Rethinking Blastocystis: ubiquity and cyclical abundance in the human gut

Abstract

Blastocystis, a prevalent eukaryote in human stool, may represent a core but cyclically abundant gut resident rather than a sporadic microorganism. Its fluctuating detectability might reflect host-microbe-environment dynamics and diagnostic limitations. Longitudinal sampling and advanced detection methods are essential to elucidate its ecological role and clinical significance.

Keywords: Blastocystis; cyclical abundance; gut microbiome; host–microbiome interactions; longitudinal study.