Occurrence of Blastocystis spp. in domestic animals in Triângulo Mineiro area of Brazil

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Renata Gregório Franco Moura, Márcia Benedita de Oliveira-Silva, André Luiz Pedrosa, Gabriel Antônio Nogueira Nascentes, Marlene Cabrine-Santos
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Blastocystis spp; Domestic animals; Ritchie’s method; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0484-2016; https://doaj.org/article/381a5b1fb907490b89bae33a2f06c60a

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Currently, there are few studies regarding Blastocystis epidemiology. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Blastocystis in animals in Uberaba, Brazil. METHODS: Fecal samples were examined by parasitological methods and screened for Blastocystis by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Blastocystis spp. were observed in pigs, sheep, cattle, and dogs. Blastocystis polymerase chain reaction was positive in 14/22 samples positive by parasitological methods. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of Blastocystis in animals is high, with a predominance of subtype 1 in the region. This is the first study conducted in Brazil showing the genetic profile of Blastocystis isolated from animals.