Zoonotic and Genetically Diverse Subtypes of Blastocystis in US Pre-weaned Dairy Heifer Calves

Overview

Journal Parasitol Res

Specialty Parasitology

Date 2018 Nov 29

PMID 30483890

Citations 52

Authors

Jenny G Maloney

Jason E Lombard

Natalie J Urie

Chelsey B Shivley

Monica Santin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Blastocystis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with global distribution. However, limited data exist on the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in the USA and in food animals. We conducted the first large-scale molecular investigation of Blastocystis in the USA by testing 2539 fecal samples from dairy heifer calves from 13 states. Blastocystis was detected in 73 (2.9%) fecal samples and in 10 of the 13 tested states. Molecular characterization showed a wide diversity of subtypes. Eleven subtypes were identified, seven previously reported (ST-3, ST-4, ST-5, ST-10, ST-14, ST-17, and ST-21) and four potentially novel subtypes (named ST-23 to ST-26). Zoonotic subtypes 3, 4, and 5 were found in 67% (49) of the positive specimens in this population. Our results suggest that cattle could serve as reservoirs of infection for humans and other domestic animals highlighting the potential risk of zoonotic transmission for Blastocystis.

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