An update on the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in the Americas

Blastocystis is an intestinal protist that presents worldwide distribution, colonizes animal and human hosts, and is classified into at least 34 ribosomal subtypes (STs). Herein, we conducted an update based on studies reporting Blastocystis-positive samples obtained from diverse hosts in the Americas. We described the distribution throughout the continent by assembling maps representing the distribution of STs and the most important 18S-rRNA alleles. Thirty-nine articles from the previous study, A summary of Blastocystis subtypes in North and South America, and forty-one additional articles from March 2019 to March 2022 were considered. The most common subtype described was ST3, representing the highest percentage of positive samples. Other recently identified STs include ST12, ST13, and ST16 in humans, and ST10, ST14, and ST17 in animals. Novel subtypes have also been described in this continent. We assembled and updated the distribution of Blastocystis in the Americas. We hope this delivers new understandings and knowledge of this microorganism's prevalence and genetic diversity.

Automated summary

This study provided an update on Blastocystis-positive samples obtained from diverse hosts in the Americas, revealing ST3 as the most common subtype, along with newly identified subtypes ST12, ST13, and ST16 in humans, and ST10, ST14, and ST17 in animals. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in the Americas.