Blastocystis in domesticated and wild mammals and birds

Authors: HUBLIN, JOSEPHINE SU YI - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA); Maloney, Jenny; Santin-Duran, Monica

Submitted to: Research in Veterinary Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/27/2020
Publication Date: 9/30/2020
Citation: Hublin, J., Maloney, J.G., Santin, M. 2020. Blastocystis in domesticated and wild mammals and birds. Research in Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.031.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.031

Interpretive Summary: Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites found in humans and animls. While human infections have been associated with gastrointestinal illnesses and/or urticaria, animal infections are not usually associated with disease. However, from a public health perspective, most subtypes isolated in humans have also been isolated from animals raising the question of the importance of animal reservoirs in the epidemiology of this parasite. The identification of Blastocystis in water supplies suggests water can be a potential vehicle in the transmission of this parasite not only for humans but also for animals. In addition, Blastocystis has been detected in retail fresh food produce. Knowledge of this parasite has greatly expanded in the last two decades from simple microscopic observations to the application of molecular tools to explore Blastocystis taxonomy and epidemiology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Blastocystis in animals highlighting the subtype diversity of this widespread and genetically diverse parasite in different animal groups. This information will be useful to other scientists, veterinarians and public health agencies in understanding the current status of taxonomy, epidemiology, zoonotic potential, and public health importance of Blastocystis.

Technical Abstract: Blastocystis is a ubiquitous parasite that infects a broad range of vertebrate hosts including humans and domestic and wild animals. While human infections have been associated with gastrointestinal illnesses and/or urticaria, animal infections are not usually associated with disease. However, from a public health perspective, most subtypes isolated in humans have also been isolated from animals raising the question of the importance of animal reservoirs in the epidemiology of this parasite. The identification of Blastocystis in water supplies suggests water can be a potential vehicle in the transmission of this parasite not only for humans but also for animals. In addition, Blastocystis has been detected in retail fresh food produce. Knowledge of this parasite has greatly expanded in the last two decades from simple microscopic observations to the application of molecular tools to explore Blastocystis taxonomy and epidemiology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Blastocystis in animals highlighting the subtype diversity of this widespread and genetically diverse parasite in different animal groups. This information will be useful in understanding the current status of taxonomy, epidemiology, zoonotic potential, and public health importance of Blastocystis.