Fecal dysbiosis associated with colonic hypersensitivity and behavioral alterations in chronically Blastocystis-infected rats

Infectious gastroenteritis is a risk factor for development of post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS). Recent clinical studies described a higher prevalence of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis in IBS patients. Using a rat model, we investigated the possible association between Blastocystis infection, colonic hypersensitivity (CHS), behavior troubles and gut microbiota changes.