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Blastocystis sp.: waterborne zoonotic organism, a possibility?

Li Ii Lee1, Tan Tian Chye, Biraj Man Karmacharya

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.

Parasites & Vectors
|June 30, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blastocystis subtype 4 is common in Nepalese villagers, their livestock, and local rivers. This suggests waterborne zoonosis may link human, animal, and environmental parasite transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • One Health

Background:

  • Blastocystis sp. is a prevalent intestinal parasite with suspected human-to-human, zoonotic, and waterborne transmission routes.
  • Previous studies indicated high Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 prevalence in a Nepalese village, but transmission links were unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 in animals and rivers frequented by villagers in Bahunipati, Nepal.
  • To determine if the predominant subtype found in humans is also present in their domestic animals and local water sources.

Main Methods:

  • Faecal samples from 65 animals and four river water samples were collected.
  • In vitro cultivation was used to examine samples for Blastocystis sp.
  • Subtype-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for genotyping.

Main Results:

  • Blastocystis sp. was detected in 15.4% of animals, with subtype 4 being the most common (40.0%).
  • Both rivers contained Blastocystis sp. subtypes 1 and 4, also found in local humans.
  • Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 found in pigs and buffalo was also identified in their human caretakers.

Conclusions:

  • The widespread presence of Blastocystis subtype 4 in humans, reared animals, and frequented rivers strongly suggests a waterborne zoonotic transmission cycle.
  • This finding highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in parasite transmission within the community.

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