<i>Blastocystis</i> infection in Tibetan antelopes (<i>Pantholops hodgsonii</i>) alters gut microbiota composition and function.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The gut microbiota plays an important role in host environmental adaptation, including defense against pathogens. Parasite infections can disrupt gut microbial communities and thus influence host adaptability. However, most current knowledge of Blastocystis-microbiota interactions comes from humans or domestic animals, and data from wild mammals, especially those inhabiting extreme environments, remain scarce.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 68 gut metagenomes from Tibetan antelopes (Pantholops hodgsonii) and screened for infections by four intestinal parasites - Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Encephalitozoon bieneusi.

Results

Among them, 26 individuals were solely infected with Blastocystis subtype ST31. Compositional analysis revealed 25

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12705584 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature