A protocol for mapping Blastocystis epidemiology and diagnostics from One Health perspective
<i>Blastocystis</i> is a globally prevalent gut protist colonising over a billion people worldwide, yet its epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and clinical significance remain underexplored. This protocol represents the first step of a large-scale effort to map <i>Blastocystis</i> epidemiology and diagnostic practices across Europe through the COST Action CA21105: <i>Blastocystis under One Health</i>. By assessing diagnostic methodologies across clinical, veterinary, and environmental sectors, this work sets the foundation for future research and standardisation. Here, we highlight key findings, challenges, and a roadmap for improving <i>Blastocystis</i> detection, ultimately influencing global health policies and microbial ecology studies.
Authors
- Eleni Gentekaki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3306-6714)
- David Carmena (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4015-8553)
- Anastasios D. Tsaousis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5424-1905)
- Isabel Guadano-Procesi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1069-2074)
- Funda Doğruman‐Al (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9118-3935)
- Ana M. Figueiredo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2623-6340)
- Eylem Akdur Öztürk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4886-6175)
- Anja Godfrey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9951-6853)
Institutions
- University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
- University of Nicosia (CY)
- University of Kent (GB)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ES)
- Centro Nacional de Microbiologia (ES)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (ES)
- Cukurova University (TR)
- University of Aveiro (PT)
- Gazi University (TR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Open Research Europe
- Published
- 2025-05-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.20151.1
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.05
Funders
- HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme