Abstract
A PCR-based method capable of the direct detection of the enteric protozoan Blastocystis in faeces was used to detect the parasite from various hosts from the Perth Zoo and West Australian native wildlife. Overall, 48% and 2% of animals from the Perth Zoo and native wildlife were positive for Blastocystis, respectively. This is the first report of Blastocystis found in the southern hairy nosed wombat, quokka, elephant and giraffe. Novel isolates were also found in the elephant, giraffe and white cheeked gibbon. Most of the primates at the Perth Zoo are harbouring Blastocystis. Seven isolates from five different primate hosts are identical and belong to Subtype 1, which may be of zoonotic significance. Two of these primate hosts harboured mixed infections of Subtypes 1 and 2. Also, a brushtail possum isolate belonged to Subtype 4. The significance of these findings will be discussed.