The Coexistence of Blastocystis spp. in Humans, Animals and Environmental Sources from 2010–2021 in Asia

<i>Blastocystis</i> spp. are controversial unicellular protists that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. This review provides an overview of the prevalence and distribution of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. and their subtypes throughout Asia. Research articles reporting on the presence of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. in locations within Asia, between 1 January 2010, and 10 May 2021, were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In 427 articles, the prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. in 31 countries within the last decade was revealed. Isolates were found in humans, various mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, water sources, vegetables, and ambient air. Prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. varied widely across host categories. Subtypes identified throughout Asia were STs 1-14, and ST18-22 (novel subtypes). ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were the most frequently isolated in humans; ST5 in pigs; ST10 and ST14 in goats, sheep, and cattle; and ST6 and ST7 in chickens. ST1 and ST3 were most common in water samples. ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6 were shared by humans, animals, and water sources. There is a growing interest in the study of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. and their subtypes in Asia. Due to the isolation of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. from biotic and abiotic sources in Asia, the application of the One Health (OH) approach to the study of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. is proposed for improved perception of this organism.