Foodborne pathogens and disease最新文献

{"title":"<i>Salmonella</i> Enteritidis Outbreak Associated with Contaminated Raw Eggs in Cold-Braised Meat Assortment: Changsha, China, 2024.","authors":"Dihui Ma, Bin Tian, Xu Hengbo, Wei Tang, Miao Li, Liuqing Yang, Yingchun Song, Keke Cao, Heng Zhang, Yu Liao, Sun Jian, Jinfu Zhang, Ying Gao, Canghai Zhou","doi":"10.1177/15353141251359514","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251359514","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Salmonella</i>, a significant zoonotic pathogen, remains the predominant global etiological agent of foodborne diseases and consistently ranks as one of the leading causes of foodborne disease outbreaks in China. We report a foodborne disease outbreak caused by <i>Salmonella</i> Enteritidis contamination of a cold-braised meat assortment (including a beef shank, pork tongue, tripe, marinated eggs, and dried egg products) linked to contaminated raw eggs at the JN Ecological Farm in Changsha City, Hunan Province, China, in November 2024. The outbreak was traced to a birthday lunch banquet on November 11, among 165 attendees, 54 confirmed cases were identified. The clinical manifestations primarily included diarrhea (79.63%), abdominal pain (75.93%), fever (40.74%), vomiting (24.07%), and nausea (22.22%), with an incubation period ranging from 5 to 36 h (median: 15 h). Notably, 52 of the 54 cases required hospitalization, including one critical case. Laboratory confirmation was obtained in 16 cases through bacterial isolation, with concurrent detection of <i>Salmonella</i> in residual braised meat assortment samples. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on all isolates, and subsequent bioinformatics analysis revealed a high degree of genetic homology, with fewer than three single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified among the isolates.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"595-601"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144642172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Characterization of β-Lactamase-Resistant <i>Klebsiella aerogenes</i> Isolated from Raw Milk in Bangladesh.","authors":"Fahmida Jahan Fahim, Anindita Ash Prome, Sohel Rana, Md Sodor Uddin, Monira Noor, Shad Uddin Mahfuz, Kazi Zinnah, Anzuman Ara, Ferdaus Mohd Altaf Hossain","doi":"10.1177/15353141251372857","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251372857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The number of dairy farms in Bangladesh is steadily increasing, yet the characterization of common pathogenic organisms such as <i>Klebsiella aerogenes</i> remains underexplored. Due to the overwhelming challenges of antimicrobial resistance, the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile colistin resistance (<i>mcr</i>) genes through zoonotic organisms, this study aimed to characterize <i>K. aerogenes</i> in raw milk in Sylhet. In this study, a total of 234 raw milk samples were collected from different dairy farms and milk-selling points in Sylhet. Then, isolates were detected by <i>16S rRNA</i> gene through PCR after standard cultural and biochemical tests. Furthermore, antibiotic sensitivity test was performed using the disc diffusion method, followed by screening of antibiotic-resistant genes (TEM, CTX-M, CTX-M-1, CTX-M-2a, SHV, OXA-1, CMY, and NDM-1) and <i>mcr</i> genes (<i>mcr</i>-1 to <i>mcr-9</i>). Finally, partial sequencing of <i>16S rRNA</i> was performed to study the genetic diversity. Among 234 samples, 86 (36.44%) were positive for <i>Klebsiella</i> and exhibited variation in resistance levels to amoxicillin (100%), ampicillin (100%), ceftazidime (100%), tetracycline (100%) followed by azithromycin (89.54%), cefoxitin (86.04%), gentamicin (83.74%), and cefuroxime (77.90%). All the samples harbored the <i>bla</i>_TEM gene (100%) and showed negative results when screening for <i>mcr</i> genes. The phylogenetic outcome reported that those isolates were closely related to <i>K. aerogenes</i>. According to our findings, the majority of the isolates were resistant to several antibiotics and contained the <i>bla</i>_TEM gene, which may represent a significant risk to the overall well-being of the population. These findings underscore that raw milk could be a potential harbor for multidrug resistance <i>K. aerogenes</i>, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance transmission through traditionally processed dairy products, as such products are often prepared without proper heat treatment. The study emphasizes the need for strict hygiene practices and mandatory pasteurization measures during processing to reduce potential public health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"602-610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144948446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disinfectant-Based and Chlorinated Water Inactivation of Wild-Type <i>Salmonella enterica</i> Bacteriophages.","authors":"Clarissa Silveira Luiz Vaz, Daiane Voss-Rech, Francisco Noé da Fonseca, Arlei Coldebella","doi":"10.1177/15353141251366377","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251366377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral phage therapy is a promising strategy for reducing harmful bacteria in broilers. However, it may lead to the spread of therapeutic phages in the farm environment, potentially increasing bacterial host tolerance. To determine the stability of novel <i>Salmonella</i> bacteriophages in chlorinated