Authors: Higuera Adriana, Herrera Giovanny, Jimenez Paula, García-Corredor Diego, Pulido-Medellín Martin, Bulla-Castañeda Diana M, Pinilla Juan Carlos, Moreno-Pérez Darwin A, Maloney Jenny G, Santín Mónica, Ramírez Juan David
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Blastocystis Subtypes in Colombian Farm Animals Colombian researchers used PCR and next-generation sequencing to characterise Blastocystis contamination across eight domestic animal species (equines included), finding an 81.4% infection rate among 118 faecal samples with eleven distinct subtypes present. The study identified ten previously documented subtypes alongside a novel ST32 strain, with ST5 and ST10 predominating at 50.7% and 47.8% respectively, whilst most samples exhibited mixed infections or intra-subtype genetic variation. Crucially, several subtypes detected in these farm animals—particularly ST1, ST3, and ST5—have documented zoonotic potential, having been isolated from human populations, suggesting bidirectional transmission risk between livestock and people. For equine practitioners, this work underscores the need for enhanced biosecurity protocols around faecal contact and emphasises that gastrointestinal parasitism in horses warrants investigation beyond conventional strongyle and ascarid screening, particularly in mixed-species grazing environments. The high prevalence of Blastocystis in apparently healthy animals raises questions about subclinical carrier status and transmission dynamics relevant to yard management, feed handling, and staff hygiene protocols across equine facilities.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Blastocystis is highly prevalent in Colombian farm animals (>80%), suggesting routine screening and biosecurity measures may be warranted on farms with multiple species
- •Mixed infections and multiple subtypes are common in individual animals, making single-agent treatment potentially insufficient and necessitating veterinary parasitology consultation
- •Farm workers and those with close contact to mixed-species farms should be aware of zoonotic transmission risk and practice enhanced hygiene protocols, particularly around fecal material handling
Key Findings
- •81.4% (96/118) of fecal samples from domestic animals tested positive for Blastocystis using PCR
- •Eleven subtypes detected including ten previously reported subtypes and one novel ST32 subtype
- •ST5 (50.7%), ST10 (47.8%), and ST25 (34.3%) were the most prevalent subtypes across animal species
- •Subtype overlap was observed between different host species, indicating potential zoonotic transmission risk from farm animals to humans