Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 common, not invasive in pigs

A study of Blastocystis in a commercial pig herd and an immunosuppressed research herd shows a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 5 in those groups.  The researchers report that this particular species is likely host-adapted to pigs.  Examination of intestinal biopsies from the pigs show no apparent signs of pathology or invasiveness, with Blastocystis cells appearing on the surface of the intestines in samples examples.  The study was published in PLOS-One.

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