drinking water and their response to farm disinfectants, we evaluated virucidal activity using a quantitative suspension test in the presence of organic matter. A >4-log-reduction was achieved using oxidizing agents, organic acid- and surfactant-based (1:350, 2 min), as well as glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride-based (1:1000, 15 min) disinfectants. A hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid-based disinfectant required a higher concentration (1:100, 10 min) to achieve an equivalent reduction. Results support the selection of disinfectants to mitigate residual therapeutic phages on farm premises. Chlorine (3-ppm, 24 h) did not reduce phage titer compared with the control, demonstrating the flexibility to administer bacteriophages in chlorinated drinking water for broilers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"629-632"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144788597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacteriostatic Activity of <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> Phage 460s1 and Its Endolysin.","authors":"Yingshan Liang, Tian Shi, Bingbing Heng, Min Zhou, Huajuan Wang, Hongxun Wang","doi":"10.1177/15353141251365145","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251365145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> is a common foodborne pathogen with drug-resistant strains now widespread. The use of phages to control resistant bacteria is a promising means of reducing public health pressure. In this study, <i>V. parahaemolyticus</i> phage 460s1 was isolated, which was active over a wide range of temperature (30-50°C) and pH (3-10). It exhibited a specific host range, lysing 16 of the 23 strains of <i>V. parahaemolyticus</i>. The phage 460s1 can effectively inhibit the growth of <i>V. parahaemolyticus</i> in shrimp at 15°C and 25°C, and bacterial count decreased by 3.46 log colony-forming unit/g at multiplicity of infection of 1000 at 24 h under 15°C. The phage 460s1 genome was sequenced, and it contains 105 open reading frames (ORFs), of which ORF 53 encodes putative endolysin. The ORF 53 protein was successfully expressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i> and reduced the optical density at 600 nm of host bacteria from 0.82 to 0.58 within 60 min at a concentration of 10 μmol/L. The endolysin also showed lytic activity against 20 strains of antimicrobial-resistant <i>V. parahaemolyticus</i>. Therefore, bacteriophage 460s1 and its endolysin are of great significance for the prevention and control of <i>V. parahaemolyticus</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"620-628"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144882510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Prevalence of <i>Cyclospora</i> spp. in Tibetan Antelope (<i>Pantholops hodgsonii</i>) in China.","authors":"Nian-Yu Xue, Si-Yuan Qin, Jing-Hao Li, Zhen-Jun Wang, Tao Ma, Jun-Hui Zhu, Hon-Li Geng, Wei-Lan Yan, Shuo Liu, Yan Tang, He-Ting Sun, Jing Jiang, Xiao-Xuan Zhang","doi":"10.1089/fpd.2025.0020","DOIUrl":"10.1089/fpd.2025.0020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cyclospora</i> spp. is a globally distributed foodborne intestinal parasite with potential zoonotic risk. The Tibetan antelope (<i>Pantholops hodgsonii</i>), an iconic wildlife species in China, is classified as a national first-class protected animal. However, data on <i>Cyclospora</i> spp. infections in Tibetan antelope remain limited. This study employed polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of <i>Cyclospora</i> spp. on 503 fecal samples collected from Tibetan antelope in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Qinghai Province. The overall infection rate was 1.2%, with the highest rates observed in Qumarlêb County (4.4%), followed by Qiemo County (3.3%) and Shuanghu County (0.5%). No infections were detected in Shenza, Nima, and Ruoqiang counties. Infection rates were highest in summer (3.3%), followed by autumn (1.2%), with no infections detected in spring. Across sampling years, the highest infection rate was recorded in 2024 (3.3%), followed by 2020 (0.3%), with no infections detected in 2023. Statistical analysis identified sampling region and year as significant factors influencing infection rates. Additionally, six isolates were identified as <i>Cyclospora</i> spp. This study provides the first evidence of <i>Cyclospora</i> spp. infection in Tibetan antelope, expanding its known host range and geographic distribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"575-580"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144559618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Report on the Isolation of <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>enterica</i> Serovar Hofit in Wild Boars (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) in Türkiye.","authors":"Ziya İlhan, Harun Hasdoğan, Mukadderat Gökmen","doi":"10.1177/15353141251362297","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251362297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to isolate potential bacterial pathogens, such as <i>Salmonella</i> spp., from wild boars (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) inhabiting the Southern Marmara Region of Türkiye and to evaluate the <i>in vitro</i> antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates. Samples, including feces and internal organs (lymph nodes, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen), were collected from a total of 34 legally hunted wild boars. <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>enterica</i> serovar Hofit was isolated from 6 (17.6%) animals. Ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, ceftiofur, cefoxitin, nalidixic acid, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole discs were used to determine the <i>in vitro</i> antimicrobial susceptibility of <i>S.</i> Hofit isolates. All <i>S.</i> Hofit isolates had 100% sensitivity to 11 of the antibiotics tested, and three isolates were resistant only to streptomycin. As a result, this study is the first to report the isolation of <i>S.</i> Hofit from wild boars worldwide. The high isolation rate (17.6%) suggests a potential adaptation of this serovar to swine hosts. The apparent prevalence of <i>S.</i> Hofit in wild boars raises concerns not only for wildlife but also for potential public health implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"581-586"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144855059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preharvest Plai Oil Application in Hydroponic Kale for Producing Fresh Salad Leaves with Antimicrobial Activity Against <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>: Possible Mechanism of Action.","authors":"Athakorn Promwee, Narumol Matan","doi":"10.1177/15353141251363396","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251363396","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A novel preharvest method for producing antimicrobial kale in hydroponic systems was developed using a low-concentration plai oil nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion was applied to the hydroponic solution at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 μL/mL for 12 h prior to harvest. Antimicrobial activity against <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> was evaluated in both treated and control kale samples. In addition, bioactive compounds, volatile oil residues, and the potential mechanism of antimicrobial action were investigated. Application of 10 μL/mL plai oil resulted in a reduction of <i>L. monocytogenes</i> by more than 5 log₁₀ colony-forming units per gram and completely inhibited disease incidence during storage at 4°C for at least 7 days. Although higher concentrations (15 and 20 μL/mL) also reduced bacterial counts, increased wilting was observed in the leaves. In contrast, the control group developed visible disease symptoms within 3 days of storage. Based on microbial suppression and visual quality, 10 μL/mL was identified as the optimal concentration. The preharvest treatment significantly enhanced the levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity compared with control kale. Volatile constituents of plai oil, including thujene (35%), terpinene (21%), pinene (15%), and terpinene-4-ol (14%), were detected in treated kale. The antimicrobial mechanism was associated with membrane disruption, as evidenced by porous and shriveled cell walls observed in <i>L. monocytogenes</i>, along with decreased pH, increased conductivity, and elevated protein and amino acid leakage after 18 h of inoculation. Biofilm formation by <i>L. monocytogenes</i> on kale was also significantly inhibited. This preharvest strategy offers a practical and effective method for enhancing microbial safety and extending the shelf life of hydroponically grown kale.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"611-619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144729102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional and Seasonal Trends in <i>Salmonella enterica</i>: A Study of Cull Dairy Cattle Lymph Nodes.","authors":"Stephen E Edache, Vanessa Horton, Sherri Trujillo, Ryan Algino, Diana M Dewsbury, Leigh Ann George, Xiaorong Shi, T G Nagaraja, Tom S Edrington, David G Renter, Natalia Cernicchiaro","doi":"10.1177/15353141251363063","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15353141251363063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study was to establish baseline estimates of <i>Salmonella</i> prevalence, serotype diversity, and antimicrobial resistance in subiliac lymph nodes (LNs) of cull dairy cattle procured from farms across different U.S. regions and seasons. LN samples from dairy farms supplying cattle to five commercial processing plants in four regions (Upper Midwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southwest) were collected. During each season, up to 20 LN samples were collected from cull dairy cattle from each farm. <i>Salmonella</i> prevalence and concentrations were determined in LN samples using culture-based and quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. Confirmed isolates were serotyped using classical serotyping and molecular typing methods, and their antimicrobial susceptibilities were tested using the broth microdilution technique. Between May 28, 2021, and July 31, 2023, a total of 2231 LN were collected and tested, which showed an overall <i>Salmonella</i> LN prevalence of 13.8% (307/2231). Based on a multivariable model, the association between region with <i>Salmonella</i> LN prevalence significantly depended on the season when samples were obtained (<i>p</i> = 0.027): <i>Salmonella</i> LN prevalence was significantly higher in the Southwest region during the winter (28.6%) compared to the Upper Midwest region during the spring (9.8%). The dominant <i>Salmonella</i> serotypes isolated were Montevideo, Muenster, Mbandaka, Anatum, and Cerro, but the probability of isolating a dominant serotype did not significantly vary by region; however, it varied by season (<i>p</i> = 0.008). For each antimicrobial tested, between 0 and 35 of the 307 isolates exhibited a resistant phenotype, with four isolates showing multidrug resistance. The longitudinal nature of the data obtained from several processing plants and seasons contributes to our knowledge regarding the regional and seasonal factors that influence the carriage of <i>Salmonella</i> in cattle LN.