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Blastocystis occurrence in water sources worldwide from 2005 to 2022: a review

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Abstract

There has been increasing interest in the study of Blastocystis in the last two decades. Many studies have been carried out in human and animal hosts including environmental sources, but there is little or no information on the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources across the world from 2005 to 2022, noting the method of detection and the distribution of the subtypes from various water sources. A literature search was performed on internet-based databases including Google search, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Upon application of the criteria for inclusion, 25 articles revealing the occurrence of Blastocystis in water sources in 15 countries were included in the review. Blastocystis occurrence varies across water sources ranging from 0% in a drinking water source in Venezuela to 100% in rivers; well water, stored water, and fishpond in Nepal and Malaysia; and fountain water, irrigation water, and rainwater in Italy, Spain, and Thailand. The occurrence of the parasite was significantly associated with the coliform count, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and chemical oxygen demand. A total of 11 Blastocystis subtypes were identified in water sources worldwide, namely, ST1–ST8, ST10, ST23, and ST26 in which ST1 and ST3 were the most prevalent subtypes. Considering the importance of Blastocystis as a waterborne parasite, the subtype distribution and morphological distinction in water sources need to be carried out using molecular and electron microscopic techniques. Existing studies have covered only about 10% of the world’s countries.

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The authors declare that data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

    Achigili Okau Attah, Anamalai Sanggari, Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin Nik Him, Azma Hanim Ismail & Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi

  2. Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, P. M. B. 1034, Kebbi State, Nigeria

    Achigili Okau Attah

  3. Kulliyyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Kuala Ketil, 09300, Kedah, Malaysia

    Lee Ii Li

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  1. Achigili Okau Attah
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This review was conceived by Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi. The manuscript was written by Achigili Okau Attah and was revised by Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi, Anamalai Sanggari, Lee Ii Li, Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin Nik Him, and Azma Hanim Ismail. All authors read and gave approval for the publication of the manuscript in Parasitology Research.

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Correspondence to Farah Haziqah Meor Termizi.

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Attah, A.O., Sanggari, A., Li, L.I. et al. Blastocystis occurrence in water sources worldwide from 2005 to 2022: a review. Parasitol Res 122, 1–10 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-022-07731-0

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