Evidence and pathogenicity mechanisms of Blastocystis sp.

[摘要] Introduction: Evidence has been gathered in the past two decades which leads to recognizing the pathogenic nature of Blastocystis sp. However, these arguments are still not known to the vast majority of professionals engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and control of intestinal parasitosis in general and blastocystosis in particular.Objectives: Review publications containing evidence of the pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. and determine whether the information accumulated allows description of the mechanisms by which this parasite may cause damage to human hosts.Methods: Various search engines were used to find and review papers published in the period 1994-2014 dealing with the pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. Several monographs and original papers dated before the above mentioned period were also consulted.Conclusions: Clinical, phenotypic and genotypic evidence accumulated in the last fifteen years lead to recognizing the pathogenic nature of Blastocystis sp. Once made known to the corresponding professionals, such evidence should be borne in mind to improve the quality of the diagnosis, treatment and control of this parasitosis.

[学科分类] 传染病学

[关键词] Blastocistosis;Blastocystis;prevalencia;patogenicidad;subtipos