Detection and subtype identification of Blastocystis in a hospital setting from southeasternIndia

摘要

Background: Blastocystis was identified almost 100 years back but its clinical significance is controversial. An estimate suggests that Blastocystis inhabit large intestine of more than 1 billion human worldwide. Based on the ribosomal lineages different species of Blastocystis are designated as various subtypes (ST) with extensive inter and intra subtype genetic diversity. Due to its polymorphic nature identification by microscopy is obscure. However, in India, data pertaining to Blastocystis were chiefly derived from direct stool microscopy.