Isolation and Morphologic Differentiation of Blastocystis from Insect Vectors Using Staining Media

Abstract

The complexity of Blastocystis morphology, its presence in various insect vectors, and the need for accurate detection methods warrant further research. This comparative, cross-sectional study aimed to detect Blastocystis species in domestic insect vectors, including Periplaneta americana (cockroach), Musca domestica (housefly), and Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). The study also evaluated the effectiveness of various staining techniques, namely Acid Fast staining, Gram staining, Methylene blue wet mount, and Direct smear using Lugol's solution, for differential enumeration and morphologic assessment of Blastocystis cysts. The results showed that Blastocystis cysts were recovered from Periplaneta americana and Musca domestica. Notably, Methylene blue and Lugol's Iodine in Direct smear yielded higher morphologic scores, suggesting that these staining methods may be more effective for visualizing Blastocystis cysts in insect vectors.