title: Blastocystis isolates from a pig and a horse are closely related to Blastocystis hominis.
abstract: Blastocystis has a widespread distribution in a variety of animals, which is a potential source of infection for humans. However, the contribution of zoonotic transmission remains unclear due to the absence of molecular proof of these organisms being identical to those found in humans. We report herein the similar subgroup of Blastocystis isolates from humans, pigs, and a horse using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of partial small-subunit ribosomal DNA (ssu rDNA). Additionally, sequence and phylogenic analysis of partial ssu rDNA of Blastocystis from a human, a pig, and a horse sharing a common subgroup shows that Blastocystis isolates from a pig and a horse were monophyletic and closely related to B. hominis, with 92 to 94% identity. These results suggest the possibility of zoonotic potential of Blastocystis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science. Center for Biotechnology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: Umaporn
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Thathaisong
authors.forename: Jeerapun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Worapong
authors.forename: Mathirut
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mungthin
authors.forename: Peerapan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tan-Ariya
authors.forename: Kwanjai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Viputtigul
authors.forename: Apichart
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sudatis
authors.forename: Adisak
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noonai
authors.forename: Saovanee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leelayoova
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016844:Blastocystis / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis; D006736:Horses / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013552:Swine / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal