Microbiome

Gut flora

Biology

Microbiology

Host (biology)

World Wide Web

Ecology

Immunology

Immunity

Blastocystis

Computer science

Parasite hosting

Genetics

Feces

Immune system

PLoS Pathogens

The human gut microbiota is a diverse and complex ecosystem that is involved in beneficial physiological functions as well as disease pathogenesis. Blastocystis is a common protistan parasite and is increasingly recognized as an important component of the gut microbiota. The correlations between Blastocystis and other communities of intestinal microbiota have been investigated, and, to a lesser extent, the role of this parasite in maintaining the host immunological homeostasis. Despite recent studies suggesting that Blastocystis decreases the abundance of beneficial bacteria, most reports indicate that Blastocystis is a common component of the healthy gut microbiome. This review covers recent finding on the potential interactions between Blastocystis and the gut microbiota communities and its roles in regulating host immune responses.

New insights into the interactions between Blastocystis, the gut microbiota, and host immunity