Genetic diversity of Blastocystis spp: update on virulence and pathogenicity
Authors
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Carlos Fernando Yauli Flores
Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Laboratorio Clínico, Ambato – Ecuador; 2 Genomic Medical, Laboratorio Clínico y Centro de Especialidades Médicas, Ambato – Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7429-4361
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Omar Fernando Olmos Almachi
Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Laboratorio Clínico, Ambato – Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4652-204X
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70099/BJ/2024.01.04.10Keywords:
Blastocystis spp, diagnostic, pathogenicity, subtypes, virulenceAbstract
lastocystis spp. is an intestinal parasite with broad genetic diversity, highlighting four subtypes related to gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptomatology: ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST4. Multiple studies describe the mechanisms of virulence, pathogenicity, and resistance that debate its controversial commensalism: immune evasion by sIgA degradation, cell damage mediated by cysteine proteases, and resistance to chemical/pharmacological agents. The article compiles updated information on the abovementioned mechanisms, genotypes, and diagnostic methods. Understanding the biological behavior of this protozoan is necessary to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach: molecular characterization and implementation of cellular assays that evaluate the activity of Blastocystis spp. Subtypes in the human intestinal tract may contribute to understanding their pathogenic activity.
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