroenteritis. In comparison to traditional microscopic diagnosis methods, Multiplexed-tandem PCR proved to be more effective in detecting intestinal parasites. Among the identified protozoans, Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis were the most prevalent. Notably, D. fragilis was significantly associated with an increase in the alpha-diversity of host prokaryotic microbes. Although the exact role of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis as the primary cause of gastroenteritis remains debatable, our data indicates a substantial correlation between these protozoans and the prokaryote microbiome of their hosts, particularly when compared to other protists or patients with gastroenteritis but no detectable parasitic cause. These findings underscore the significance of comprehending the contributions of intestinal protozoans, specifically D. fragilis, to the development of gastroenteritis and their potential implications for disease management.(c) 2023 The Author/sCC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Blastocystis hominisCryptosporidium spp.Dientamoeba fragilisGastroenteritisGiardia spp.MicrobiomeAnimalsHumansDientamoebaIntestinal Diseases, ParasiticBlastocystisGastroenteritisParasitesFecesJournal article10.1016/j.parint.2023.1027881873-0329journal-article102788-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37482266102788S1383-5769(23)00065-X