First Report on the Frequency and Subtype Distribution of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in Extensively Reared Holstein-Friesian Cattle from Terceira Island, Azores Archipelago, Portugal

First Report on the Frequency and Subtype Distribution of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in Extensively Reared Holstein-Friesian Cattle from Terceira Island, Azores Archipelago, Portugal

This study is the first to report <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in dairy cattle from Terceira Island, part of the Azores Archipelago. <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. is an enteric protozoan with high genetic diversity and is associated with both zoonotic and non-zoonotic subtypes (STs). Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sara Gomes-Gonçalves, Alexandra Silva, Guilherme Moreira, Nausicaa Gantois, Rubén Garcia Dominguez, Eric Viscogliosi, Magali Chabé, João R. Mesquita
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
<i>Blastocystis</i> qPCR
zoonotic subtypes
diary cows
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/2/186
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Summary:This study is the first to report <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in dairy cattle from Terceira Island, part of the Azores Archipelago. <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. is an enteric protozoan with high genetic diversity and is associated with both zoonotic and non-zoonotic subtypes (STs). The present survey aimed to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the occurrence and genetic characterization of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. isolates in Holstein-Friesian cattle in this geographical area. A total of 116 stool samples were thus collected from dairy cows, and <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. DNA was detected using qPCR. The results revealed a 14.7% occurrence rate (17/116), with seven STs identified including ST3, ST5, ST7, ST10, ST14, ST25, and ST42, with variable frequency. Some of these STs (ST5, ST7, ST10, and ST14) are potentially zoonotic, underscoring their potential public health significance. However, the low frequency of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in this animal cohort possibly attributed to the extensive grazing system practiced on Terceira Island and the limited presence of zoonotic isolates, suggests a minimal risk of transmission from cattle to humans. This study highlights the importance of further research on the transmission dynamics of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp., particularly in regions with varying farming practices, to better understand its epidemiology and zoonotic potential.
ISSN:2076-2615

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