The discovery of the parasite Blastocystis In the Iberian Peninsula is concerned with health authorities due to their risk of transmission to humans and gastrointestinal problems. The parasite is present in a very consumed meat, which increases the concern. The situation is especially serious in Portugal, where the infection rate was the highest.
According to a study published in Veterinary Researchthe researchers analyzed 459 fecal samples collected between 2014 and 2021 in various regions of the Iberian Peninsula, focusing on boar. The parasite Blastocystis It was found in 15.3% of these samples, with significant differences between Portugal and Spain.
Parasite is transmitted by fecal-oral
According to the same source, Blastocystis transmitted by fecal-oral. This means that it can infect humans by ingestion of contaminated water or foods, or by contact with feces of infected animals.
This parasite is able to cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and nausea. However, there are cases where infection is asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to detect and may allow its dissemination without control.
Although Blastocystis Already known in veterinary medicine, confirmation of its presence in wild animals of the Iberian Peninsula with potential transmission to humans raises new concerns.
Portugal with higher infection rate
According to the study of Veterinary Research, Portugal presented an infection rate of 34.3% in 99 samples analyzed. In Spain, the value was only 10% for a total of 360 samples.
This contrast suggests that there may be environmental, ecological or more direct contacts between humans and wild boars in Portuguese territory, facilitating the propagation of the parasite.
The high presence of Blastocystis In Portuguese wild boars also raises concerns about possible connections with agricultural zones or forest areas more frequented by people.
The same source states that it is necessary to investigate the factors that explain this difference, so that more effective prevention measures can be applied.
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Subtypes with higher risk of transmission to humans
In total, seven distinct subtypes of the parasite were identified Blastocystis In the samples collected, according to the same source. Of these, two subtypes, ST10 and ST14, stand out for having a high zoonotic potential.
The term zoonotic indicates that these subtypes are more likely to be transmitted from animals to humans, which increases the risks to public health.
Nevertheless, the most found subtype was the ST5, present in all infected boars. This subtype is equally common in domestic pigs, which may indicate contact or sharing of habitats between these species.
Researchers stress that the presence of various subtypes reinforces the complexity of the infection and the need for continuous follow -up.
Sanitary Surveillance must be reinforced
According to the researchers recommend reinforcement of health surveillance, especially in the areas where the Javalis population is high or where there is frequent contact with humans.
Increasing urbanization, combined with natural habitat loss, has led the boars to approach inhabited zones, increasing the risk of transmission of parasites as Blastocystis.
The same source also underlines that it is important to maintain good food hygiene practices, namely in washing fruit and vegetables and food preparation.
Continuous monitoring of this situation is essential to protect public health and prevent possible outbreaks associated with this parasite.
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