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"587-594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144729103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enterohemorrhagic <i>Escherichia coli</i>: A Persistent Foodborne Pathogen and Ongoing Public Health Challenge.","authors":"Ghadah S Alsharif","doi":"10.1177/15353141261479164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15353141261479164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enterohemorrhagic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (EHEC) remains one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogens and a continuing global public health concern. Infections have been reported worldwide and are most often linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked beef, unpasteurized dairy products, inadequately washed vegetables, and contaminated water-all reflecting the organism's persistence across the farm-to-fork continuum. This review summarizes recent advances in the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, and prevention of EHEC infection to provide an updated understanding of its transmission and control. It integrates data from surveillance systems, outbreak investigations, and molecular studies to bridge clinical, environmental, and food-safety perspectives. Temporal and geographical trends in EHEC prevalence are examined, highlighting variations in surveillance capacity, diagnostic accessibility, and hygiene standards that influence global prevalence estimates. The review further underscores the increasing contribution of non-O157 serotypes (O26, O103, O111, O145, O45, and O121) in several regions and the substantial economic burden associated with major outbreaks. The pathogen's complex virulence mechanisms are explored, focusing on the locus of enterocyte effacement and the Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2), which mediate intestinal colonization and systemic complications such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Current treatment approaches are discussed, emphasizing the lack of safe antibiotic options, the importance of early supportive therapy, and emerging alternatives including monoclonal antibodies, probiotics, and vaccine-based interventions. Preventive strategies-such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and cattle vaccination-are outlined within a One Health framework. Understanding the molecular and epidemiological aspects of EHEC infection is essential for developing sustainable prevention and control policies through continued interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"15353141261479164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Pathogen or Commensal: Emerging Evidence on Blastocystis in Food, Environment, and Human Health.","authors":"Sugandhi Pugazhendhi, Thandeeswaran Murugesan, Rakesh Sehgal","doi":"10.1177/15353141261479390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15353141261479390","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Blastocystis</i> sp. is a predominant anaerobic eukaryote of the human gastrointestinal tract, with carriage rates exceeding 50% in some populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, using molecular methods. Despite its widespread occurrence, its clinical importance continues to be a matter of debate because of its genetic diversity [having 44 subtypes (STs)] and its varied associations with host pathology.</p><p><strong>Scope: </strong>This review summarizes recent findings (2021-2026) on the epidemiology, transmission, pathogenicity, host-microbiome interactions, and subtype-specific characteristics of <i>Blastocystis</i>, with emphasis on its dual role in human health.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>Current evidence indicates that <i>Blastocystis</i> may be either pathogenic or completely commensal, depending on diverse factors. It may be a reflection of a particular gut ecosystem, including higher bacterial diversity and ecological stability. Certain virulence mechanisms of the parasite can disrupt immune responses and epithelial integrity. Virulence related to STs and other factors may be responsible for the shift from asymptomatic colonization to disease, along with the immune status of the host and microbial environment. <i>Blastocystis</i> may be beneficial in healthy conditions, but may cause increased complications in dysbiosis states. Transmission of the infection may be from contaminated water, edible plants, and animal products.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding the dual roles of <i>Blastocystis</i> requires comprehensive studies that address subtype-specific behavior and context-dependent host interactions. The present review presents a broad overview of the parasite and further directions for research.</p>","PeriodicalId":12333,"journal":{"name":"Foodborne pathogens and disease","volume":" ","pages":"15353141261479390"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}