Exploring the complex interplay of Blastocystis, morbid obesity, and bariatric surgery on gut microbial dynamics.

Aycan Gündoğdu, Aslıhan Özdemir, Fakhriddin Sarzhanov, Funda Doğruman-Al, Ufuk Nalbantoğlu, Ahmet Yozgat, Barış Doğu Yıldız, Zehra Büyüktuncer

Journal: Microbial pathogenesis 2025;200():107306

PMID: 39824262

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

This study examines Blastocystis dynamics in 15 individuals undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. Molecular detection involved DNA extraction, RT-PCR, and sequencing, while 16S rRNA sequencing via Illumina MiSeq analyzed the intestinal microbiome. Statistical analysis through SPSS considered a significance level of p < 0.05. Postoperative colonization of Blastocystis was observed in previously negative individuals, revealing subtypes and shifts in microbial taxa. Blastocystis-positive participants post-bariatric surgery showed a significant increase in Lachnospira, alongside higher abundances of Bacteroides, Oscillospira, Barnesiellaceae, and Rikenellaceae, with reduced Lactobacillus levels compared to Blastocystis-negative individuals. Collective analysis highlighted higher Clostridiales and RF32 in Blastocystis-positive post-surgery individuals, coupled with decreased Enterobacteriaceae. The study challenges previous notions, suggesting a complex interplay between Blastocystis, morbid obesity, and bariatric surgery. Despite limitations, including small sample sizes and absent gut microbiome diversity comparisons, this pioneering research calls for further investigation into the intricate mechanisms and implications for metabolic health. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05085769).

Address: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.; Faculty of Medicine, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Kazakhstan; Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye.; Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye; Department of Metagenomics, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye; Department of Research and Development, ENBIOSIS Biotechnology, Istanbul, Türkiye.; Department of Research and Development, ENBIOSIS Biotechnology, Istanbul, Türkiye; Department of Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye; Department of Bioinformatics, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.; Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye; Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.; Department of General Surgery, Ankara Numune Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye; University of Health Sciences, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.

DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107306

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MeSH Terms: Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Bacteria, Bariatric Surgery, Blastocystis, Blastocystis Infections, DNA, Bacterial, Feces, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Obesity, Morbid, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S