@entity8184 sp. is a common @entity11333 infecting @entity1 and a wide range of animals worldwide. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and 17 subtypes (STs) have thus far been identified in @entity1 and avian hosts. Since several STs are common to @entity1 and animals, it was proposed that a proportion of @entity1 @entity281 may result from zoonotic transmission. However, the contribution of each animal source to @entity1 @entity281 remains to be clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of the epidemiology and host specificity of this parasite by performing the largest epidemiological survey ever conducted in animal groups in terms of numbers of species screened. A total of 307 stool samples from 161 @entity1 and non- @entity1 species in two French zoos were screened by real-time PCR for the presence of @entity8184 sp. Overall, 32.2% of the animal samples and 37.9% of the species tested were shown to be infected with the parasite. A total of 111 animal @entity8184 sp. isolates were subtyped, and 11 of the 17 @entity1 and avian STs as well as additional STs previously identified in reptiles and insects were found with a varying prevalence according to animal groups. These data were combined with those obtained from previous surveys to evaluate the potential risk of zoonotic transmission of @entity8184 sp. through the comparison of ST distribution between @entity1 and animal hosts. This suggests that non- @entity1 primates, artiodactyls and birds may serve as reservoirs for @entity1 @entity281 , especially in animal handlers. In contrast, other mammals such as carnivores, and non- @entity1 groups including reptiles and insects, do not seem to represent significant sources of @entity8184 sp. @entity281 in @entity1 . In further studies, more intensive sampling and screening of potential new animal hosts will reinforce these statements and expand our understanding of the circulation of @entity8184 sp. in animal and @entity1 populations.

Molecular Epidemiology of XXXX sp. in Various Animal Groups from Two French Zoos and Evaluation of Potential Zoonotic Risk.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['mammalian', 'humans', 'human'] @entity11333 :: ('MESH:D007411', 'Disease') :: ['intestinal parasite'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infection', 'infections'] @entity8184 :: ('MESH:D016776', 'Disease') :: ['Blastocystis']
@entity8184 :: (MESH:D016776,Disease) :: ['Blastocystis']
