Blastocystis subtypes in ruminant livestock from Perak and assessment of zoonotic transmission risks from livestock in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist of humans and animals. It is a genetically diverse organism whose part in the health and disease is still uncertain. This study provides information on Blastocystis STs in cattle, goats, and sheep in Perak, Malaysia, and the likely role of livestock animals in Blastocystis transmission to humans in Malaysia. Faecal samples from a total of 151 livestock animals consisting of cattle, goats, and sheep from Perak were examined by PCR analysis of the barcode region. Blastocystis ST10, ST14, and ST21 were identified in this study, and ST10 was common to all three ruminant livestock animal groups involved. Findings from previously published studies on Blastocystis in ruminant and non-ruminant livestock animals in Malaysia support indications that livestock animals may serve as reservoirs of human infections, being as one or more of the following Blastocystis subtypes: ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6, have been isolated from both humans and livestock animals within similar regions of the country. Animal handlers are, therefore, advised to exercise proper hygiene to prevent possible transmission of Blastocystis from their animals, while further studies on the genetic variants of Blastocystis in farm animals and their keepers are required to better understand the role of these animals in human Blastocystis.