Genetic characterization and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, Southwest China

A study of wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve reveals that Blastocystis, a prevalent eukaryotic parasite with zoonotic potential, infects 10% of the sampled wildlife. The research identified five subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST13, and ST14), with ST13 and ST14 being the most common, each accounting for 33% of positive samples. Notably, four of these subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST14) have been previously linked to human infections, suggesting that wild animals in this region may serve as reservoirs for Blastocystis. The study analyzed 300 fecal samples from 27 wildlife species across three areas, using PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene to determine subtype prevalence and genetic characteristics. This is the first molecular investigation of Blastocystis infection in wild animals in southwestern China, highlighting the need for further research on zoonotic transmission risks.

Chen, S., Meng, W., Zhou, Z., Deng, L., Shi, X., Chai, Y., Liu, H., Cheng, Y., Zhong, Z., Fu, H., Shen, L., Zhang, K., He, T., & Peng, G. (2021). Genetic characterization and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, Southwest China. Parasite, 28, 73. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2021071