Blastocystis spp.: Literary review a highly prevalent intestinal parasite

Abstract

Introduction: Blastocystis spp., has been identified as an emerging pathogen causing diarrhea in humans and animals. Objective: To conduct a review of the main features of this parasite and its pathogenic role. Methodology: A literature review on the major characteristics of Blastocystis spp., life cycle, subtypes, epidemiology and potential virulence factors was performed Reviews and research articles were extracted from databases such as PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, SCIELO, HINARI and EBSCO. Results: Blastocystis spp.is of interest because of its high prevalence in different population groups, being constant in epidemiological studies of human parasitosis. It has been shown in asymptomatic
patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in others, depending on the subtype present in the carrier. However, this difference is due to problems of interpretation. Conclusions: Although epidemiological, therapeutic and immunological studies have been conducted yet, it is not clear its entire life cycle, virulence factors and pathogenicity.