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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d398399e75">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 occasionally
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 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.
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