<i>Blastocystis</i> across humans, animals and the environment in rural Turkiye, and relationships with the human intestinal microbiome.

ABSTRACT: Blastocystis is a globally prevalent intestinal protist commonly found in humans and animals, yet its role in health and disease remains ambiguous. This is a cross-sectional study of Blastocystis in rural Türkiye, examining 124 human, 305 livestock (cattle, sheep, goats), and 40 environmental samples using culture/microscopy, qPCR, and sequencing. We further explored associations between Blastocystis and population parameters, along with gut microbiota profiles. Using a combination of sequencing and microscopy, the overall prevalence was high, at 76.6% in humans, 71%-78% in livestock, and 38% in environmental samples. Subtypes ST1-ST4 were detected in humans, with ST3 being most frequent. Livestock harbored ST10 predominantly, with goats showing high carriage of ST24.

SUBMITTER: Akdur-Ozturk E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12580375 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature