Blastocystis, a single-celled organism that is among the most common pathogenic causes of intestinal infections, can be deadly in those with compromised immune systems, like HIV patients. However, the parasite is also found in asymptomatic people—largely considered “carriers” for the disease blastocystosis—and has confused scientists debating whether it’s harmful or neutral to humans.
Recent large-scale research, however, has found that this gut bug could have redeeming qualities. It was found in healthy people’s stool samples and is associated with positive biomarkers and whole-food diets.
“Blastocystis’ effects on health and disease are controversial and likely context-dependent, but our research suggests that it may play a beneficial role in how diet impacts human health and disease,” co-lead study author Dr. Long H. Nguyen, a physician investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital, said in a news release. “At the very least, its ubiquity may suggest a non-pathogenic role.”...
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