Use of next-generation amplicon sequencing to study Blastocystis genetic diversity in a rural human population from Mexico.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The intestinal parasite Blastocystis is found in humans and animals around the world. It is spread through the consumption of contaminated food and water and has been associated with a variety of intestinal symptoms. Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans, yet its prevalence and distribution in humans in North America is not well characterized.

Methods

Next-generation amplicon sequencing of a region of the Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene was applied to DNA extracted from fecal specimens obtained from 182 inhabitants of a rural population in Mexico to characterize Blastocystis prevalence, subtype distribution, and intra-host subtype diversity in humans.

Results

Of the 182 samples tested in this study, 68.1% (124) contained one or mo

SUBMITTER: Rojas-Velazquez L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6882168 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature