Spatial and Genetic Diversity of Clinical Isolates of <i>Blastocystis</i> in Italy: A Network Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a global distribution, frequently found in humans and various animals. Despite its prevalence, its role in human health remains debated, oscillating between being a harmless commensal and a potential pathogen. It has also been associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In Italy, the genetic and spatial diversity of Blastocystis remains understudied, despite the country's diverse urbanized and environmental landscapes. This study investigates the haplotypic and spatial diversity of clinical isolates of Blastocystis across two different Italian regions, with an emphasis on subtype distribution and genetic variation. Using a network-based haplotype

SUBMITTER: Guadano-Procesi I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11858726 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature