Journal of Food and Nutrition Science

Diet Profile in Asymptomatic University Students of FACSA Cohort Colonized by Blastocystis: Brief Report

Janeth Oliva Guangorena-Gómez¹*, Claudia Muñoz-Yáñez¹

1Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Sixto Ugalde y Palmas I S/N Col Revolución, Gómez Palacio, Durango, México

Abstract

Blastocystis is a protozoan present in the intestine of healthy and symptomatic humans, the prevalence of infection has been estimated at up to 100%; its transmission is mainly by the faecal-oral route through contaminated water or food. Due to the direct effects on the intestinal level and gut microbiota, the implications of this infection for human health have been described. On the other hand, diet is essential in modifying gut microbiota. We determined the occurrence of Blastocystis, and the most frequent subtypes, and their association with the diet of university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze faecal samples of university students of FACSA cohort. The students answered two 24-hour dietary recalls (weekdays and weekend days) once they signed the informed consent. Associations between qualitative and quantitative variables were made with comparisons between medians of two groups. Of 139 students, the frequency of Blastocystis carriers was 48.9%. Blastocystis was associated with lower BMI, and lower consumption of red meat, ST3 is associated with lower consumption of red meat and dairy products and higher consumption of legumes, and ST4 with a more balanced diet in terms of protein and carbohydrate consumption. The diet of subjects carriers of Blastocystis subtypes 3 and 4 suggests the association with healthy intestinal microbiota.

Keywords:

Blastocystis; fiber; legumes; red meats; Subtypes; 24hr reminder