Meta-analysis of Blastocystis subtype distribution and prevalence across hosts and geographies: advancing knowledge through data analysis and visualisation

Blastocystis is a controversial parasite found in the intestinal tract of vertebrate hosts. The diversity of Blastocystis has allowed for scientists to classify numerous subtypes (STs) over the past few years. Interdisciplinary studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the parasite, elucidating some of its behavioural patterns and genetic characteristics. Over the last decade there has not been a study focusing on the published and submitted ST. Such studies are informative as they provide a comprehensive understanding of ST prevalence and distribution across countries and hosts. This research is a meta-analysis of 18S rRNA sequences submitted to GenBank, whereby STs are classified according to country/continent and host characteristics such as class and diet. RStudio was used to provide visual representations of trends and patterns detected hence allowing easy recognition of subtype prevalence patterns in each country already studied. The analysis revealed subtype-host specificity, with ST1 being the most prevalent in Egypt, ST2 in Senegal and ST3 in Denmark, Mammalian hosts exhibited the highest diversity of subtypes, including novel ones such as ST24a-c, primarily in Europe. Statistical tests demonstrated a significant difference between subtype and host/environmental characteristics. Predictive modelling was attempted, however data limitations made the results unreliable. These findings provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution and host specificity of Blastocystis subtypes, with potential public health implications presented by the presence of pathogenic subtypes in environmental samples such as wastewater and soil.