Genetic Diversity and Zoonotic Potential of <i>Blastocystis</i> in Korean Water Deer, <i>Hydropotes inermis argyropus</i>

• Main Authors: Kyoo-Tae Kim, Gyeonguk Noh, Haeseung Lee, Seon-Hee Kim, Hyesung Jeong, Yongkwan Kim, Weon-Hwa Jheong, Jae-Ku Oem, Tae-Hwan Kim, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Pathogens
• Subjects: <i>Blastocystis</i>; <i>Hydropotes inermis argyropus</i>; Korean water deer; phylogeny; subtype; wildlife animal
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/9/11/955

<i>Blastocystis</i> is a protozoan parasite commonly detected in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. It has been actively studied worldwide; however, information on <i>Blastocystis</i> is limited in Korea. Because there is an increasing concern about the contact between wildlife and domestic animals or humans, we assessed the infection status and zoonotic potential of <i>Blastocystis</i> in Korean water deer (KWD, <i>Hydropotes inermis argyropus</i>) using genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 125 fresh fecal samples were collected from KWD which were killed by vehicles on highways or roadsides in this study. Among the 125 samples, 51 (40.8%) were PCR positive. We performed nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 26 of the 51 PCR-positive samples. By analyzing <i>Blastocystis</i> 18S rRNA, two subtypes (ST4 and ST14) were identified in this study. Of the 26 samples analyzed, 25 were identified as ST14 and one as ST4. Infection of ST14 in humans has not been reported. Although only one ST4 sample was detected in this study, ST4 has zoonotic potential without showing ruminant specificity. Thus, continuous attention should be provided to the potential of transmission between wildlife and domestic animals and humans.