Characterization of gut microbial community alterations in a DSS colitis mouse model associated with Blastocystis infection

Blastocystis sp. is a single-celled eukaryote, phylogenetically placed within the Stramenopiles. It is among the most common parasites found in the human intestine (Wawrzyniak et al, 2013; Scanlan et al, 2014), with community prevalence ranging from 0.5% in developed countries to about 100% in developing countries (El Safadi et al, 2014). Microorganisms possess many functions that influence their ability to grow and colonise, concurrently influencing the wellbeing of the host in either a beneficial or otherwise manner (Clarke et al, 2014). The human gut is a complex ecosystem harbouring a dense and diverse microbial community, which co-evolves with the host to develop a mutualistic relationship. The authors assessed the overall response of the gut microbiota, in terms of abundance and prediction of metagenome functional content, to Blastocystis ST-7 infection in a murine model.