First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from animals and animal-keepers stool in Algeria. (October 2021) - Boutellis, Amina
Highlights: The study reports the first molecular epidemiological data on Blastocystis sp. in animals and animal keepers in Algeria. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S small subunit ribosomal DNA partial gene reveals the presence of four subtypes represented by five haplotypes. These subtypes correspond to ST2 with ST3 in human isolates and ST2, ST3, ST7 and ST10 in animal isolates. The ST2 was exclusively identified in cats with a new haplotype. A new Camelidae represented by Lama harbored the Blastocystis ST10. Abstract: Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common enteric parasites found in humans and many non-human hosts. It is an anaerobic protozoan that belongs to the group of Stramenopiles. Based on phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA genes, at least 17 subtypes (ST1-ST17) are described. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Blastocystis sp. in stool samples from various animal groups and animal-keepers. Overall, 29/70 (41.43%) animals and 7/60 (11.66%) humans sampled were positive for Blastocystis sp. using microscopy. The sequencing of the partial 18S small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA) revealed the presence of five haplotypes corresponding to ST2 and ST3 in humans, and ST2, ST3, ST7, and ST10 in animals. This is the ﬁrst report of Blastocystis subtypes in animals in Algeria.