Molecular detection and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. from shelter dogs and cats in Van, Turkey: First report of ST10 in cats and ST1, ST10 and ST30 in dogs

Blastocystis is an intestinal protist commonly found in humans and many different animal species. It is probably the most common enteric parasite with an estimated one billion infections worldwide. The fecal materials for this study were collected from 100 cats and 200 dogs of different ages and sexes in shelters in Van, Turkey. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis were performed on the fecal samples. A prevalence of 1% (1/100) in cats and 1.5% (3/200) in dogs was detected. The prevalence was higher in both cats and dogs in age groups younger than one year and in females. Sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis sp. ST10 in cats and Blastocystis sp. ST1, ST10, and ST30 in dogs. The sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs may be a source of infection for other cats and dogs, and the detection of zoonotic ST1 in dogs suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for human infection.