Comprehensive Tools for Culturing Blastocystis: A Standardized Resource for Research and Diagnostics

Blastocystis spp. is a widely prevalent anaerobic protozoan of uncertain pathogenicity found in the gastrointestinal tracts of over 1 billion people worldwide. Despite its potential significance in health and disease, Blastocystis spp. remains challenging to culture axenically due to its anaerobic nature and the diversity of its genetic subtypes. This manuscript presents a standardized toolkit for culturing Blastocystis spp. in xenic and axenic conditions, detailing protocols for the preparation of appropriate liquid and solid media, cryopreservation, and inoculation. By providing a comprehensive set of tools and methodologies, this work aims to streamline research on Blastocystis spp., enabling reproducibility, subtype characterization, and advancements in understanding its role in the gut microbiome and host health.