Navigating Blastocystis research – challenges in the next-generation sequencing era

Trends in Parasitology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Eleni Gentekaki, Supaluk Popruk, Pauline D. Scanlan, Christen Rune Stensvold
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.03.006
Cited by: 2
References: 12

Abstract

Blastocystis research has grown rapidly with molecular tools, especially next-generation sequencing, increasing subtype discovery but raising methodological and taxonomic challenges. We assess subtype designation criteria, caution against lowering divergence thresholds without biological evidence, and propose minimum standards requiring near full-length small subunit ribosomal RNA data and replication to ensure nomenclatural stability and epidemiological comparability.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics Parasitic infections in humans and animals Protist diversity and phylogeny

Publication details

Journal / source
Trends in Parasitology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
42
Issue
5
Pages
322–326
Publication date
3 April 2026
Language
EN