Blastocystis cf. Blastocystis hominis is the most common unicellular parasite found in human and animal intestines. Little is known about the life cycle, transmission and mechanisms of pathogenesis for this parasite. The aim of this study was to obtain new data on the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in selected species of mammals found in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, the best preserved lowland forest in temperate Europe. 113 faecal samples were collected in the period 2018–2020 from seven species of wild mammals occurring within the Polish part of BPF and its surroundings. Blastocystis was detected by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in animals was 8.9%. A larger number of stool samples (90) were collected from European bison and only for this species was it possible to calculate the prevalence of infection (5.6%). The isolates obtained from European bison were classified as ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7. Blastocystis was also detected in the grey wolf (Canis lupus) (ST5), wild boar (Sus scrofa) (ST5) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (ST1). In conclusion, for the first time we have demonstrated the presence of Blastocystis in wild European bison. Preliminary studies have shown that Blastocystis is present in at least 4 species of wild mammals in the BPF area and that it exhibits great genetic diversity.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology and means of identification of helminths in native partridges (65) and introduced pheasants (32) in Poland and to determine the level of intestinal infection of these birds by helminths using parasitological and ecological indices. The birds were acquired during the hunting season in the years 2015–2017. Nematodes, Capillaria phasianina, cestodes, Railietina friedbergeri, and one trematode, Brachylaima sp. were recorded for the first time in partridges in Poland. Our findings indicate that parasites are more prevalent in pheasants (prevalence 70.4%) than in partridges (prevalence 50.0%). The component community and infracommunity of parasites of partridges are more diverse (Simpson’s diversity index: 0.63 and mean Brillouin diversity index: 0.10 ± 0.17) and less dominated by a single parasite species (Capillaria sp., Berger-Parker dominance index: 0.53) than the pheasant parasite community (Simpson’s diversity index: 0.07, mean Brillouin diversity index: 0.005 ± 0.02, dominant species Heterakis gallinarum, Berger-Parker dominance index: 0.96). There were statistically significant differences between partridges and pheasants in the Brillouin diversity index and in the prevalence of Heterakis gallinarum (55.6% in pheasants vs. 19.0 in partridges). There were significant differences between wild and farmed partridges in the prevalence of infection by Capillaria sp. (4.3% vs. 37.5%) and H. gallinarum (39.1 vs. 6.2%). In conclusion, the pheasant was shown to be a reservoir, carrier, and shedder of nematodes, which may increase the risk of infection in partridges.

Blastocystis is one of the most frequently detected protozoa in the human large intestine. One of the most effective and cheap methods for detecting Blastocystis in faeces is culture on a special medium in anaerobic conditions. Sampling faeces using traditional containers and their transport...

Background: Blastocystis is a common protozoan often found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. The presence of Blastocystis in the female genital tract—has been reported three times, but the genetic material of the protozoan from this site has been identified only once. Methods: Patients with cervical erosions were enrolled in the study. Samples were collected using dry swabs. Blastocystis DNA was detected using real-time PCR and sequenced. Results: Thirty patients with cervical erosions were examined. The presence of Blastocystis genetic material was confirmed in nine female patients. Blastocystis subtypes ST1, ST6, and ST7 were recovered from the ectocervix and distal part of the cervical canal of women with large, symptomatic glandular ectopies resistant to standard treatment. In one case, we identified a Blastocystis subtype ST7 in the material from the cervix, which was different from subtype ST3 found in the anus of the same woman. Conclusions: This observation indicates a possible role for Blastocystis in cervical erosions and suggests that eradication of these organisms may relieve this condition.

Malaria is uncommon in Poland, and delayed diagnosis may occur because of its low incidence and nonspecific clinical manifestations, especially in the case of Plasmodium malariae, where symptoms can appear years after exposure. Both Plasmodium spp. and HIV can cause kidney injury, and patients with co-infections can have a higher risk of severe disease. We describe the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of Plasmodium spp./HIV co-infection in a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) in a non-endemic country. The paper presents a case of a 47-year-old Cameroonian woman who was admitted to the hospital for infectious diseases due to severe generalized oedema, asthenia, and mild lateral abdominal pain. Laboratory investigations revealed anaemia and impaired renal function with eGFR < 30 ml/min./1.73m2. Malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was positive, and blood smear demonstrated Plasmodium malariae with low parasitemia of 0.39%. Subsequent Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) revealed two species – Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. The patient has not left Poland for the past two years, therefore has probably acquired malaria back in Cameroon. Treatment with artesunate and doxycycline was started. Screening also revealed previously undiagnosed HIV infection, with a low CD4+ T-cell count of 200 cells/μL suggestive of late HIV diagnosis. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated and had to be adjusted to the renal parameters. Despite treatment, renal function deteriorated, with proteinuria reaching 40 g/24 h, and progressive oedema impeded the kidney biopsy. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in gradual improvement of oedema and stabilization of renal function. Subsequently, the patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusions. Clinicians should include Plasmodium spp., HIV, and potential co-infection in the differential diagnosis of unexplained renal dysfunction in patients with a history of residence in endemic regions. Additionally, the barriers to healthcare faced by migrant patients should be addressed.